Watch CBS News

Black Friday Shoppers Camped Out At Best Buy 2 Days Early

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The turkey's not even in the oven yet, but people are already camping out in front of stores to get a jump on Black Friday deals.

Tents were spotted outside Best Buy in Atwater Village early Wednesday morning.

One of Best Buy's "door-buster" deals reportedly drawing shoppers is the 50-inch TV advertised for $179.99.

But are the in-store deals really worth the wait, the lines, and the crowds? With strong web presence from most big box retailers, Black Friday might not be the shopping bonanza it was in past years, according to CNET Senior Editor Ashley Esqueda.

Getting Ready To Shop? Black Friday Vs. Cyber Monday

 

"You're still gonna see some pretty deep discounting throughout the holiday season," Esqueda said. "If you really are not interested in getting out there, and being out in the elements, or putting up a tent in front of a store, you probably are going to be OK."

But for shoppers, Black Friday isn't always so much about the deals, but about the tradition.

Karen Smith, who was among the campers outside Best Buy, says she has been skipping the big Thanksgiving meal for the past 14 years.

"I started at Circuit City. My son was 3 years old, he's 17 now," she said.

Best Buy plans on opening Thursday afternoon, along with JC Penney, Macy's, and Target. Walmart will be open 24 hours on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.