Shoppers Head Out In Droves In Philadelphia Area
By Justin Finch, David Spunt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Across the country, Black Friday sales now start as early Thanksgiving, and sometimes, long before that.
The Cherry Hill Mall opened its doors at 6 o'clock Thanksgiving night. Inside, shoppers were greeted by sale signs promising 50 and 30-percent off, and less competition.
"It was actually less than crowded than I thought," said Kaci Dadura.
"Yes, we got here early, so we got a good parking space," her sister, Kristi Zimski, added.
The sisters said more stores opening on Thanksgiving are taking the frenzy out of Black Friday, as well as shopping online.
Dadura admitted to buying online while waiting in line.
"I was actually buying things on my phone as I was shopping."
Retail insiders expect 140 million Americans to shop this holiday weekend. By the end of the season, the forecast is for more than $600 billion in sales.
"I wasn't planning on coming shopping. My daughter twisted my arm and got me out here," said shopper Erika Tamburro at the Deptford Mall in New Jersey .
At the Target in South Philadelphia, shoppers circled the sales especially in the aisles where Black Friday deals are often most sought: toys and tech.
"I got a good deal, saved like 400 dollars," said Anthony Dintono. "I'm very excited."
For about $700, Dintino said he scooped up a 55-inch TV from the Walmart off Columbus Boulevard.
Customers said the store's TV deals looked hard to resist.
"The [32-inch] TV's were on sale for $228," said Zakiya Caeser, "it was a lot of deals," she added.
By day's end, seasoned shoppers began setting their sights on Cyber Monday deals, which roll out Dec. 1.
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