Shoppers Camp Out All Night

Friday, November 23rd 2007, 8:11 am

By: News On 6

Bass Pro Shops had people crowding around a campfire as they camped out to get the best deals. The store set up tents for brave bargain hunters to spend the night. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports it was just one of dozens of retailers opening bright and early in just a few hours. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Bass pro is reeled in shoppers early, instead of Black Friday, it's now Black Weekend.

â€œIt is everything. We pretty much go the whole year in anticipation for this time of year. We have a lot more people that come into the store,â€ said Luke Stewart.

It's also a chance for some shoppers to avoid Friday's mad dash.

â€œI avoid the crowds which is why I'm here today. I wouldn't get near this place tomorrow. It'll be too packed,â€ said Jamie Oberton.

For others it's a chance to stake out what they'll buy at their favorite stores later.

â€œWe're checking the ads to see where we want to go and make a game plan, try to get a few of the hot items. We're looking for a Nintendo Wii I think,â€ said Jenny Perrier.

Black Friday begins in the early hours of the morning, but if you wait until then, you just might be too late.

â€œWe got here at 5:15 last night went in ask the manager if we can set up our tent and he said go for it. Got on the phone and told the store the first campers were here and we've been here ever since,â€ said Roberta Allen.

And they're not the only people serious about shopping.

â€œThis is my third year doing it out here at best buy,â€ said Kurt Hamilton.

For others this was a first time.

â€œNormally I wouldn't have done this, but as the gentleman said earlier when I looked television and got on the website and saw they had laptops for $229,â€ said Robin Norris.

â€œThey've also got desktops for $200 and they got video cameras and one cheaper one for $79 and just a lot of good deals,â€ said Kurt Hamilton.

And they say it is worth camping out for.

â€œWhat did you bring? This is my portable DVD player it will help me through the evening. These are snacks I brought from home,â€ said Robin Norris.

While some have heaters and tents, the Allen family has the numbers.

â€œIt's a family affair. Third year in a row and it's the first time we've ever been number one. It took us a long time to get here,â€ said Roberta Allen.