Shoppers camp out early in San Francisco for Thanksgiving Day deals

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- With the best Black Friday deals taking place on Thursday, some people have already spent hours waiting in line outside Best Buy in San Francisco, even though they don't open until 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Curbside camping lacks the allure of nature, but it holds a special place in San Francisco resident Milton Gee's heart.

"For me, it's actually a tradition," he said.

He arrived Wednesday afternoon armed with snacks, thermal socks, and a lawn chair. His motivation is what you might expect.

"If I can get a good deal, I will wait in line for it," Gee said.

He's after a 50-inch Panasonic TV for $199.99. Normally, it retails for $550. That's the deal the third, fourth, and eighth in line also want to get.

"I need a TV, I do, I actually do need a TV," said George Curtidor.

"If you want the best deal, you have to do this, you have to," said another person in line.

"We're on a budget, so it's better just to do it this way and get something we really want and be able to afford to get it," said Oakland resident Patricia Morales.

However, Morales admits this type of shopping takes away from Thanksgiving with family.

"I could be at home cooking right now," she said. "Instead I'm out here waiting to buy a TV tomorrow."

That's a tradeoff San Francisco resident Henry Iglesies is simply unwilling to make. He cannot imagine spending hours in line. "My time is a little more valuable," he said. "That's not going to happen."

Instead, he dropped full price on a 55-inch television on Wednesday night.

"I'll spend the money here and then after this I'm going home be with my family, and that's more important to me," he said.

Sitting first in line, Milton Gee thinks he'll score the best of both worlds -- a blockbuster deal followed by a plate of leftovers.

To check out to check out our Black Friday and Cyber Monday guide to map out your shopping quest, click here.