Black Friday frenzy seemed more calm this year

Byby Elissa Harrington KGO logo
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Black Friday frenzy seemed more calm this year
Some retailers and shoppers say they thought this year's Black Friday was more calm and not so busy in comparison to previous years.

PLEASANT HILL, Calif. (KGO) -- Some shoppers say this year's Black Friday didn't seem as competitive this year. Holiday deals are available for several days now, stretching beyond Black Friday and a lot of people are choosing to shop online.

Many people imagine mobbed stores and physical fights over items on Black Friday or extreme deal-seekers camped out for days in front of stores. However, this year stores are noticing something different. The lines have thinned out because many shoppers are showing up later.

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"I found a parking spot as soon as I pulled in, so I was really surprised with that. And I think that's due to people really catching on to Cyber Monday," shopper Berry said.

Black Friday now spreads across the entire holiday weekend. It starts Thanksgiving Day and continues through the very popular Cyber Monday.

The manager at Best Buy in Pleasant Hill says sales on Friday were strong, but offering online deals is a crucial part of their business.

"Black Friday is obviously huge, it's very traditional for retailers, but the way it has changed is obviously Cyber Monday now is a big part of calculating has it been a successful start to the holiday season for the retailer," Best Buy general manager Brent Douglas said.

About 183 million people are expected to place orders online Cyber Monday. Others, like May Bermudez, are still willing to bear the long lines Friday. The got a deal on a Playstation.

"I just want to get it today. Hands on and play with it. Other than that, it's best to come in and ask questions. That way you don't have to mail it and return it and wait," shopper May Bermudez said.

Some people we spoke to are really turned off by businesses opening up on Thanksgiving and they don't want to support the new holiday tradition.

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