Shoppers take advantage of early Black Friday deals

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – A few retailers decided to open their doors for an early Black Friday sale on Thanksgiving. The shoppers who traded second helpings for blockbuster bargains say waiting in line was worth it.

“Early birds get the worm,” said one shopper, Milena Vandenburg.

Milena and her family camped out since 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve. to score the prime spot in line.

“We know what it can be like, at least I do…We just feel it’s more better deals that they’re giving us, and sometimes it’s more hectic during the Friday, Black Fridays, so it makes it easier for us,” said Milena’s father, Darrell Vandenburg, Jr.

The Vandenburgs—and many other shoppers who waited in line overnight—were out to buy the ‘hottest deal of the day’, a Sharp 50” 4K TV for $179.99.

“I got here about 7:30 in the morning, and then you wait in line, and then they hand out tickets for you to get the TV, and they only had 31 of these, so if you weren’t one of the first 30 or so people you weren't getting a ticket,” said one of those lucky 31, Angela Kirori.

Other bargain hunters didn’t feel like waiting quite as long, so they set their sights on smaller prizes, like a 32” Sharp SMART HDTV.

“We don’t need the bigger one. We just want a nice TV and like a sound bar and a DVD player, just something nice for the house for Christmas time,” said Holly Renbarger.

She said the crowds weren’t as bad as she expected.

 “I’m not like somebody’s trying to kill me,” said Holly.

“It’s a long day, but with a deal like this, I guess I can’t complain. It’s worth it,” said Angela.

Doors close at Best Buy at 1 a.m. and re-open at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.