Lines Forming Earlier For Black Friday Deals
ROSEDALE, Md. (WJZ) -- While families are still digesting Thanksgiving dinner, retailers around Baltimore are already ringing in Black Friday sales.
Christie Ileto explains Gray Thursday is in full effect.
The hunt for the best deal starts Thanksgiving night. Toys "R" Us customers in Columbia are let in 50 at a time.
"This way we keep everybody safe. The customer safety is of course number one and the associate safety," said Mario Bommarito, store manager, Toys "R" Us.
Cheryl Edwards and her daughter Rachel are seasoned pros at finding bargains.
"I'm going to Walmart after this and then I'm going to Kmart after that," said Edwards. "I sectioned everything out so I know where all the good deals are."
Registers are already ringing at Marley Station. It's the first time the mall is open on Thanksgiving night.
"I think it's fantastic for business," said John Iaquinta, A.J. Collectibles.
Vendors like A.J. Collectibles are cashing in on savvy shoppers.
"It's extra hours. I wanted to be here, I didn't want to lose a customer," said Iaquinta.
The holiday deals are happening earlier and earlier. And while shoppers are hunting for the best bargain, retailers are hunting for your dollar.
"You've got so many more players in the market now," said Patrick Donahoe, president, Maryland Retailers Association.
Officials say 44 percent of people will holiday shop online. Retail forecasts show holiday sales in Maryland will jumpy 3.5 percent from this time last year.
"The sales that I got, I saved a lot of money," said Talonna Epps.
But it's the savings and the steals that motivate shoppers driven by the dollar.
As for small local businesses, the Maryland Retail Association says the Saturday after Black Friday tends to be one of the busiest.
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