EventsCalifornia

Holiday Shoppers Camp Out for Extraordinary Bargains

By: Craig MacDonald

After Thanksgiving  Shopping  Expected To Be A Blockbuster As Early Customers Line Up

Over 6 million more shoppers are expected to spend their hard-earned money tomorrow (Friday) compared to last year, according to The National Retail Federation, who project 134 million Americans will be competing for specially-priced flat screen TVs, lap tops and game systems. Judging from the long lines that have been forming outside discount California stores since last weekend, people are definitely serious about getting their hands on lower-priced items available on a first come, first serve basis.

With inventories estimated at nearly 20% less than last year in some stores, shoppers like Bernard of Garden Grove, CA was taking no chances. At 1pm last Sunday, he set up his "spot" being first in line outside the Best Buy front doors in Westminster. "Once you've been bitten by the bug, you don't want to stop," said the friendly chap, who has used this "psychology of savings" the past seven years. Looking up from his computer on the sidewalk, he said, "I want to make sure I can get the Sony Previa Flat Screen TV that usually retails at $1,300. It's on sale for $846." Behind him were more than 15 tents, filled with apparently intelligent folks hoping to get good-priced laptops & more.

At other stores throughout the state, similar "early" lines were forming to purchase the Xbox 360 Elite 120-gigabyte game system, clothing, shoes and about everything else you can imagine. One major chain store executive, Irvin Gutson, said he was delighted by the early showing of customer lines outside his San Francisco business. "With the way the economy has been, I think there are more people this year that are eager to spend their money wisely and carefully. If they can save several hundred dollars by being early shoppers, it's a win-win for them and us," Gutson said.

Sales start as early as 1 a.m. on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving)  as retailers hope a good showing will indicate the economy has turned for the best. "We're keeping our fingers crossed," Gutson said. "We're hoping we'll have our best Holiday Season Ever."