Best Buy sees increase in Black Friday shoppers

Posted: Nov 27, 2009 10:23 PM by Ariel Wesler
Updated: Nov 27, 2009 10:23 PM

It's known across america as Black Friday--the busiest shopping day of the year, when retailers move out of the red and into the black. KSBY joined those early morning shoppers, looking to find doorbuster deals at the Best Buy in Santa Maria.

And they're off! with Patty Hernandez of Santa Maria leading the charge.

"I've been doing this for 12 years, and this is the first time I actually got to sit in the front, said Hernandez, who was the first in line.

She waited nearly 36 hours in front of the Best Buy to save $400 on a laptop computer for her daughter.

"I think it's probably pretty crazy, but when you're trying to find a good bargain, I think it's worth it and it's fun," Hernandez said.

Once inside, the blue crew went to work, taking care of the 400 customers during the initial rush.

"Probably almost double the traffic than we had last year," said Dave Kiswiney, the Best Buy store manager.

Shoppers stocked up for themselves and others.
"I got a tv, a wii station, a dvd player," said Charlene Hyatt, who had a full basket.

"I'm a huge fan of up the movie, and it was on sale for like 13 bucks," said Ian Garrovillas of Santa Maria.

"I've been wanting a new tv and I figured this was my best chance to get a good buy," added one shopper from Nipomo.

Computers, flat screen tvs, and video game consoles
topped the list of most popular items.

Once shoppers sifted through the bargains and filled their carts, they still had to deal with lines inside the store, some stretched around the aisles.

"The lines to get to the cash register are like Disneyland lines. It takes like an hour," Garrovillas said.

The lines did improve as the day continued and for those who decided to wait, tomorrow is another chance for deep discounts, that is while supplies last.

An increase in Black Friday traffic at Best Buy could be an early *positive sign for retailers looking for any good news this holiday shopping season.