Bargain hunters kickoff the holiday shopping season.
"They got beaucoup sales!" said Demi St. Charles and Bria Winston.
"Started about 4:30 this morning," said Julie Pittman.
For some , sleep, wasn't an option.
"I didn't go to sleep actually. We were up at 3 a.m.," said Staci Pamphlet-Gill.
Hundreds of Black Friday die hards lined up to get their hands on the first deals of the season.
"We're looking for the best deals. Trying to be conservative, but still let our kids have a good Christmas," said Julie Pittman.
Retailers are expecting this years Black Friday to be one of the best in a while, mainly because customers are loosening their money belts and are willing to spend a little more this year. But, with the economy still gloomy, people are now a little more cautious about how their spending.
"I think the economy may be feeling better, but I still think it's weighing on peoples pocketbooks for sure," said Melissa Coopers.
Mel Grodsky, President of the Lakside Mall Merchants Association, says Black Friday crowds are about the same size compared to last year, but there are more bags in hand. He thinks it's a sign people are taking advantage of bargains.
"People are creatures of habit, I mean it's Black Friday and they want to come out and take advantage of these sales, and they're doing it," said Mel Grodsky.
And, don't count out younger people.
"We've been here since like 4:17 ish. We got up at like 3 something, 3:50! Exactly, said Demi and Bria.
They're taking full advantage of sales too. Others, are just taking in the day.
"Just enjoying it you know. I think it might be Christmas," said Alex Guillot.
A good indication shoppers who have some money to spend, are finally letting loose.
