Throngs of shoppers poured into Toys “R” Us stores across the U.S. on Thursday night and Friday, taking up deals and popular items.
Richard Barry, the chief merchandising officer for Toys “R” Us, told CNN Money that the store had deals intended to lure shoppers, including 55 percent off the Cra-Z-Loom Bracelet Maker, 50 percent off the Disney Infinity and Skylanders Swap Force games, and 50 percent off Despicable Me, as well as others.
“We’re planning significant intensity” for the shopping event, he told the network.
“If you’re a procrastinator out there and you’re thinking you’ve got a long time before the holidays, you'd better shape up,” he said.
According to the Los Angeles Times, large numbers of shoppers were canvassing Toys “R” Us locations in Southern California.
“I love to do this, I live for this,” Cathleen Leal, who was waiting for 12 hours outside on Thanksgiving day, told the paper. “I get an adrenaline rush out of this and my family understands because they love their gifts.”
She was the first person in line when the store opened at 5 p.m.
Jeff Warner of Michigan waited for four hours on Thanksgiving at a Toys “R” Us location.
“Pretty soon there’s not going to be Thanksgiving,” he said, noting that each year, the shopping starts earlier, according to MLive.com.
Joann Aguirre of Salem, Oregon, stood in line for six hours on Thanksgiving. And David Sinclair of Salem camped out for six days.
“We had Thanksgiving yesterday, so we could come shopping,” Aguirre told the Statesman Journal.
Thomas Hetherington of Manhattan told CNN that Black Friday deals seem more hyped-up this year.
“This year, I feel like there’s more hype and not as many deals,” said Hetherington.
Other shoppers noted that discounts are more scattered compared to past years.
