Atlanta

Black Friday shopping underway across metro Atlanta

ATLANTA — Shoppers are taking to the streets and stores to get the best deals on Black Friday.

While Channel 2 Action News saw people getting shoppers getting ready for the big day, lines were not nearly as long as years prior.

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Many shoppers started early this year, with stores opening on Thanksgiving Day.

Shoppers in Dunwoody were more than happy to line up for low prices at a Best Buy store. Most of the shoppers Channel 2's Carl Willis spoke with were trying to get their hands on a 50-inch 4K TV for $179.

"It's an amazing deal so that's what i'm out here for," one shopper said.

Doorbuster deals like these were advertised across town and of course, online. Adobe Analytics expects that online sales will reach $107.4 billion, an increase of more than 13 percent over last year.

A general manager at Best Buy told Willis that in-store sales are seeing growth, as well.
"People still want to come out to look to feel to see their product and again the excitement with it," said James Steinback.

Online shopping on Thanksgiving Day is expected to increase 15 percent to $2.8 billion. Shoppers said they're finding plenty of savings in person.
"They've been really really good because I got to get a lot more than what I thought I would be able to get," Baker said.

Experts told Willis that Black Friday is a good time to buy electronics and phones but toys and clothing prices usually go down closer to Christmas.

"I thought it was going to be a madhouse and bumper to bumper and that's not my scene," said Cinda Baker, a shopper Willis met in line at Target in east Atlanta.
For the most part, Baker avoided the bigger crowds and all for a good cause. She was out shopping for "Cure Savannah" and two girls battling cancer.

"One of the girls was just diagnosed two days ago with cancer so we're going through trying to find games and picture frames and things to make them happy," Baker explained.
With all the crowds, local police departments want to make sure people stay safe.

Channel 2 Action News spoke with metro Atlanta police department officials, who said they are stepping up patrols at the Mall of Georgia and in Alpharetta. Police are reminding drivers to remember to store their valuables away to avoid break-ins.