Black Friday still draws crowds in central North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — On Friday, shoppers across central North Carolina are cashing in on Black Friday deals.

Online shopping has taken a toll on Black Friday in recent years, but CBS 17 still found people camping out overnight to be first in line.

“We come out here, camp out, enjoy the time out here,” said Dakota Todd, one shopper at Bass Pro Shops in Raleigh, who was among the shoppers with their wallets ready to go.

Another shopper, Gavin McCullough, said, “I might go for the fishing rods. I might go for the Carhartt.”

Bill Megelich, the manager of the store, said, “You’re going to find a load of fishing gear and incredible John [Deere] mower specials.”

The shopping extravaganza isn’t what it used to be. One recent poll shows more North Carolinians will stay home on Black Friday and shop Cyber Monday deals instead. That same poll says most shoppers plan to spend less than $500, but at Bass Pro Shops there’s no hesitation for shoppers to swipe their card.

“I think the economy is in a positive light,” Megelich said. “These folks were quite smiley this morning coming in.”

Even though Black Friday may not bring out crowds like years past, for these dedicated shoppers, it’s a day they won’t miss.

“Tradition,” shopper Marshall Moir said when asked why he showed up. “I didn’t know the deals going on in here this year.”

Shopper Matthew Shuster said, “I was with the guys last year doing it. I didn’t come the first time, I regret not coming.”

The personal finance site WalletHub says some of the Best Black Friday discounts are at JC Penny, Belk, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Walmart.