MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Mid-South "shopaholics" and savvy bargain hunters by-passed a traditional Thanksgiving. They wanted to be the first to catch those big deals.
"The turkeys in the oven right now," Sarah Irby told abc24.com.
But on this Thanksgiving Day the shoppers were in the stores.
"I came out because of the good sales and coupons," said Irby.
Even at those stores that were not open, eager customers were already waiting in line Thursday, November 24, 2011. Judging by the turnout, shoppers thought Best Buy had some of the best bargains.
"I was planning on coming out by 2 p.m.," said Chrystal Moore. "But I was driving by and saw everyone so I out had to put my warm clothes on come out."
Instead of gathering around the table with family this Thanksgiving, Moore's gathered outside the electronics store in East Memphis.
"I'm enjoying myself really," Moore told abc24.com.
And why not? She and her fellow Black Thursday shoppers even started playing an impromptu game of spades.
"We got next," said Keelan Jenkins. "We're going to play cards too. They said we're going to play for spots but I don't know about that one."
That's because Jenkins led the line. He camped out at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011. His family delivered his turkey dinner.
"I'm eating at the same time I normally would," Jenkins told abc24.com. "I have turkey and dressing and will get some bargains."
The picture's the same across the city. At the Wolfchase "Best Buy" the line stretched all the way around the building. Most of the people waiting hoped to get their hands on a Sharp 42" TV for $199.
"I want the big one, though," said Moore. "There's a big TV going for $599."
"It's whatever I can get," Jenkins told abc24.com. "The TV. My mom's christmas gifts, my son's christmas gifts."
You may call them crazy, but Jenkins said they'll be laughing all the way through the checkout line.
"It is kinda crazy," he says. "But hey, it's a good deal," said Jenkins.
An estimated 152 million Americans are expected to shop over the holiday weekend.
