Black Friday shoppers got an early start this season going out as early as 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Thursday, and they say the deals are worth it.
Stores at the Tanger Outlets on Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach opened its doors to Black Friday shoppers just a few hours after Thanksgiving dinner; or in some cases Thanksgiving lunch was finished.
Some shoppers had horror stories from previous years.
“Standing in a line and getting stepped on and pushed around and then you can’t get what you want the item is gone,” said Victoria Blue.
Blue was visiting Myrtle Beach with her family for Thanksgiving.
She says it is a tradition they do every year; which always includes Black Friday or Thursday shopping.
However, she says shopping Thursday was not as hectic as past years, and says it’s definitely worth wrapping up Thanksgiving early.
“This is the fun part to go out and do some shopping,” said Blue.
Employees said crowds early in the evening were not as big as they had been in past years, but the outlet stores were open through the entire night and into Friday.
Retail stores at the outlets were not the only ones taking advantage of the extra shoppers on Thanksgiving.
“We’re definitely going to do good tonight,” said Duane Litzau.
Litzau is the manager for Auntie Anne’s in the Tanger Outlets.
He was handing out coupons to shoppers looking for a quick energy blast from a pretzel.
His store was at full staff with six employees.
He said they planned to get through the night with lots of coffee.
Tanger Outlets will stay open all night and into Friday.
Some stores will have deals throughout the entire weekend.
