It's the most wonderful time of the year... Black Friday.
For those who end Thanksgiving early and brave the weather, all to save a few dollars think it's all worth it.
Shopper Dawn Slusher says, "This is the first year I have a grandchild so I mean he doesn't need a whole lot right now but of course you've got to get him whatever he wants right? So that's why I'm doing that right now."
Black Friday shopping isn't just for Friday anymore. Some stores celebrate it all week.
Meijer Store Director Mark Campbell says, "This year, we actually started celebrating the entire week. So we broke our ad last Sunday."
Some of the hottest items? You guessed it.
"TVs are very, very big this year. They continue to come in lower in pricing and larger. People continue to up their screens," says Campbell.
According to economic forecasters, Ohio shoppers are expected to increase their holiday spending by 3.2%.
Campbell says, "I think it's very true. I've seen it already. This week and even previous weeks, just prepping for the Thanksgiving weekend in general with family. People spend a lot of money."
Menards General Manager Justin Bellows says, "Black Friday is always a big day for us. We opened up at 6 AM. Had tons of people. Big crowd waiting for us and we've been steady ever since."
The hottest item at Menards?
"Pet beds are always our famous one. We've got some really good electronics in the flyer this year. Hunting gear. Fishing gear. Stuff like that," says Bellows.
Do most people come in with a plan or play it by ear?
Bellows says, "People are coming in with a purpose. The flyer went out on Menards.com on Monday. We handed out maps in the line this morning so that people knew exactly where the item that they wanted was."
For some people, this is their first time. For others, they have been doing this for years.
"I've done it before when my kids were all small and I'm just basically along for the ride more or less for today but if I could find a good deal, I'm gonna grab it," says Slusher.
