Updated: 11/27/2009 9:43:38 PM
Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. Thousands of people throughout East Tennessee braved the Black Friday crowds to get a head start on holiday shopping.
Finding the best deals takes lots of dedication, and the right gear.
Clint Baumann of Clinton waited in front of the Target along Washington Pike for four hours. He came with all the essentials.
"A Toboggan, a towel, and some hot chocolate, and the sale paper and the map they handed out earlier," he said.
Baumann was joined by an estimated 500-600 shoppers who waited through temperatures in the 30s. Target's doors opened at 5:00, and it didn't take long for many customers to find everything on their lists. Brian Bowman of Union County was done by 5:04.
"I am done, that's all I came for. Five hours in the 32 degree weather for it," he said.
HDTV's were a big draw, along with DDS, GPS units, and household items.
"I'm trying to get everything for the house, trying to get caught up on stuff and have a good time," Will Peck of New Market said.
Some first time shoppers, like Brianna Butler of Jacksboro, learned what Black Friday is all about.
"The rush. It's really fun and you find great deals," she said.
Seasoned veterans shared the formula for success.
"Plenty of sleep and no kids," Peck said.
Shoppers also said one of the biggest keys to success was having a floor plan of the store.
