Thanksgiving Shopping Thins Black Friday Crowds

For some families Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for friends, health and Black Friday discounts. Many shoppers are heading to buy their new items on Thanksgiving evening rather than Black Friday.

Target employees say Black Friday was a really busy day for them, but not quite as crazy as Thanksgiving evening. Online shopping has helped reduce the Black Friday rush, but the stores are still busy helping customers check the right items out.

Target Manager Tina Miller helps shoppers find all they need during the season of giving.

“Our team loves this day and this weekend it’s one of what we call ‘Super Bowl’ for the store,” Miller said.

It’s a Super Bowl that has Target changing it’s game by opening its doors from 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving to 11 p.m. on Friday for the past two years.

“It’s actually helped a lot from a stores perspective, we are able to balance our work load differently but also still be there for our guests along their times,” Miller said.

Some families and friends aren’t saying thank you to stores opening up early on Thanksgiving.

“We think it should stay on Friday because then we’d have to call it Black Thursday, they can’t call it Black Friday if they’re open on Thursday,” said shopper Abby Dahl. 

While some shoppers may be looking for toys, most employees say they are looking at TV’s.

“When you think of Black Friday, you think of electronics really big TVs, iPads, apple watches,” said Target Electronics Brand Team Member Blayne Klemetson.

Whether it’s crazier on Thanksgiving or Black Friday, during the holiday season employees are going to stay busy while customers shop until Santa Claus drops down the chimney.

“We’re expecting to continue to help a lot of guests having a lot of fun doing it,” Miller said.

Shoppers spent more than $1 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, 22% more than last year.

Stores will be shifting gears later in the weekend to start getting ready for their Cyber Monday specials.