Salinas shoppers take advantage of Black Friday discounts

There were a lot of shoppers out Thursday night, taking advantage of the steep discounts. The National Retail Federation estimated six in 10 Americans will go shopping this long holiday weekend and people in Salinas are no exception.

Hundreds braced the chill and lined up outside a Salinas’ Target as early as noon to take advantage of the bargains of Black Friday.

“I came to buy my mom a TV,” Uziel Ramirez said.

“Dog stuff, Beats, toys, Christmas toys, and more dog stuff,” Aaliyah Garcia said.

Stuff the National Retail Federation says 137 million Americans will go buy at some point this holiday weekend, either at the store or online.

“We had well over two thousand people in line right off the bat. It took us about an hour just be able to get thru that first initial wave just to be able to get them in the door,” J.C.Penny store manager CJ Thomas said.

And many waves followed with those who swapped a hearty thanksgiving dinner for a heavy shopping basket.

“Not until I get home. I’m going to celebrate with my family with the TV I bought,” Christopher Moreno said.

A Northridge Mall representative said people don’t necessarily need to opt out of the festivities.

“You really don’t. The retailers are really responding to shoppers request for great deals and they are giving them all season long,” Jennifer Filice said.

Some came for the experience anyway.

“It’s my first time. It’s pretty fun. Time goes by fast,” Moreno said.

Still, Black Friday remains the most profitable shopping day and the plan is still shop until you drop.

“I will probably go to the mall after. I still have money just to spend on myself as well,” Ramirez said.

“I have enough credit cards. So I’m pretty good. I’m a true American that way. Living life in debt,” Jennifer Jurgenson said.

There is always Cyber Monday for those who couldn’t make it Thursday or Friday.