Stores report solid Black Friday sales

Now that Thanksgiving is over Americans have put down their forks picked up their wallets.

“”If you see what you like just grab it and put it back later, don’t hesitate,” said Black Friday shopper Isabelle Decoro.

People are flocking to stores at the Dunes Retail Center in Marina looking for deep discounts.

“I just came from Bed Bath and Beyond, 20% off everything,” said Marilee Kolpacyzk. “I’m going to Old Navy next, 50% off everything, so you can’t beat it.”

Retail reports predict 137 million consumers plan to shop Thanksgiving weekend.

“I got a lot of emails this morning, probably like 100 emails,” said Decoro. “Just different people are having different sales so probably hit different shops and stuff like that.”

Technology and electronics are some of the most sought after items this Black Friday.

“There’s just so many great things out there from drones, to cameras, to phones, to 4K televisions,” said Best Buy General Manager Joshua Stover. “It’s just an exciting time to be in electronics. People want that, this is where the energy is.”

With theft and burglaries going up during the holiday season Marina Police are patrolling the area. They advise not leaving just bought gifts in plain sight in cars. To avoid attracting burglars, make sure all those retail boxes and wrapping are stuffed inside trash cans and not calling attention to your home.

“Just shop smart, be safe and stay out of trouble,” said shopper Efrain Corpus.

ORIGINAL STORY: Black Friday may have lost some luster in recent years, but it’s still an important day for the nation’s retailers.

More than 145 million shoppers were expected to hit the stores during the Thanksgiving weekend – more than those who voted in the November election.

With increasing competition from online sellers, stores hope extended hours and sales incentives will see Black Friday sales top $3 billion nationwide.

Tonight, KION’s Maya Holmes reports on the bargains, the buyers and the boost businesses get on Black Friday.