Door-busting shoppers wait in line as Black Friday approaches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s almost Black Friday in Charlotte, and some people in the area have been camped out for days, waiting for must-have deals.

Channel 9 visited the Best Buy at Northlake Mall on Thanksgiving Day and found employees handing out tickets for the most popular items to people waiting outside. According to staff, the tickets were first-come, first-serve.

People waiting for doors to open told Channel 9 that the tickets aren’t a problem.

“I've done the Walmart situation before, because you have to get the ticket and go through the different aisles,” shopper Elease Gaiter said.

In anticipation of Black Friday, one man has been waiting outside the Best Buy at Northlake Mall since Monday.

On Wednesday, Eyewitness News reporter DaShawn Brown caught up with the eager shopper, who has his sights set on a 50-inch TV.

“I got all my water and snacks and stuff in here, so we're pretty much set,” shopper Tim Kipp said.

He said camping out for days requires a plan, so he brought clothes, music and a partner who waits in line at night.

Kipp received one of the tickets from Best Buy staff Thursday night.

“I am feeling overjoyed now. I finally got it. The frenzy's over, so to speak,” Kipp said.

Selena Nelson was also in line with Kipp.

“It's a lot of fun,” Nelson said.

Kipp understands some people may judge him for waiting days for a TV sale.

“Half of them are shaking their head like, ‘You've been here since Monday?’” Kipp said. “But the bottom line is, I'm going home with a TV.”

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