ELYRIA — Deeply discounted laptop computers at Midway Mall’s Best Buy inspired a few dozen hardcore deal seekers to camp in front of the store Thursday night despite temperatures in the low 30s.

Today, also known as Black Friday, is the official start of the holiday shopping season.

The first to pitch his tent was 42-year-old Roger Prather of Sheffield Lake. He set up at 7 a.m. Thursday for the third year in a row.

“I’m here for the deals,” he said. “They have really good deals.”

Travis Williams, 18, of Amherst, is also a three-year veteran of the Black Friday campout.

“It’s fun,” Williams said, bundled up and huddled under a blanket. “You have all this anticipation. Once you get in there, it’s really crowded. You go in for the one item you came for and then you leave.”

TOM MAHL / CHRONICLE

From left: Rikki Evert, Thomas Tanner, John Fernandez and Shelby Tanner, all of Elyria, said they started waiting outside of Best Buy at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The one item on several people’s lists was an $859 laptop on sale for $379. The store was to distribute vouchers to the people in line about 4 a.m. with the store’s doors opening at 5 a.m. The store only guaranteed 15 laptops in stock — hence the campers.

Stephanie Adams, 18, of Lorain, Williams’ girlfriend, was along for the ride for the second year in a row.

“I’m just tagging along,” she said. “I come for the fun.”

Her father, Joel Adams, 43, of Broadview Heights, had a slightly different take on the experience.

“I’m too old for this to be considered fun,” Adams said, laughing. “I’m here for purely economic reasons. I need a computer, and I wouldn’t be able to afford it without the discount. It’s also a great bonding experience. We’re just having a good time and talking about a lot of stuff.”

The group arrived at 2 p.m. and passed the time playing football, listening to the radio, playing games and talking.

Mall security officer Melissa Arroyo, 37, of Lorain, was out to check on the shoppers.

“I love this,” she said, adding this was her first experience with the campers. “I think this is just awesome. They’ve all been great, there haven’t been any complaints and that just makes my job so much easier.”

Around 7:30 p.m., the nearby Denny’s restaurant sent Kareem Davis, 21, of Elyria, to take dinner orders from interested campers.

“I thought they were nuts, but I remember when I was younger and wanted something I camped out,” Davis said, referring to his Xbox. It’s not something he plans to do again.

“If I don’t get what I want, it’s not meant to be,” he said, laughing. “I’m not waiting in line. (The campers) were great, though. I got some good tips.”

Jessica Lilly, 18, of Lorain, and three of her friends also showed up at 2 p.m. and planned to take advantage of discounts on digital cameras and computers. They are doing some shopping for themselves and some for family members.

“It’s a slumber party outside,” Lilly said. The girls came prepared with a tent, sleeping bags and plenty of blankets.

They even brought their own toilet paper.

Kathie Overly, 43, and Barry Overly, 49, of New London, said it was their fifth year to spend Thanksgiving night outside a store in anticipation of Black Friday.

“It’s kind of like camping,” Kathie Overly said. The couple brought hot chocolate, hand warmers, sleeping bags and snacks. They spent their time enjoying conversation.

First-timer Christopher Akers, 19, of Elyria, hoped to walk away today with a laptop and some lessons for next year’s campout. Armed with a chair, a blanket and some energy drinks, he was taking notes from some of the more experienced campers.

“I should have brought a tent,” he said. “Next year I’ll bring a tent. And more blankets. And food.”

Contact Alicia Castelli at 329-7144 or acastelli@chroniclet.com.

---

Print this story
Report an inappropriate comment

---

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.

---