Oklahoma deal seekers begin Black Friday early

“I'm seeing more families and younger people,” he said. An estimated 3,500 shoppers were in line for the store's 9 p.m. opening — 50 percent more than last year, when the store opened at midnight.

Black Friday sales kicked off earlier than ever this year, with Toys R Us, Sears and Walmart leading the pack in the metro area at 8 p.m. Most stores will continue to have deals throughout the day, and many shoppers said they planned to keep going all night.

Tulsa resident Jamie Rochester traveled to The Outlet Shoppes of Oklahoma City as part of her Black Friday shopping agenda.

Rochester, 22, was the first person waiting in line at the Coach Factory store. Behind her were scores of other shoppers waiting to get into the upscale handbag store.

Rochester said she made the two-hour trip for one reason.

"They have the best deals, the best selection and it's the closest one to my house."

At the Quail Springs Super Target, shoppers waited in a line that snaked around the front and side of the building.

Donna Shepard, who was seeking a good deal on a TV, said she has waited in similar lines for the past four holiday seasons.

"It's kind of a tradition for me and my husband ... something fun to look forward to," said Shepard, 58. "But you really can find a deal and save yourself some money. It's not all fun and games."

By 9 p.m., Rosita Begay had already been to Toys R Us and joined her family in the front of the line at Target in Moore.

Sure, her family has a typical Thanksgiving dinner tradition, but they also have a tradition of deal seeking together.