Early bird shopper greets challenge

First-place honors served as a personal win for the 21-year-old, who said he's camped out for the after-Thanksgiving sales the past three years. Although he's always managed to be near the line's front, he said he was determined to make it this year.

“Last year, I was about here,” he said, pointing to a patch of sidewalk about five feet behind him.

“I was back there the year before,” he said, pointing a few feet farther back. “And the year before that, I was all the way around the corner.”

Store management ventured outside shortly after Cano arrived, asking what items he was after — it was nothing in particular, Cano said, noting it was more for the experience — discussing his strategy and even posing for pictures.

Mario Chavana, assistant store manager, said Black Friday is a busy but enjoyable time of year for employees.

“For us, it's fun to meet the guys in line and see what they're looking for,” he said. “Black Friday's a long day for us.”

He described the shopping holiday as “controlled chaos,” explaining the store lets shoppers in little by little to avoid turmoil. Two on-duty police officers will also help keep things safe.