C.O. Black Friday shoppers brave chilly rain

It’s official: The holiday shopping season is here. The National Retail Federation expects 116 million Americans will shop on Black Friday. Here in Central Oregon, rain and temperatures hovering above freezing didn’t stop hundreds of people from getting their deal on.

Employees in the Old Mill District told NewsChannel 21 the rain didn’t affect their sales at all. One woman said her store was just as busy as any sunny day.

Retail experts say some of the best deals on Black Friday are on electronics.

The Best Buy on Bend’s north end was packed on Friday afternoon. Everywhere you looked, customers were in deep conversation with employees, searching for the best deal.

Employees said their top sellers have been TVs and a Spiderman PlayStation 4 bundle, which they said flew off the shelves.

Bend resident Julie Audia said it was the first time she’s ever gone Black Friday shopping, and she was thrilled with her haul.

“I got a TV that I think was probably about $1,000 off,” she said. “I don’t usually do Black Friday, but I had some really specific things in mind and for me, if I don’t have something specific in mind, I will spend way too much money.”

Some shoppers told NewsChannel 21 they’re a bit worried that the holidays are becoming all about money and spending.

“The money aspect of it kind of ruins it for me,” said one man. “It’s kind of commercializing Christmas, but other than that, it’s a cool day.”

“I think Black Friday is OK,” said another woman. “But I hate that they’re selling things and opening on Thursdays now. I don’t like they take from family and (Thanksgiving) dinner.”

The National Retail Federation estimates 164 million people will go shopping, whether online or in stores, during this long holiday weekend.