Black Friday shopping starts early in Santa Maria

Hundreds lined up in front of Best buy in Santa Maria in anticipation of snagging an early Black Friday deal.

Shoppers like Eadon Smith waited in line for hours outside to take advantage of some eye-popping deals.

“You can’t beat the deal,” said Smith, who bought three Samsung 49-inch televisions for $199 a piece. “They are for my game room.”

Upon entering the store customers were given coupon books for deals on all kinds of electronics. More than 150 million Americans are expected to shop in brick and mortar storefronts this year.

“I have a problem with patience, thats why I’m here,” said Tanner Fite, who stood in line for hours without a specific deal in mind.

“Nowadays everything is online, but I like things as they come in the store, and I love getting it right away.”

Many large department stores in the area stay open until 1 a.m.