Despite COVID Concerns, Black Friday Shoppers Hit The Stores
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - It's a Black Friday like we've never seen before.
Despite health expert warnings to stay at home, some shoppers were out early looking for deals.
At a Brandsmart USA in Miami Gardens, masked shoppers began bargain hunting Thanksgiving night.
At a Walmart in Doral, which was closed on Thanksgiving, long lines formed before the 6 a.m. opening.
"We got here at 3 a.m. and we just posted up here. It was only us and them two and then everybody else started showing up at 4 a.m.," said Gian Correa.
By 6:30 a.m. more than 400 people were in the store.
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Those out early said this year is unlike previous years.
"It's not the same. I think it's less people but everything is very unsure, not official, you know," said Maverick Lorenzo.
The PlayStation 5 was on a lot of wishlists.
Lorenzo had a specific purchase in mind.
"I'm hoping to get the PS5 but not sure if they have any," he said.
Places like the Dolphin Mall saw significantly fewer shoppers as many people stayed home and shopped for deals online.
"It was a lot more settled down, it wasn't as crazy as it usually gets," said Alex Wing.
Also happening at various malls and stores across South Florida, the arrival of Santa. Visits will be socially distanced.
At the Best Buy in Aventura, a mere 20 people filed into the store just before 6 a.m.
All wore masks and kept six feet apart.
Jonathan Rivera exited quickly, empty-handed. He was unable to get the new PlayStation 5.
"They sold out at the regular price. It launched November 12th," he said.
Other early birds snatched up deeply discounted televisions and other bargains
"I was able to get a Motorola Razor Phone $500 off. A great price," said shopper Derek Morales.
And it seems South Florida not only took a break from shopping Black Friday, but hit the pause button on COVID testing too.
While testing sites were swamped early, this week leading up to the Thanksgiving Holiday, Friday saw shorter wait times.
The line was moving swiftly at Hard Rock Stadium Friday, and there was a trickle of cars at Mills Pond Park free testing site in Fort Lauderdale.
Eric Batson was getting a test to return to Barbados.
"They require a negative test to get in the country," he said.
Mills Pond offers the more conclusive PCR Covid test, but results take a few days.
Batson's flight is Sunday but he's confident he will get his results in time.
"I've done it before," he says.
