Black Friday shoppers brave the cold, wait in line to get good deals: 'Touch the product'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The furry of Black Friday deals lured folks to malls and shopping centers.

Despite the convenience and ease of online shopping, about two-thirds of shoppers surveyed planned to shop in person on Black Friday.

Stores in the Triangle opened their doors before the sun came up. People were braving the bitter cold temps and waiting in long lines.

"He wanted his TV and I need another iPad, and we may see some more things in there that we mainly or may want," said Sharlene Locklear.

Inside the Best Buy at Cary Crossroads, shoppers were stocking up on everything from TVs, gaming stations and phones.

"I saved about $150 on this sound bar," said Bradley Myers. "I just got a new TV and I need something that actually sounds good. I enjoy getting deals, free gift cards, surprises, great prices," said Carrie Curry.

SEE ALSO | Holiday Shopping Deals

The National Retail Federation says a record 183 million people are planning to shop in-store and online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday this year.

Folks say their efforts are worth the deal, even if the crowds look a little different.

"They seem to be a little thinner than normal it looks like. Online shopping seems to be taking away from the in-store experience," said Dwain Lenior.

This year, holiday spending is expected to hit a record of nearly one trillion dollars.

Supporting local in Durham

For Syam Unnithan, in town from the Big Easy visiting his daughter, he caught the charm of the Bull City.

"We ate a couple of places, man, fantastic, I thought New Orleans had the best food, but this was super," he said.

Unnithan says he appreciated getting to shop at local businesses and support local events like the Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth and shows at DPAC.

The city of Durham has also been promoting small businesses on its Instagram to encourage people to avoid chain stores on Black Friday and opt for small businesses instead.

It's something people in the Bull City are taking to heart.

"I think people in Durham really make an effort to support local artists and local businesses, there's been a lot of community efforts to do local nonprofit work and volunteering," said Maria Callaghan.