MEIJER
6 a.m.
“No wait on Lane 2!” a Meijer worker announced over the store intercom. Shoppers sauntered through neatly stocked aisles, browsing deals and picking up items.
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6:30 a.m.
“Sorry, we’re out of that,” an electronics worker told a customer waiting in a short line in the back of Meijer.
“Oh well, that’s $400 we didn’t need to spend.”
7 a.m.
A mother and her son load a TV into a cart packed with other items.
“Your dad is going to kill me.”
CABELA’S
8 a.m.
Less than 10 cars and pick-up trucks sit in the parking lot of Cabela’s in Centerville, which opens at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving. Customers head into the store to scope out deals.
“Does anyone really need a meat slicer at home though?”
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ELDER-BEERMAN
11 a.m.
At least 100 customers wait in line to receive free gift cards of various amounts at Elder-Beerman. As customers filed in the store, they found “Buy One, Get Two Free” deals on men’s apparel, low-priced drones and cookware on sale.
“I need to get Laura that shirt that says, ‘I’m the reason we’re always late.’” a woman said, as she tugged at a sweatshirt.
J.C.Penney
2 p.m.
Hundreds of people line up outside of J.C.Penney near the Mall at Fairfield Commons to get coupons before they shop. Workers at the door tell customers to go to back of the line.
“You have to go to the back of the line. There’s people waiting.”
“*&^%$ I’m in line with these people. I’m not cutting.”
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2:45 p.m.
Shoppers crowd clothing sections of the J.C.Penney, which is offering discounts on top brands like Nike.
“Are you going to this register?” a woman said to a friend.
“I don’t care. Let’s just get the hell out of here.”
TARGET
5:15 p.m.
Hundreds of shoppers line up outside of Target in Beavercreek before the doors open at 6 p.m. Costumers bundled up in hats and coats, huddle underneath blankets with friends and family.
“It’s too cold. You’re not dragging me out to do this tomorrow.”
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