The one day each year that traditionally brings businesses into the black from the red offered some sales that many in the area were willing to come out for.
Electronics was a big draw to businesses that offered them. A couple hours into the morning, Best Buy still had a line wrapped throughout the store.
"I come out every year. I came out for a camera and a GPS. I came out for the deals and if I have to wait, I'm not in any kind of rush," said Carrie Walsh, shopper in Best Buy.
The electronics sections at most stores were congested.
"I think electronics are bringing out more shoppers. I came out for the sales - movies, video games and clothes," said Annette Keister, shopping at Target.
Toys-R-Us and Walmart were two places that many flocked to for their Christmas shopping lists. The scenes at both stores were pretty similar.
Fred Brown, a Black Friday veteran,. came out for a new GPS system and was pleased with the deal he received at Walmart for $50 off.
"I am excited about the good deal. But, it is also bad because now, I have to wait in line," Brown said.
Many came out to Kmart for their deals as well.
"I come out every year. This year, the big items on my list were a camera and flannel sheets. I have gotten all of the items on my list, and I haven't waited in line for more than 15 minutes anywhere today. The wait in other years has been 45 minutes for one item," said Michelle Rhodes, Kmart shopper.
However, at some locations, not as many came out as in previous years. The mall seemed more like a scene from the week before Christmas than the frenzied Black Friday that shoppers have come to know over the years.
But one perk of that is less waiting times and a more relaxed shopping experience.
Even though the economy's dip took place before the last Christmas shopping season, many interviewed thought this year was the slower year.
Joyce Colegrove comes out to shop every year. She noticed that the main stores are busy, but as a whole, there was less foot traffic in the mall and believes the economy plays a key role.
"A lot of people are still out of work and may be a little leary to buy because they don't know what's next. Their jobs aren't secure," Colegrove said.
Last year people began shopping in October. This year the shoppers didn't come out until November, according to Ashley Stump, Footlocker manager.
"Last year we were steady. We are still busy, but not as busy as last year," Stump said. "Last year, I had to circle around the parking lot to find a place to park. This year, it took me about two minutes."
The downtown scene also got an action of the Black Friday activity, with not a lot of change from last year.
"It has been steady. People are still coming out to buy, but for different things. Last year the big item was Webkins. This year, it is the Chamilia jewelry. Some of today's customers have travelled from lock Haven," said Denyse Miele, co-owner of Gustonian Gifts.
