HispanicBusiness

Black Friday shoppers brave the cold and crowds to score deals across metro Detroit in early morning sales.

Christmas spirit, generosity in full force

9:51 a.m. |Tyrone Kemp, 39, of Detroit, had big eyes for the big screen today.

The off-duty Detroit Police Sergeant set out at 2:30 a.m. today for the Best Buy in Southfield, intent on buying a wide-screen television set for himself.

He stood outside for an hour, and gave up even before the store opened at 4 a.m.

He went to a Target in Farmington Hills, and left there empty-handed, again discouraged by long lines.

Then he went to the Target in east Dearborn, and found a TV for himself -- and subsequently one for his 15-year-old son, his 11-year-old daughter, his niece and his nephew.

Bewitched by deals on electronics, Kemp said he suddenly imagined himself as a secret Santa destined to dazzle loved ones with his unexpected generosity.

"The kids are always saying they want a TV for their rooms, and I say, 'What you need a TV for. Come watch TV with me,' " recounted Kemp. "I'm going to wrap them up, and they'll probably think it's some kind of toy, not a TV."

He bought three 32-inch sets at $350 apiece, and one 46-inch set for $450. Next, he went to Meijer's, and put a 42-inch Vizio TV in his cart for $479.

"I guess I'm just in the spirit. I don't usually spend this type of money," said Kemp, as he loaded the last set into his truck.

By Patricia Montemurri, Free Press staff writer

Lost sleep? A small price to pay for great discounts

9:05 a.m. |Sometimes to achieve comfort, one must sacrifice comfort.

Motivated by visions of fleecy warm pajama bottoms to be had for $5 apiece, Nicole Kerr, 17, of Detroit left the comfort of her warm bed to visit the Old Navy store well before dawn's early light.

"It was worth it," said the Detroit Southwestern High junior. She left the store at 6 a.m. with seven pairs of pajama bottoms -- three for her and four for her brother's girlfriend.

The Old Navy was deluged with bargain-hunting shoppers, lured in by prize giveaways, when it opened at midnight.

By 6 a.m., the checkout lines that had encircled the store had dwindled to manageable lengths.

Marsha Barnett Krause, 61, an independent assessor from Dearborn, arrived at Old Navy at 12:30 a.m. and waited a half hour in line just to get in. She shopped for 10 grandchildren, ages 11 months to 9 years old, who live in California, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan. She knows all their sizes by heart.

"The list is in here," she said, pointing to her head.

She spent five hours in the store, assessing styles, colors and prices, such as the $15 jeans, $5 shirts and 50% off jackets.

"It took so long because it's hard to buy for people I don't see that often," said an exhausted Barnett Krause. "I'm done. I'm whipped. I knew this was my best value for what they need."

By Patricia Montemurri, Free Press staff writer

Dedication, purpose pay off for shoppers

8:56 a.m. |Kathy Hocevar's schedule this morning smacked of military precision.

The 63-year-old Clawson resident hit the stores in the I-75-14 Mile-John R retail corridor with a strategy. 5 a.m.: Meijer. 5:30 a.m.: Home Depot. 5:45 a.m.: Kohl's. 7 a.m.: Macy's.