ELK GROVE, Calif. — Black Friday shopping is in full swing in the Sacramento region.
Traditionally, Black Friday has always been one of the largest shopping days of the year.
But this year, many large retailers, like Target and Best Buy, didn't open at midnight instead, staying closed until the morning of Black Friday.
“This is nothing like previous years!" Mike Hampton, a shopper at an Elk Grove Walmart said. "I’ve been doing this for 12 years, 12 years Black Friday, my kids say I’m crazy."
Hampton was the first in line at Walmart this year, arriving at 1 a.m., which meant spending four hours in the cold before the doors officially opened at 5 a.m.
He's shopping for six grandchildren and five foster kids at home.
"Controllers and little games and stuff like that for the kids for their stockings," Hampton said about what's he looking for.
Ryna Lakahni runs the Perfume Art Business inside the Galleria. She's thankful for opening for this Black Friday after being closed last year because of the pandemic.
"We really had a rough year last year, all of us," Lakhani said. "This year, we all look forward to this holiday actually and it's a blessing that the business is all back to normal and people are out and just a happy feeling."
Marco Valentio, the owner of Vine Vera, said business has also been great for him as well.
"Yesterday we were closed for Thanksgiving in years past it usually used to open at six, and then we'd go all the way until midnight and then some retailers would stay the whole entire day, but I'd say it's been really good," Valentio said.
An hour after Walmart opened, the next wave of stores like Home Depot opened their doors.
"Well my wife sent me out to get the poinsettias, she does it every year and then I'm going to look for tools for myself," Marvin Payne, the first shopper in line at Home Depot said before the doors opened.
On this second Black Friday of the coronavirus pandemic, many stores are feeling the brunt of supply chain issues. Shoppers can expect a triple whammy with fewer deals, more items out of stock, and shipping delays.
With inflation at a 30-year high, some gifts are 5% to 17% more expensive than last year.
Still, people are expected to shop at least 8.5% to 10% more than last year and retailers say they're ready for the crowds, even beefing up security at many stores after a string of smash and grab robberies.
At the same time, online sales are skyrocketing.
So far this November has seen $72 billion in online sales. That's up 20% from last year.
Another solution to supply chain issues, shop local.
The best day for that is this upcoming Saturday, November 27, commonly known as Small Business Saturday.
But if you're planning to score big on Black Friday deals, being the first one inside the store is not the only way to win the day.
64 percent of shoppers are expecting to shop in stores today as compared to 51 percent last year, which means more competition.
Experts recommend always having your smart phone, so you can compare prices and download store coupons, gravitate to stores that offer cash back or use a credit card that gives some rewards and always use loyalty points.
But if you'd rather buy online, you're not alone.
Shoppers have already been spending big online this month with more than $72 billion from November 1st through this past Tuesday, which is nearly 20 percent more than last year.
WATCH MORE: Black Friday shopping kicks off in Sacramento
