Middle Georgia Shoppers Take On Black Friday

Shoppers lined up outside Academy Sports and Outdoors hoping to take away holiday gifts for family and friends.

"First one gets here get's first pick," said Curtis Mallard, the first person in the store's line. He headed to out with one thing in mind.

"Just the trampoline, that's all I was here for," said Mallard. He woke up just after 1 a.m. and headed down from Jones County to lead the line by 2:30 a.m.

Dozens of Central Georgians braved the cold temperature with Mallard to hunt for bargains this holiday season.

"My wife roped me into this," said Dale Stripling, as he waited to get into Academy Sports and Outdoors. Stripling says he doesn't normally participate in "Black Friday" shopping.

He says his family split up to try and pick up gifts from multiple stores, his wife stopping at Wal-Mart. Other shoppers say they hit up stores in the Macon Mall like JC Penny, which opened at 4 a.m., and then headed to Academy.

Store Manager Jason Cook says so far the top items are trampolines, navigational systems and camouflage comforters. He says this year's day-after-Thanksgiving crowd seems larger than last year's, and he's hoping it will stay that way.

"Luckily, last year it seems like it was real crazy and hectic and this year everything was nice and smooth, busy but smooth. It seems like everyone came in and got what they needed and got back out," said Cook.

One woman said she started her shopping at midnight, checking out the Toys R' Us in Warner Robins.

"We've been to the mall, JC Penny, Sears, Foot Action," said Courtney Simmons, listing the places she'd already visited by 7 a.m.

Still Mallard says it will all be worth it on Christmas morning.

"I get to be the good guy," he said.