AUGUSTA, Ga. – The holiday shopping season officially begins on Black Friday and bargain hunters camped out early in front of stores all over Georgia-Carolina.

One of the biggest lines was at the Best Buy in west Augusta. Shoppers said they wanted to save money and enjoy a Thanksgiving tradition.

"We do it every year,” one camper said. "This is my fifth year,” said another.

Shoppers camped out for PlayStation video game consoles, flat-screen TVs and laptops.

"I've eaten a bag of beef jerky," said one of the many campers who went without the traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the rush of catching a good deal.

“Usually when you shop, you go in, buy an item… there's not a lot of people wanting it. This time, everyone wants it,” John Christian said.

“I'll save on electronics, say about $3000,” Joe Wescom said.

Wescom was first in line at Best Buy, and as of Thursday night, ready for his second night camping out under a canopy of neon lights.

"Everything I buy is just gifts to give people for Christmas,” Wescom said.

After five years, Wescom says he’s learned how to stay warm. He came prepared with a tent, blankets and heater.

In the Best Buy parking lot, strangers became family for the night.

"We all share the want of a certain item and that's what brings us all together,” Christian said.

"If we didn't get anything we'd probably still come just to have fun,” another camper said.

The doors open up at 5 a.m. on Black Friday at Best Buy and even earlier at other stores in Georgia-Carolina.

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