Black Friday Kicks Off Holiday Shopping Season

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The holiday shopping season is officially underway, as shoppers throughout the city and across the country lined up to get an early start to Black Friday.

Shoppers from all over the world came out in droves along Fifth Avenue, hunting for the best deals they can find.

NY1 ran into several people who were caught up in the moment.

"That's what everyone does today, right?" said one shopper. "Yesterday, we came to the Macy's parade. Today, we're out Black Friday shopping."

"There are a few Apple things you can pick up a little cheaper today," said another. "And of course, we'll have to visit all the other big stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's and all that."

"My wife and two children are with the other ones," said a third. "They are going crazy, going around, 50 percent discount and here, 70 percent discount."

An estimated 11,000 people wrapped around Macy's flagship store in Herald Square waiting for it to open at midnight Friday.

The company says more than 800 of its stores will stay open for 23 hours straight, closing Friday at 11 p.m.

For some retailers, Black Friday started Thursday night, including the Toys 'R Us in Times Square, which opened at 8 p.m.

Target stores opened at 9 p.m., drawing criticism from employees.

Dozens lined up outside the Best Buy on West 23rd Street hours ahead of the midnight opening to try to nab a 40 inch TV for less than $200, among other special offers.

Sales this year are expected to go up nearly four percent from last year.