People camping outside stores ahead of Black Friday for the best deals

People were already camping outside local stores Tuesday night, so they can get their hands on big Black Friday deals.

Some people in line have a special plan for the items they will buy.

People outside Best Buy along US-41 near Page Field in south Fort Myers are ready to get the deals on Black Friday.

”You kind of plan your strategy of how you’re going to walk around the store,” Derek Dearmond said.

Dearmond will be among the first people through the door at the local Best Buy when it’s open for the day of retail discounts.

“After years, you learn little tricks,” Dearmond said.

He camps out for days ahead to score deals first.

“Most people don’t know how we do it,” Dearmond said.

Some people in tents outside the store want to save big on Christmas and holiday gifts.

“We come every year and get like the best stuff,” Cahner Flynn said.

Other early shoppers want to get ahead of everyone.

“We want to avoid the crowds,” Megan Lee said.

For Dearmond, Black Friday is a way he can give back to local charities.

“There I am presenting the check for $610,000,” said Dearmond showing his photo album. “Go in get TVs and stuff and raffle them off and auction them.”

More serious shoppers know Black Friday, so they have a game plan and a budget.”

“Sometimes you come to save money, but you actually may overspend,” Lee said.

Many shoppers say bring the advertisement for items one shopping trips, ask for gift receipts, and know store return policies.

”What makes it all worth it?” Dearmond said. “Just going in there knowing that you did something good for somebody.”