Thousands Pack Redlands Target to Start Black Friday

More than 2,000 people kicked off their holiday shopping in earnest at midnight Friday morning, as Target was one of many stores taking part in Black Friday sales.

Shoppers started lining up at the Citrus Plaza location Wednesday, braving the elements for their chance to purchase items at deep discounts.

Target was one of many stores nationwide that moved up its Black Friday opening from 5 a.m. to midnight for a chance to serve more customers looking for deals and spur more sales.

While there were some scuffles in the Redlands Target line -- two people were removed due to fighting -- most of the people in line were well behaved. Ashley Bennett, of San Bernardino, said she barely avoided a fight near the front of the line after a woman started yelling at her.

"They told her if she didn't knock it off, she was going to have to get out of line," Bennett said. "She got quiet real quick."

No serious incidents had been reported at the store as of 12:30 a.m.

Groups of 30 people at a time were let into the store at 15-second intervals to avoid stampeding.

The first buyer made his way out after only 11 minutes with a 46-inch television that was advertised at $298, a $250 savings. He was quickly followed by more carts carrying TV after TV.