Gamers camp outside GameStop for new PS5 ahead of Black Friday

HOUSTON – With COVID-19, retailers and customers are pushing more “Black Friday” deals online this year. While GameStop had an in-store deal that many shoppers said they needed to get.

Some people stood in line for over 24 hours for the new PlayStation 5 or XBOX Series X system. They said it was their only option as it was sold out online.

“People want to stay safe, so I wouldn’t expect a lot of people to come out to stores,” Armando Velasquez said.

Another buyer said: “It has been a difficult year so I wanted to give it a shot.”

“I’ve been trying since the November 12 launch when the consoles came out and it’s been really tough,” said Dominick Garcia.

“It’s better in the store, you just have to go get it and pay cash for it, that’s how it should,” said Sheila Sanders.

GameStop isn’t the only retailer to have deals on Black Friday. KPRC 2 also spotted long lines outside Melrose Family Fashions on South Gessner Road.

Many said the purchases were very different from previous years.

“It’s kind of like everything is on the edge, people are on the edge,” Perez said.

Shopping experts say Black Friday is turning into Cyber ​​November.

Many retail giants like Walmart, Target, Lowes, and Amazon have changed their plans for more online shopping, but many shoppers we’ve spoken to say the process online hasn’t been easy.

“What I would see on social media are people using bots to access these consoles and people order 20-30 of them,” said Johnny Perez.

Here are the CDC’s buying recommendations:

• Disinfect the basket, use disinfectant wipes if available.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay at least 6 feet from others when shopping and in queues.
• Use marked entry or exit points and follow directional signs or ground markings designed to keep people at least 6 feet away.
• Only touch the products you plan to buy, if possible.
• Consider not consuming samples or purchasing food or drink at self-service stations.
• If possible, use contactless payment (pay without touching money, a card or a keypad). If you need to handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after you pay.