CUYAHOGA FALLS: Tony Avitar’s holiday shopping line isn’t long in terms of feet; he’s situated right next to the front door of the Best Buy. But in terms of time? He’ll have time to dream about buying a big television and the money he hopes to save on Black Friday.
Avitar and some friends set up a big tent with a generator, a propane heater, two air mattresses and a food chest Thursday to become first in line at the retailer for holiday bargains.
In the hours and days ahead, he also hopes to meet some old friends from shopping sprees past.
“It’s always the same 10 tents, always the same people every year,” the Akron man said of what has become a holiday camping tradition.
But Avitar was alone in line Friday afternoon. He was awaiting the return of some friends who had made trips home to shower and clean up.
There will be other trips to get food and other errands while someone keeps their place in line through the next week.
Avitar went to an online site and got a peek at the advertising supplement that is supposed to be a secret until Thanksgiving and has his eye on a 40-inch television and a cheap laptop.
He was more secretive about his other plans.
“Some of the things I can’t tell you because they [his children] will know what they are getting,” he said.
Avitar, who has been one of the first shoppers at the store for the last several years, is 49 and has five children ages 12 to 20.
He is a sound expert for traveling musicians who take the holidays off, so he has time to stand, sleep and eat in line for seven days.
He even looks forward to meeting the Best Buy folks, whom he says support his taking up a large part of the sidewalk near the entrance.
“They are very supportive about it,” he said.
Best Buy is slated to open its doors at midnight Thanksgiving night for Black Friday specials.
Dave Scott can be reached at 330-996-3577 or davescott@thebeaconjournal.com.