Black Friday: Long lines, sales, fights

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) - It was a chaotic start to the so-called busiest shopping day of the year in West Michigan.

Black Friday -- considered the unofficial beginning to the holiday shopping season in the U.S. -- actually began Thursday night. So long lines formed outside many businesses even earlier this year.

At least two people were taken away in handcuffs at Woodland Mall in Kentwood following a fight. Officials told 24 Hour News 8 at the scene that pepper spray was used in the incident around 1:30 a.m. in front of the JCPenney store.

It was much calmer at the Target store in Grandville when the doors opened at 9 p.m. Thursday. 24 Hour News 8 was there and saw a long line of customers waiting outside, but smooth-running checkout lanes throughout the early morning hours.

For those who don't want to go elbow-to-elbow with big chain store shoppers, then Small Business Saturday is right around the corner. This day comes after Black Friday and is dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. American Express sponsors the campaign.

If you want to stay at home and shop with the use of your computer or tablet, then Cyber Monday is also on the horizon, as many businesses will throw great online deals at wannabe-shoppers.