Two years on, Black Friday seems an established fixture in Bermuda’s retail calendar, as shown by yesterday’s early morning crowds.

Hundreds patiently waited outside Reid Street businesses for their 4am opening.

“Last year, between 4am and 8am, we had 1,600 customers,” said Phoenix Stores president George Grundmuller as shoppers poured through the aisles of department store Brown and Co.

“The way it looks now, we will exceed that. It’s a good turnout. I was here at 3am and we had at that point a line halfway up Queen Street. By the time we opened it was almost up on Church Street.”

The traditional US shop-a-thon has blossomed into “a great retail event”, Mr Grundmuller added.

“The first customers showed up around 1am. I spoke to them all and they were very appreciative. More retailers are getting into the game, which is really positive for retail in Bermuda.”

“There’s good stuff here for my girls,” said Annex Toys shopper Shampagne Cann, who had already secured an electric guitar and a toy piano. “I got here around ten to four — I had my eye on these for my grandbabies’ Christmas gifts.”

Like many other shoppers, it was her first year trying out the sale that in the US launches the holiday shopping season on the day after Thanksgiving. Her mission accomplished, Ms Cann was preparing to head back home.

Others waited outside Gibbons Company for its 5am opening.

“I would only get up this early for 60 percent off,” said Darnell, queuing outside the department store with roughly a dozen other shoppers. “To me, percentage makes all the difference, and this particular item is 60 percent.”

Most Black Friday shoppers had specific items in mind — for Darnell, who arrived around 4am today, a set of soup cups made the early trip into town worth it.

“I told my girl friend and she said, girl, do what you have to do,” she said. “It’s been nice and quiet, but it’s nice as we’ll having the music going down there.”

Taking care of her Christmas shopping was Krystale, who had already come from the Arnolds warehouse.

“I’m looking for something for my nephew,” she said, having arrived on Reid Street at 2.45am. “I’m just seeing what’s for sale and taking care of my Christmas shopping.”

Shopping with family was Veronica Robinson, who had been queuing since a little after 3am.

“It’s been quiet,” she said. “There were a few special things that I had in mind. People have been very patient.”

Said shopper Deborah Trott: “It’s the first time I’ve done this in Bermuda. This is Christmas done for me. I’m a Government worker, so I wish I had more time, but this takes care of me.”

The retail event takes its name from retailers making a profit, or being “in the black”. As well as Hamilton businesses opening early for deals, stores outside of town were following the trend, and many have been offering deals for days, with phone stores courting shoppers since the start of the week.