Black Friday 2017: Shoppers camp out days in advance in Atwater Village

ATWATER VILLAGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thanksgiving turkeys weren't even in the oven yet, but some Black Friday shoppers on Wednesday were already camped out in front of stores across the Southland.

A line of tents was seen outside a Best Buy in Atwater Village, where one group of deal-seekers was playing cards to pass the time. Jay Ahir said he and his two friends had been there since about 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The group - equipped with food, cellphones, batteries and sleeping bags - also lined up early for doorbuster offers in 2016 and 2015, Ahir said.

He described the methodology they will adhere to once the store opens.

"We all go to different areas," Ahir said. "Like, if you want headphones, everyone tells him what headphones they want and he'll get it. If I want an Apple product, they just tell me what Apple product they want and I'll get (it).

"That's how we go," he added. "We just split up and get back together."

The worst part about lining up early this year? The sweltering heat, Ahir said.