Shoppers camp outside Jacksonville GameStop stores ahead of Black Friday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people plan to shop on Black Friday, but it hasn’t stopped everyone from going old-school and lining up at stores.

People camped out in front of GameStop stores across Jacksonville to try and snag a new Xbox or PlayStation console.

Wajah Nelms, 14, was the first person in line with his family at the GameStop in Mandarin.

They’ve been waiting in line since 11 a.m. Wednesday.

“When they open I’ll be so happy,” Nelms said.

Nelms said he’ll be getting the PlayStation 5.

Others in line said they’ll take whatever is available.

GameStop said it will have limited stock of consoles at its stores.

The overwhelming demand has made the new gaming consoles extremely hard to get.

Margo Chappel said it was almost impossible to find one online, so that’s why she camped out.

“We’ve been online 24/7 and it’s been a disaster. Quickly. They are gone in a second,” Chappel said.

Chappel said it’s worth the wait. “A lot of dedication, but hey it’s worth it,” Chappel said. “Anything that’ll put a smile on a kid’s face to me is worth it.”

Action News Jax drove by six different GameStop stores and found people patiently waiting in line.

Many of the people first in line had been camping out since Wednesday.

GameStop opens its doors at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.

Cox Media Group