TEXT OF STORY

Scott Jagow: Black Friday got its name because this is supposedly the day when retailers go into the black for the year. This year, it’s also a referendum on consumer spending. As usual, some malls and stores opened at midnight. Others waited until 5 a.m. So far, there are pretty good crowds. We don’t know about the buying part yet. Reporter Phillip Martin went to toy store near Boston around midnight.

Phillip Martin: Sheila McNamara was number eight in line at KB toys in Newton. She wasn’t surprised by the sparse turnout.

Sheila McNamara: I didn’t think there’d be many people here at all. And I don’t think there’s a lot.

In fact, more than 35 people when the doors opened. Once inside, McNamara rushed to scoop up the number one and two toys on her niece and nephew’ lists — but walked away empty-handed.

McNamara: I was looking for Mario Car and Disney Sing it. Me and my friend looked, but no luck.

Even so, says McNamara, she doesn’t regret standing in line to try to snag hard to find gifts and bargains. And though McNamara walked away empty-handed, shopper Mary McCormick found everything she was looking for.

Mary McCormick: Mr. Potato Head. Yatzi Game. Girls Journal.

Martin: Was the economy a factor with you being here tonight?

McCormick: No. The time I’d rather be here at midnight than four in the morning. Now I can go home and sleep late tomorrow.

And, McCormick added, a Bargain is still a bargain.

In Newton, Massachusetts, I’m Phillip Martin for Marketplace.