The usual Black Friday rush at stores like Academy Sports & Outdoors never happened this year.

The location at 801 South Mesa Hills Drive was like many businesses that offered online gift deals starting on Thanksgiving and even earlier hours for shoppers who preferred to visit in person. In lieu of the crowds of the past that camped and lined up, meandering around stores, the new rush was on online orders for thousands of customers.

"This year, more shoppers are opting for online shopping," said Richard Limas, store director for the Mesa Hills location. "Now that companies are allowing customers to start getting deals on Thanksgiving Day, people really aren't getting up at 5 a.m. to get to stores. We still have strong inventory levels and are in the best position to serve our customers."

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