VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — This Black Friday, some Virginia Beach shoppers skipped the big-box chaos and showed up before sunrise with lists, local-shop loyalty, and bargain strategy. With inflation still on many minds, the message from those on the street was simple: plan ahead, shop intentionally, and, in many cases, shop local.

Early birds, vinyl, and a plan

At AFK Books & Records, a small but steady line formed before the store opened. Not everyone was hunting TVs; many were after records and familiar rituals. Bryce says, "This morning I’m probably going to pick up Thievery Corporation and maybe the Doors," while his daughter Addy adds, “I’m going to pick up the Billie Eilish.”

The father-daughter pair said their mission was partly about community. “Just to be able to support local busin

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