Thousands of shoppers turned out early Friday at two of Southern California’s busiest outlet centers, where KTLA crews found long lines, packed parking lots and deep discounts drawing families out before sunrise.

At the Citadel Outlets in Commerce, KTLA’s Omar Lewis found shoppers dancing to a live DJ, sipping coffee and settling in for what the center calls a 27-hour “shopping marathon.” Many had been in line since 4 a.m., waiting for stores like Coach, Nike and Doc Martens to open their doors with 50% to 70% off doorbuster prices.

“We got here at four in the morning,” one shopper told KTLA. “Coffee is the secret — and the turkey from last night gave us energy.”

Others came with no real list at all, just the determination to scoop up whatever deals they could find.

“Honestly, anything and everything I can get my hands on,” another shopper said, calling their budget “unlimited” as they waited outside Coach moments after the doors opened at 6 a.m.

Citadel’s early Black Friday access kicked off Thursday night at 8 p.m., and crews there say the parking lots have been filling ever since. By late Thursday night, staff estimated thousands were already on site — a turnout that continued to grow into Friday morning. Shoppers told KTLA they prefer in-person deals this year, even if it means navigating long lines and slow-moving traffic outside the mall.

Those who made the trip were greeted with holiday lights, falling “snow,” the world’s tallest Christmas tree and a DJ spinning for the crowds as families snapped photos and filled bags with everything from Disney merch to high-end handbags. Many told KTLA the marathon has become a full Thanksgiving tradition.

Northwest in Ventura County, KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw found similar scenes at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, where a massive line stretched outside Lululemon as shoppers waited for leggings marked down as low as $39 — a rare find for a brand that typically sells them for nearly $100.

“Are you guys twins?” McGraw asked a pair of 13-year-olds in line. Their dad quickly jumped in when they asked for extra pairs.

“Absolutely, anything they want,” he said.

Families bundled babies in blankets, teenagers clutched coffee cups and shoppers from across Los Angeles described driving more than an hour to get in line before the doors opened. One woman said she was simply there for the experience: “We just want a good deal — but it’s also the fun of it.”

Camarillo’s outlet corridor stretches roughly three miles, with more than 160 stores ranging from Theory and Banana Republic to Barefoot Dreams. Some shoppers told KTLA they planned to walk the full stretch, comparing the outing to a family morning hike — except this one ends with shopping bags.

Both locations are staying open late into the night: Camarillo until 9 p.m. and Citadel until 11 p.m., giving shoppers nearly the entire day to hunt for discounts on apparel, toys, electronics and holiday gifts.

And at both sites, one trend was clear: People were in high spirits, even after little to no sleep.

“Smile and slide the card,” one man joked at Citadel. “That’s it — that’s all you have to do.”

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