Walked out empty-handed because of stock issues or because the prices weren't low enough for you? If it's because of stock issues, I sympathize. If the latter, you either already had every single game or system put on sale or lacked the funds to take advantage of the sales. I ended up with every video game-related item I wanted (and a few for friends) at Best Buy using GCU to get 20% off already low prices.
The list of $24.99 games for XB1/PS4 reduced to $19.99 with GCU was pretty good: Shadow of Mordor, The Evil Within, Metro Redux, Wolfenstein, Forza 5 GOTY, Dead Rising 3 Apocalypse (with all DLC). The higher priced tiers were also competitive and even better with GCU - picked up Alien : Isolation, NBA 2K15 and Diablo III Ultimate because I'd waited on those knowing prices would be better during Black Friday sales.
XB1 and PS4 controllers at $39.99 each, including the higher retail priced Call of Duty Advanced Warfare XB1 controller.
Flat screens of all sizes were at some of the most reasonable prices ever. The Target XB1 Assassin's Creed bundle w/ the $50 gift card for $329 was probably one of the best BF console sales in awhile. The only really weak bundles were for Wii U systems.
Some CAGs had foresight to bank some of their gift cards from trade-ins (like Target's first 3x deal or BB's many +50% or +100% offers) to lower their out-of-pocket expenses for the specials.
I buy a ton of games for myself, son, nephews, etc and even I found bargains that couldn't be passed on. Black Friday is what you make of it. Sorry to hear your story wasn't a happy one.
What were you looking for that you couldn't find? There are CAGs in the trade forums who offer their BB GCU discount to those who don't have if themselves, and I'm sure at least one of them could've had opportunity to get stuff in the Early Access online event.