Black Friday creeps into Thursday

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Black Friday shopping is already well underway, even if it is just Thursday. Some folks hit the stores much earlier today, and some folks are waiting in lines right now.

News 8's Annie Rourke caught up with folks looking for a bargain at Walmart in Hamden.

The Black Friday deals didn't go into effect until 8 o'clock, but shoppers were coming through the doors all day. Black Friday is creeping into Thanksgiving, which is now being called Grey Thursday because so many stores are opening on the holiday.

There was no stampede at the Walmart in Hamden Thursday, but the barriers were up and security in place. There was no line, but there was a steady stream of customers.

"Because there are some few deals actually at Walmart so I'm interested in those deals," said Tusher Gupta, "so I decided to just come here and get those deals."

Bargain-hunting, instead of relaxing on Thanksgiving.

"I wish I could do that, with these kind of prices, you can't walk away, they are good prices on flat-screen TV," said Colin Lewis.

While customers may enjoy getting a jump on their Christmas list, the employees aren't always as excited. Walmart and Target workers signed petitions at Change.org, demanding the stores stay closed.  Some at Walmart threatened to strike, though none in Connecticut took that tactic. 

Forty-one million people across the country are expected to spend at least some part of their Thanksgiving shopping, and last year, those stores which opened on the holiday itself saw a 22 percent increase in the weekend's sales. Not everyone was out for big purchases.

"For a pair of batteries, mom's remote, yeah, nothing Christmasy," said Kira Drumm.

And he doesn't think this is really necessary.

"Do you think the stores should be open on Thanksgiving," asked News 8's Annie Rourke.

"No," said O'Neil. "No, it always ends badly."

Others say, if nothing else, it is convenient.

"Yeah, I mean, it works great for me cause nothing else is open in the town and Walmart's open," said Drumm, "so it's working out for me."