PHOENIX –- Every year on Black Friday, stores open earlier and earlier. This year, some stores and savvy shoppers aren't even waiting for Friday. You might call it “Jumpstart Thursday!”
Industry predictions on how holiday sales will go vary from a decline of 3 percent to an increase of 2 percent. Some feel the key to cashing in on the 134 million people expected to shop this weekend is get them in the store a day earlier.
"I just thought, you know what, I have the turkey in the oven, I have the stuffing already made,” Betty Dallas said. “I told my husband, ‘Tell the neighbors it’s going to be 4 o’clock instead of 3 o’clock because I have some shopping to do!'”
Dallas is just one of the dozens of excited shoppers who lined up early to be the first through the doors at Old Navy.
“The jeans that are normally $39 or $40 are going for $15,” Dallas said. “I mean the sales are incredible."
It’s not just clothes on sale at Old Navy; the first few inside could get the video game Rock Band 2 with the guitar for just $20.
"I'm thrilled,” Dallas said. “My son is coming -- he should be here any minute -- and mom is first in line so he is going to get a Wii, and I am going to purchase a Wii, and we are going to give them to the grandchildren."
But with sales like these not everybody is Christmas shopping for their loved ones.
"No, I am being really selfish today,” said shopper Jenny Lips. “But that's OK -- you have to treat yourself sometimes!"
"The main deal is me, but if I happen to find stuff for other people I am happy, too,” added shopper Amy Yoder.
This is the first time Old Navy has opened on Thanksgiving; but they aren’t the only ones. Walmart, Walgreens and Radio Shack are also hoping big sales will lure in people and their money.
Betty Dallas hopes “Jumpstart Thursday” becomes as much of a tradition as the turkey and football.
"It’s worth it,” she said. “I don’t want to have to get up at 3 o’clock in the morning!”
