DICKSON CITY – Black Friday shoppers headed out Friday morning, hunting for the best deals.
Many stores opened their doors Thursday allowing customers early access to discounts.
Some businesses that opened on Thanksgiving are pulling all-nighters for shoppers.
Tawny Natale of Moosic feels right at home shopping on Black Friday. She also shopped Thanksgiving Thursday, fearing she’d miss a bargain.
"You kind of panic because you think there’s this great deal, and what if I miss out on it and I have to spend a little bit more?" said Natale.
By the time other retailers opened at 5 a.m. for Black Friday, the Toys r' Us store in Dickson City had already been open for 12 hours.
Customers were a mix of Thanksgiving shoppers on day two of a spree, and Black Friday shoppers like Hailey Conrad who hoped Thanksgiving early birds didn’t pick the shelves.
"That’s a day for your family," said Conrad, as she shopped with her 2-year-old son. "Not a day to be out shopping."
The early shopping at Toys r’ Us provided a window into which toys will be popular this holiday season
A high pile of Rock Me Elmo dolls started to dwindle by 6 a.m.
Retailers say Pop the Pig has been a surprise seller among games.
Crazyloom wrist band makers are also popular, and national retailers say this product may be in short supply closer to Christmas day.
Some of the younger shoppers said they want to be part of a black Friday.
"What’s it like being up at this hour. Fun. I do get up at this hour every day."
Tawny Natale credits the Thursday store openings for turning Black Friday shopping from crazy to manageable.
"There’s lots of good deals this year, so I’m ready to get the bargains," said the Moosic woman.
Retail experts say that if the idea of Thanksgiving shopping boosts sales stores might move Thanksgiving Day openings earlier to 3 p.m., or even noon in the coming years.