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Shoppers Hitting The Stores For Pre-Black Friday Deals

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Black Friday can't seem to get here fast enough for many shoppers. Some stores opened their doors long before dawn Thursday, offering big deals.

Thanksgiving Day is no longer reserved for just family and turkey. Shoppers are on the prowl looking for deep discounts and an opportunity to avoid the Black Friday crowds before they head back home for dinner.

"My kids have been looking at X Box games and pajamas and stuff like that," said Bronx resident Annie Arroyo.

Arroyo arrived at a K-Mart store in the Bronx an hour after Thursday's 6 a.m. opening with a long shopping list and a plan.

"The turkey is in the oven and I quietly left before anybody could know," she told CBS 2's Jay Dow.

She is one of many shoppers who decided to get a head start on the Black Friday shopping deals in a tough economy.

"I have to try to look for bargains where ever I can," said Arroyo.

K-Mart manager Rick Trksak says the stakes are high this Black Friday, named for the day when most retailers cross the line from loss to profit.

"It's a great way to start the fourth quarter holiday season," said Trksak. "I think it's a great opportunity to get ahead of it and get some extra specials to the customers before the season starts."

But retail analysts say once you walk into a store, it pays to remain focused.

"To keep yourself disciplined and grounded, create that strict list, determine who do I need to buy gifts for and how much am I going to spend," said Scott Gamm with helpsavemydollars.com.

Vanessa Wright took her time finding a deal: two 32-inch LCD televisions for $200 each.

"Everything is not a deal. You've got to be very selective and be very careful," said Wright.

Analysts at Consumer Reports estimate 55 million Americans will head out shopping tomorrow on Black Friday.

Will you be shopping on Black Friday? Tell us in our comments section below...

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