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Carole Mikita ReportingMany consumers and retailers are focused on what happens after Thanksgiving. The bargain wars have begun.
Here's a look at some options for what's known as Black Friday.
It's called black because stores operate with a profit this time of year.
There's a website that even has directions for members of the media who want to do a story.
Many people are determined to avoid shopping entirely. Others will do it from the comfort of their homes. But apparently there are plenty who are prepared to brave the madness.
The shopping madness began last weekend with the frantic rush nationwide for Sony's new Playstation 3 and Nintendo's latest offering.
Electronics top most wish lists and holiday sales could increase as much as 21%.
At TV Specialists, employees are preparing to meet that demand.
Geoff Barry/Sales rep: "We've been able to stock more product. We've been able to display more product, more flat panel products. We have shown various ways of installing and mounting the product."
Competition against and between the big box stores is keen. Wal-Mart has slashed prices earlier than ever-- before Thanksgiving. Rival Target has its sales on now, too.
And early openings have become 'the thing,' with some stores unlocking the doors Thursday at midnight or Friday at 12:01 am.
Best Buy's staff is preparing to handle the crowds.
Chuck O'Donnell: "We have to make sure that the shopping experience for the six hundred people outside is the best possible shopping experience."
But your shopping experience doesn't have to be any more difficult than sitting in front of your computer in jammies and slippers.
Wayne Crowder/Customer: "I do a lot of my shopping online also to avoid the whole Black Friday. I don't. It doesn't appeal to me to fight all the crowds."
Analysts predict this will take holiday spending up 9% this year. Most people are spending about 800 dollars or more.
Marshal Cohen/ Chief retail analyst: "Probably around 2-thousand dollars, 15-hundred."
The big winners, they say, consumers and retailers know, what they're looking for.
"I don't buy anything unless it's on sale."
And why it's so important that they find it.
Margo Sellers/ Customer: "Because your children want that. And that's what you do for your children."
We know both Fashion Place and Cottonwood Malls are opening their doors for shopping on Thanksgiving at midnight.
