Diehard shoppers get deep discounts before dawn on Thanksgiving



WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Some diehard shoppers got a big head start to Black Friday -- before even taking a bite of turkey on Thanksgiving! Some were up before dawn on Thursday, November 27th -- seeking that great deal.

Kmart hoped its deal would be enough to bring in crowds on Turkey Day. Kmart opened at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Standing outside before dawn on a cold Thanksgiving morning, these shoppers were on a mission.

"Trying to get the Christmas toys for my babies. I`ve got six I am going to shop for," said Sandra Deberry.

These shoppers were hoping to take advantage of the deals, without dealing with the Black Friday crowds.

"All the confusion and fussing just to get things, no I couldn`t deal with that," said Deberry.

As the store opened, there was no pushing or shoving -- but these shoppers were no doubt a little tired!

Beth Zaepeda was looking to grab a tablet and get out the door.

"I am feeling tired. I`m ready to go back home and go back to bed for an hour," said Zaepeda.

Opening at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and staying open for 42 hours straight is a Kmart tradition that is 23 years in the making. The store offers deep discounts staggered over time in the hopes of drawing people in and keeping them coming back for more.

A FOX6 News crew at the store Thursday morning noticed pillows were literally flying off the shelves, selling for as little as $5 or $2.

From big ticket items to the little things, shoppers were leaving happy, with their carts loaded to the brim.

"Get one pair of shoes and get another for a dollar! I just feel like it is a good time to shop, while my food is cooking," said one shopper.

Of all the stores that open on Thanksgiving, Kmart is notoriously first each year with the 6:00 a.m. start.

CLICK HERE to access Kmart's Black Friday deals.