The post-Thanksgiving shopping spree is already underway in the Valley.

It comes as the National Retail Federation (NFR) predicts record-breaking numbers this weekend at the check-out line.  However those estimates got off to a slow start Thursday as shoppers headed out after Thanksgiving dinner.

"Obviously everybody is closed," shopper Gary Gerlach, said. "We tried Walmart, Target [but] everybody is closed."

Many big-box stores decided to remain closed this Thanksgiving:

  • Apple
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Bath & Body Works
  • Bed Bath & Beyond
  • Best Buy
  • Boscov's
  • Costco Wholesale Club
  • Dick's Sporting Goods
  • Dillard's
  • Home Depot
  • HomeGoods
  • Ikea
  • JCPenny
  • Joann Stores
  • Kohl's
  • Lowe’s
  • Macy's
  • Marshalls
  • Office Depot and OfficeMax
  • Old Navy
  • Sam’s Club
  • Sephora
  • Staples
  • Target
  • TJ Maxx
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Walmart
  • Zales

It left some Valley shoppers dissapointed.

"We go like every year," Chastity Singer, who was out shopping with her family Thursday, said. "Which, I know it kind of stinks for the people that work, but it was just a tradition we had as a family."

However, there were a few places open Thursday including Big Lots, CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Meijer, Rite Aid and Walgreens.

The empy sites at strip malls and stores Thursday, however, looks to change Black Friday morning. Some shoppers say since they missed out Thanksgiving night, they'll return tomorrow.

"Yeah, we plan on coming back tomorrow even though I have to work during the day," Gerlach said.

J.V. Merando, who was out shopping with his son will also be out early Friday. He says he and some friends plan on getting in line at 5 a.m.

"I don't think I'm going for the deals. We'll all go out to witness the choas and just enjoy the day," Merando said.

More Black Friday shoppers could hit the road towards stores instead of sitting down to their computers this holiday season.

There is expected to be around 2 million more people getting their holiday deals in-person this weekend, through Cyber Monday, as opposed to far fewer numbers in 2020.

The National Retail Federation is predicting record numbers this year, according to an annual survey done by the agency.

Record breaking numbers at the checkout line could mean more Americans will get their holiday shopping started this weekend than ever before. 

About 65% of people who will shop this weekend will do so in-person, much higher than the 15% who did last year. The height of the COVID-19 pandemic stopped may from going out last year, but shoppers the NRF's data suggests that this is the top year for post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping.