Black Friday shopping is starting earlier and earlier (VIDEO)

TUKWILA -- Black Friday shoppers got an early start this year. A number of stores opened up on Thanksgiving.

If you want to get the best deals, you have to get in line. And if you want to get a good spot in line, you better get here early.

“I came here yesterday night at 11:30 pm,” said Deepak Bhargev. “So it's been almost 16 hours.”

That’s nothing. Booth Nguyen and his friends started camping out in front of the Best Buy in Bellevue thirty hours before the store opened.

“It’s been good, it's warm out,” said Nguyen. “Not as cold as last year or the year before.”

“We were prepared,” his friend added. “It’s not our first time. We've done this 4 or 5 years in a row.”



But four or five years ago, stores used to open on Black Friday. Now more are opening at 5 or 6 pm.

“I think the earlier start time is actually better,” said Danny Valencia, the manager of the Best Buy. “Now people aren't having to wait until midnight to come out and shop after having dinner with their families, they're able to have dinner, get out and shop.”

But what about the employees who now have to work on a holiday?

Jerry Russell said his girlfriend works at Target. “She just started at 6, so she's in for a long night.”

Valencia admits it’s tough, not being able to be with your family on Thanksgiving.

“Sometimes it is, but ultimately if there wasn't a demand, we wouldn't be here. Obviously there is a demand for our customers.”