Black Friday Deals

Ready or not, Black Friday is right around the corner.

Stores are in full swing preparing, but are you ready for the holiday shopping season?

Some shoppers have been saving up all year for this; others said they're only asking for necessities on their Christmas wish list.

Retailers and shoppers are bracing for Black Friday. Retailers are hopeful sales will skyrocket.

"I'm a shopper, so for me Black Friday is great," said Lori McCune.

It's the legendary rush after Thanksgiving Day.

"Love it, looking forward to it," McCune said.

And retailers are also looking forward to some positive cash flow this year.

"We're looking at a small increase and it will be spread throughout the whole store, so we're looking for a pretty good year," said Meijer Store Manager Rick Zeeff.

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The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to increase 2.8 percent this year. That's drastically down from a 5.2 percent increase last year. The 10-year average only shows a 2.6 percent increase.

"I don't think it’s going to be a crazy big year because the economy is not going to allow that," Zeeff said.

"I’m not sure they're splurging, but they buy a few unique gifts and stuff that people need…" said shopper Karen Guerrero.

She plans to shop smart.

"If you need shoes and jeans and stuff you get throughout the year, that’s Christmas," she said.

But on the other hand, people are dishing out the dollars.

“We don't have kids, but nieces and nephews and they're like my own so we splurge on them, buy them pretty much whatever they want if I can swing it," McCune said.

McCune fits right in to what's expected from Americans this year.

The Wall Street Journal said we'll spend about 17 percent more this year than last – the average person is expected to drop $831 on gifts this season, that's $121 more than last year.

Surveys show people have some extra cash this year, but they plan to be more conservative in how they spend it.

Some retailers said a sale is a sale, no matter how large or small the purchase is.

"They may not be buying those big screen TVs, that’s ok," Zeeff said.

Stores are getting more competitive this year – Wal-Mart and Target are opening on Thanksgiving night for Black Friday specials.

The Meijer on Bremen Highway will start their special sales at 4 a.m., that's an hour earlier than last year.

If you’re looking for work, seasonal hiring is slim pickings right now.

A few stores have some spots left like Macys, Hobby Lobby and Target. Stores recommend to call then and apply right away.