Early birds took advantage of special prices this morning at several area retail merchants.
So far this morning, local merchants have noticed brisk sales and high traffic in the stores.
According to Brock Heyneman, assistant manager at Wal-Mart's Warsaw store said, "We are definitely tracking better than last year and recording better sales than last year."Todd Reynolds, manager at the Warsaw Kmart store, said traffic was strong in his store this morning as well.
"We have had extremely high traffic (this morning)," said Reynolds.
Elder-Beerman manager Steve Blair said sales were up at his store as well.
"I can only speak in generalities, but we are running significantly ahead of last year," Blair said, who added that the sales started early and continue through the day today at Elder-Beerman.
All three managers said shoppers were out early and looking for many items. However, electronics seemed to be on the tops of many shoppers' lists today, at least at Elder-Beerman and Kmart.
"People were waiting outside when we opened at 5 a.m today," said Blair. "Home items and electronics were selling quickly."
At Elder-Beerman, home textiles and gifts and clothing items were second on the list of most-purchased items today."
Kmart opened at 6 a.m. today and electronics were tops on the sales lists as well.
All three stores will offer special prices on different items throughout the weekend as they try to keep shoppers in the stores.
Wal-mart will offer in-store specials through the weekend. Details on the sales are available at walmart.com
Elder-Beerman also will have special sales Saturday. The store will offer extended hours throughout the holiday season. The store is open until 11 p.m. today and reopens at 6 a.m. throughout the day.
Kmart is open until 11 p.m. today and will reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday with more special sales. Kmart also will offer extended hours through the holiday season.
