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Black Friday Rush Starts Even Before 6 p.m.

DAVIE (CBSMiami) -- The holiday shopping season is officially underway. In South Florida and across the rest of the country, bargain hunters aren't waiting until Black Friday to shop 'til they drop, they're already hitting the stores for what some are calling Gray Thursday.

"I am the only one sitting here waiting with all of these chairs in front of me," said shopper Debbie Valen who was found sitting all alone in front of a Best Buy in Davie. "What's up with this? I have never done this before and Happy Thanksgiving."

CBS4's Joan Murray found Valen sitting next to a row of empty chairs at the Best Buy which didn't open until 6:00 p.m. She was hoping to get a bargain but doesn't know when the people occupying the empty chairs may be back.

"In the past, when I have done this, there are people waiting. I do not think this is appropriate, that you can put a chair here and then go home. I mean, to me, you have to be here in person to have a seat. I have been told that they are selling the seats, whether that's true or not, I do not know but I am here and hoping to get a TV set."

While Best Buy and other retailers opened their doors in the late afternoon and early evening hours, some stores opened early Thursday morning including Old Navy which opened at 9:00 a.m.

"I went to church this morning for breakfast and this was the only store open this early," explained Israel Lopez. "So stopped by to see what they have and what kind of deals they have and it looks good. They've got some good deals here."

Shoppers out early had their Thanksgiving dinners later while others had early turkey meals, only to go out shopping afterwards.

So what stores are opened early for Gray Thursday?

Click here for a list of store hours of the major retailers opening on Thanksgiving Day.

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