Retailers Pull Out All The Stops to Get Shoppers Through the Door

Retailers hope for lines this morning like this one outside K-Mart in Vernon, Connecticut at 5a.m. on Thanksgiving!

Shoppers were hungry for sales.

They camped outside Best Buy too!

Many are eyeing electronics at steep discounts

"Guitar Hero, this has been huge for us, the Wii fit has been really big", said Sadiz Ali, a Target manager.

But in a year, more Americans are worried about the basics: paying mortgages, transportation,and keeping jobs, for many spending money is scarce.

Emily Longvall said, "Black friday, no I'm definitely not shopping."

"They're in a mood we know for lots of reasons to cut back discretionary spending." said economist, Bill Hampel

Toy shoppers in Arlington, Virginia are adjusting.

"The family Secret Santa exchange will be scaled back in the price tags I think." said shopper, Dennis Lenard.

And store owner Sue Pyatt expects less early on.

"You get a surge at the end and so I'm still hoping for that wonderful surge." said Sue Pyatt, Kinder Haus Toy Store owner.

One hopeful sign for retailers: gas prices, half what they were this summer, is fueling the Christmas spirit for some.

"I feel I can actually do a little bit better on buying gifts this year compared to what I thought I was gonna be able to do a few months ago." said Raquel Charles.

Still, with many Americans holding their wallets, retailers go into this Black Friday holding their breath.

Many of them unsure if the day will live up to its name, and tip them into profit for the year.