Black Friday 2013: Thousands Shop Thanksgiving Night at Major Retailers

Target manager Tyler Hersom at the Westgate Shopping Center in San Jose seemed like he was directing a shopping orchestra Thursday at 8 p.m. when the doors to the popular retailer finally opened for Black Friday customers.

In walked more than 1,500 shoppers who had patiently waited in the long line since 4 a.m.

The hottest doorbusters items selling like hotcakes were the Vizio and Samsung TVs, which were all $100-plus off. iPads, iPhones, Beats by Dre headphones and children's two-piece pajamas for $3.

The store will remain open 24 hours until Friday evening, Nov. 29 when it will finally close at 11 p.m., Hersom said.

This year Target opened one hour earlier than last year along with other similar retailers trying to get a head start on the short holiday shopping season this year, just 26 days.

"We're doing what everyone else is doing," Hersom said. "We have to open at the same time as all our competitors."

Hersom was talking about rivals like JC Penney, Kohls and Sears, which also opened their doors tonight at 8 p.m.

Toys R Us and Walmart were in a league of their own, opening at 5 pm.. and 6 p.m., respectively tonight to the throngs of shoppers.

Hersom explained retailers are facing a four-week holiday shopping season instead of the traditional five weeks.

Target seemed properly staffed for the amount of people it was letting in the store with what seemed like dozens of security personnel, cashiers and other store clerks.

San Jose resident Grace Chung said it was her first time participating in Black Friday shopping due to curiosity and the need to buy a juicer. "I'm a middle-income person and I'm on a budget. That's why I'm here," she said.

Sam Mazaheri was in line with his girlfriend waiting to enter Target because he wanted to buy an iPad mini for $299 and an iPad Air for $479.

Even though the iPads were only about $20 less than normal price, Target was giving $75 and $100 gift cards to customers who bought them.

"If you're going to get an iPad anyway, why not try to get it tonight ... you get $100 bucks," Mazaheri said.

Homemaker Beyza Gurler, 37, said she was shopping for the flannel sheet sets, which were $16.99 for all sizes, a 30 percent markdown from their regular $24.99 price.

"They're good deals," her husband explained. "We're not on a tight budget, but we try to get clearance items. We're not blind. We try to get the best prices so that I can save to buy other things for our family."

Craig Evansa was shopping with girlfriend Jackie Barrios and daughter Jasmine. He bought an electric scooter for his son for Christmas. He paid $71 for the item which is normally $129.

He also purchased a vacuum for $25, regularly priced at $40 and couple of DVDs for $5, which are normally $13.99.

Like some of the other shoppers interviewed, it was his first time participating in early "Black Friday" shopping. "I wanted to give it a try ... just to get the experience."

Jackie Barrios said for many families taking advantage of Black Friday sales is due to being on tight budgets and the still uncertain economy. "I'm a single parent so I have to take advantage of this. Every little bit helps," Barrios said.

Surprisingly, shoppers seemed courteous and considerate with each other. The store's second floor, where the electronics department is located, was a little hectic.

Doug Masuda walked away from the organized chaos with two Westinghouse 40-inch TVs for $199.99 each, regularly priced at $429.99.

Victor and Rocio Franco followed Masuda behind with a different set, a 40-inch Samsung TV for $397.99 regularly priced at $499.99.

Jesse and Megan Ray blanket for $19.99 along with a Monsters University DVD for $10 and a Baby Einstein set for $11.99.

"We had our Thanksgiving dinner at 2 o'clock so it was easy. I only have less than $300 to spend this holiday season. We get more gifts for less money," said Jesse Ray, who has a 2½-year-old son and another on the way.

He said he was happy that retailers such as Target and others are choosing to open earlier on Thanksgiving for holiday shopping to "relieve the stress of getting up so early .. I still have to work tomorrow [Friday]."

Lisann Biskup bought just one item, a $19 crock-pot that's regularly priced at $29.99. "I'm not a Black Friday shopper. It's my first and last time," she said of the experience. "It was OK, but some people were being rude."