The Sears store in Pasadena opened its doors at 7 a.m., giving consumers an opportunity to shop now, then stuff later.
"I think it really gives customers that opportunity to have a different day to shop and beat the Black Friday shopping hazards out there," said store manager Scot Sherer.
Sherer said Thanksgiving Day deals at Sears include several Craftsman tools deals, a free small GE digital camera with the purchase of a large digital camera and a 58-inch Panasonic TV for $1,099, along with two Blu-ray DVDs.
"I got a smokin' deal," said shopper Angel Ynfante. He said he got a pair of $85 boots for $39.
Retail sales are off to a solid start this month, according to several surveys. The /*National Retail Federation*/, the nation's retail trade group, expects a 2.3 percent increase in holiday spending. That would fall short of the 10-year historic average of 2.5 percent, according to the retail trade group.
Other retailers open on Thanksgiving include Walmart, Toys "R" Us and Kmart.
Dozens of customers were lined up when the Old Navy in Pasadena opened at 9 a.m.
Shopper Rhonda Graves said she doesn't start family festivities until after noon, so she didn't feel bad about going shopping first.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
