FARMINGTON -- Black Friday is once again upon Connecticut and the annual debate over the ethics of Thanksgiving shopping has polarized people.
Some retailers such as REI and Costco are taking a stand and remaining closed on Thanksgiving Day. (REI is closed on Black Friday too.)
The message is resonating with some customers.
"I don't think stores should be open on Thanksgiving," said Norman Thoms of Colchester. "I think people should be home with their family, relaxing, and enjoying themselves."
The National Retail Federation predicts at least 135 million shoppers will hit the stores in search of deals this Thanksgiving weekend. With that much cash on the line, most retailers are opting to stay open on Black Friday, while others will open up earlier on Thanksgiving Day.
The deals are hot on the usual items such as cameras, TVs, computers and cell phones, as well as other items like jewelry. Other stores are offering "doorbuster" deals to entice shoppers to arrive early and stay in the store.
"Microsoft has the Xbox at the lowest price we've ever seen and you get an extra $50 off on Black Friday," said Amanda Sirica, spokesperson for Westfarms Mall in West Hartford. "Lord and Taylor is giving the first 500 shoppers on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday a doorbuster $20 door pass."
Other retailers like Amazon are offering deals online all week, with the marquee sales coming on "Cyber Monday."
Best Buy, in an attempt to match the deep discounts of online retailers, is offering free shipping for all online orders.