Thanksgiving Day shopping: Is it worth it?

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A lot of stores in the Central Valley were closed early on Thanksgiving, but shoppers had options if they were out and about earlier before the Black Friday specials started in the evening, and not everyone is happy about it.

The registers are roaring and the aisles are packed at Kmart on Thanksgiving Day. Shoppers are already skipping ahead to the next holiday and looking for a deal.

"Anything," said Kmart manager Jamie Simmerson of what shoppers are seeking. "Anything that's a good price."

Black Friday has crept into Thursday and many retailers are open normal hours or longer.

And they seemed to have a steady flow of customers, even though an Action News poll conducted by Survey USA showed only 15 percent of people in the Central Valley planned on shopping on Thanksgiving Day.

A third of those surveyed went so far as to say they'd avoid stores open on Thanksgiving, preferring to wait for stores like Marshall's that refused to open on the holiday.

But some workers told us they don't mind being on the job.

"I've worked for Kmart 14 years, this is my 14th year," said Simmerson. "I've worked every year. I don't have a problem with it. I go home and have dinner with my family afterwards."

And bargain hunters appreciate their efforts.

"I'm fine with that," said Johana Volkoff, who was hunting down deals at the Clovis Big Lots. "This is my first time doing it. And I think it was a great opportunity."

Retailers aren't alone in opening the doors. At Kaying Beauty Salon, customers lined up to freshen up before Thanksgiving dinner dates with family.

"I was actually driving around town looking for a barber shop right now to get my hair cut," said Alex Diaz.

And at O'Reilly Auto Parts, fixing the car came before all the fixings for a few folks.

For those of us who labored the day away, shoppers are sympathetic, but maybe we're the lucky ones.

"I'm sorry they have to work, but you know, they have a job and I'm sure they're thankful for that," said Kmart bargain shopper Hope Espinosa.

Some economists question whether it's really worthwhile to open on Thanksgiving. But most retailers seem to believe it is. Walmart, for example, says 22 million people shopped at their stores last Thanksgiving.