Stores are now opening their doors on a day they can attract shoppers who don't have much else to do besides cook and watch football.

Holiday music is playing, gag gifts are singing, and shoppers are spending - a full day before the official start of the holiday shopping season.

"Trying to do a little early Christmas shopping because it's kind of chaos out there (tomorrow). And driving is pretty good right now, " said shopper Margene Slade.

Major retail chains open on Thanksgiving included K-Mart, Big Lots, and Fred Meyer.

The shoppers may just be on to something.

"The lines are low, the people are quiet, not like the rest of the holiday season, all hectic and crazy," said Shopper Carla Salldin.

Wonder what's going on at home?

"I'm cooking at the same time - I'm multi tasking," laughed customer Dave Johnston.

Whatever the reason for hitting the stores on Turkey day, busy consumers strapped for time, now have an alternative.

While most retailers are still closed on Thanksgiving, many are getting a jump on Friday's big day of shopping by opening at midnight.

The new Quil Ceda Outlet Mall in Marysville is among those getting an early start. Selected stores will open at midnight Friday morning and stay open until midnight Saturday morning.