Shoppers wanting to get a leg up on the big Black Friday sales may get their wish. On Thanksgiving Day, several major retailers across the country plan to open their doors in advance of what has traditionally been one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

At Old Navy in West Wichita, shoppers like Susan Garren and her daughter, Lauren, know a good deal when they see one.

"That early, early morning 5:00 rush is crazy," Susan Garren said. "I think being open for Thanksgiving will give people a better shot."

Old Navy is one of the major retailers with plans to open on the holiday. Banana Republic and some Gap stores will also offer hefty discounts on Thanksgiving. Most Toys R Us stores across the country will open at 12:01 Friday morning with "doorbuster deals." Wal-Mart stores will open the earliest on Thanksgiving morning, but will hold most promotional deals for the traditional Black Friday shopping spree.

"Everbody has heard of Black Friday," said shopper Ronnie Holt. "I think if you're opening on Thanksgiving day, you're getting a jump on the competition."

And that's exactly what experts say is happening. While more shoppers are expected to take advantage of this weekend's sales, the National Retail Federation still expects nationwide profits to decline 1% from 2008. Though not a tremendous loss, experts say every penny - and customer - counts in a down economy.

"If you're not into Thanksgiving football, you might as well go shopping," Garren laughed on Wednesday afternoon. "I think families who get together also like to get out and go around together."

Store hours could vary from city to city, and store to store. In Wichita, Old Navy says it will open at noon, Banana Republic in Bradley Fair says it will open at 10:00 in the morning, and Wal-Mart stores across the country are expected to open as early as 6:00 AM.

Then on the traditional Black Friday, almost all stores will open before the crack of dawn.

Some stores, like Walgreens, K-Mart, and Gander Mountain in downtown Wichita have a history of being open on Thanksgiving.