Early birds flock to NH stores for deals, where it's already Black Friday

SALEM, NH — Let the shopping games begin!

Stores across the country opening their doors on Thanksgiving this year to kick off Black Friday sales.

That’s not the case in Massachusetts due to longstanding blue laws, but in New Hampshire – it’s a different story.

>> Thanksgiving & Black Friday shopping hours in Mass., NH 2018

People from across the region have been making the drive to the Rockingham Mall in Salem, which opened at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, to get a head start on the shopping action. And based on the amount of bags shoppers have been leaving with it seems they are getting what they came here for.

“I look at people and they’re not looking left or right. They know where they want to go,” said shopper Jack Bove.

It’s a mission these shoppers are eager to accomplish. And getting an early start appears to be adding to their enthusiasm.

>> Black Friday 2018: Shoppers gear up after major Thanksgiving sales

"The clothes, all the gifts we bought -- the taxes just save you so much, you can’t beat the prices. My mother is amazed by the prices,” said shopper Eileen Kealos.

Kealos’ mom, who’s from New York, can’t believe the tax-free shopping deals to be had in the state of New Hampshire -- or that shopping is even an option here on Thanksgiving day.

“It’s strange to be shopping on Thanksgiving, very strange,” said Margaret Gunkel.

>> Black Friday 2018: What time do Macy's, Walmart, Best Buy and other stores open?

But it's also thrilling for these early birds who had no problem snapping into shopping mode after finishing their Thanksgiving bird.

“Some lady just bought 25 laptops over there, so there must be some good deals to be had,” said Brian Mcsweeney.

From electronics to clothing, to everything in between.

And despite a growing shift over the years favoring online, The Mall at Rockingham Park’s general manager, Cindy Hall, is expecting another year of steady crowds and plentiful purchases – in person.

"The experience here at retail, at point of sale, it’s very tactile. The customer is looking to put their hands on the product, try things on and experience them,” Hall said.

>> Black Friday 2018: 7 tips to help you get the best deals

Most of the stores at the mall will still be open for another few hours, until 1 a.m, but the mall itself will remain open all morning and through tomorrow, and so will a few of the big department stores.

Several stores in Massachusetts, including JC Penny and Kmart, open at midnight to kick off Black Friday.

>> Thanksgiving & Black Friday shopping hours in Mass., NH 2018

Cox Media Group