Thousands of area residents were out in force to enjoy shopping deals on Thursday night as major retails opened their stores for Black Friday deals.

Many businesses have opened their doors the day before the annual shopping day for the past few years. This year marks the earliest openings yet, as Target, Younkers, Sears and Walmart all began deals at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Some people camped out for hours to get the best deals. Jennie Esplin and her family were the first in line at the Austin Target at 3:30 p.m., where they hoped to get major deals on Christmas presents.

Esplin and her family also wanted to come to Target for sentimental reasons.

“It’s the last Black Friday at the Austin Target,” she said. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

Target announced earlier this month it would shutter the Austin store and 10 other locations on Feb. 1, 2015. The announcement prompted locals to petition online, host a community forum and gather a committee to make their case to Target representatives to keep the store open.

Yet Target was buzzing with hundreds of residents Thursday night. Jessica Ferguson was there with her brother and grandmother to buy presents for family members.

“I was in line since 4 p.m.,” she said with a laugh.

Not everyone was out and about by their choice, however. Bob Horstrom took his wife and mother to Younkers so they could shop.

“I wouldn’t be out here otherwise,” he said.

That didn’t stop Horstrom from being among hundreds of customers at Younkers, however. Store manager Randy Forster said Younkers let in more than 300 people when they opened at 6 p.m.

“The crowds were wonderful,” he said.

Many businesses are continuing their Black Friday sales throughout Friday.