MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Many stores are already preparing for the busiest shopping day of the year, better known as Black Friday.

According to retail expert, Patricia Huddleston, there is a segment of consumers that are crazy for Black Friday because they like to get deals.

“There is a group of consumers that we call the hunter, and they love to get a bargain," said Huddleston. "And if they get a bargain they feel like it is a trophy, and they can tell all their friends about it and brag."

Huddleston also said that a lot of consumers are affected by the economy. So to have a better holiday for their family, they must take advantage of the door buster sales.

According to Executive Team Leader of the East Lansing Target, Erica Johnson, her store is making sure they have all the best employees in place, and team members are comfortable with working these crazy Black Friday hours.

Stores are continuing to open earlier and earlier each year, and Target decided that they will open at 8pm Thanksgiving night instead of 9pm.

“The 9pm was so successful, we had a great present from families, making it a part of their family tradition," said Johnson. "I think 1 hour earlier is just going to help us stay competitive and obviously give the guest what they want. They want to make it a part of their thanksgiving traditions and its easier for them to come out at that time, then lets say midnight.”

Johnson said she has a really good feeling about what difference the extra hour is going to make.

A Facebook group was started to protest Thanksgiving day shopping.

With more than 38,000 likes, these protesters believe that Thanksgiving is meant to be spent with family.

And one Facebook user commented “No shopping on Thanksgiving, take the time to be with the one you love.”