• Target Visual Merchandiser Angela Kiebler brainstorming for the holiday display

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Stores across the state of Michigan are preparing for the biggest holiday of the year Black Friday.

Target in Okemos, Michigan is starting Black Friday a little earlier this year with “10 Days of Deals” available from November 22nd through December 1st in store and online at Target.com.

“For many of our guests, Black Friday is a family tradition; the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season,” says Tina Tyler, Target’s Chief Stores Officer.

“Target is offering a wide variety of fantastic deals before, during and after Black Friday. So whether guests shop our stores, joining in the excitement of the rush for doorbusters, or shop online, snuggled in the comfort of their homes, they’ll find lots of exciting deals on the season’s must-have products.”

Target’s doors will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, with extended store hours through 11 p.m. or midnight on Friday.

“Our team members have put so much effort and energy into making this an unforgettable season, and we can’t wait to kick things off with our Black Friday plans,” says Angela Kiebler, Target’s Visual Merchandiser.

Even though stores like Target are opening early this year, some shoppers may not even attempt to visit a store.

Michigan State University’s Professor of Retail, Patricia Huddleston states, ”This year consumers are starting to turn to online sales as more retailers offer similar and better deals on the Internet.”

This year experts are predicting an 8 percent decrease in actual foot traffic in the store and they are predicting a 16 percent increase in online sales.