can't come soon enough. our own rehema ellis is out in it for us tonight, here in new york. rehema, everybody is watching this day for indicators on the economy. >> reporter: they absolutely are, brian. good evening to you. and the frenzied atmosphere in the stores today is yet another sign that people are spending more this year, and retailers hope that will add up to a better season for them. as the shopping season began, someone naughty instead of nice. the bargain hunters came out earlier than ever, looking for the door buster sales and deep discounts. >> 50% off, can't miss that. >> i'm hear for the savings. sometimes you end up buying more than what you need. >> reporter: in minnesota, best buy handed out snuggies to shoppers huddled in the dark. in pursuit of a good deal. >> can't afford it without the discount. >> reporter: nationwide, analysts expect 138 million shoppers will hit the stores during the black friday weekend, up 3% from last year. >> everybody is in a great,