ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Black Friday is officially underway.

Bargain hunters lined up early for a chance to snag some of the best Black Friday sales. With a looming recession, retailers and shoppers alike, are hoping deep discounts will bring the best out of this holiday season.

ABC 7 News was live in Arlington as crowds of shoppers gathered outside of the Best Buy store, ready to shop hard and smart.

"I'm looking for the nicest cheapest things I can get," said Sharon Smith, shopper.

Best Buy stores around the country opened at 5 a.m. with deals including a $999.99 Samsung 46-inch flat-panel TVs, a savings of $700; and Sony laptops for $479.97, a savings of $180.

A number of stores, including Kmart and Old Navy locations, opened a 5 a.m. on Thanksgiving, hoping the extended hours and price cuts were enough to lure in swarms of holiday shoppers.

But as the country pushes through a recession, retailers may not have enough supply to meet the demand for inventory. Many stores are offering limited stock and more practical goods that reflect the rough economic times.

With unemployment at 10.2 percent and consumers still struggling with tight credit, many analysts expect total holiday sales to be about even from a year ago.

Optimism was rising in early fall as shoppers came to life, but stores have seen a sales slowdown since right after Halloween, putting merchants more on edge.

"The retailer has really taken their inventory down because the customer hasn't been out there shopping that much," said Lori Wachs, Delaware Investments. "So as they kick off the holiday season it's very important that the customer buys it early at these deals or the merchandise might not be left as we get further into the season."

More than 100 million Americans are expected to shop this holiday weekend, all looking for door buster savings. Retailers are hoping for the best, offering deep discounts on everything from toys to TVs.

"Here to get a good deal on a computer. Hopefully I get lucky," said Michael Phelps, shopper.

In our area, Tyson's Corner, Potomac Mills and Leesburg Outlets in Virginia opened at midnight. Prince George's mall opened at 5 a.m., Westfield Montgomery Mall opens at 7 a.m., and the Shops At Georgetown opens at 10 a.m.

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