Holiday shopping underway Thanksgiving night

Thanksgiving dinner ended early for many who wanted to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Many malls and stores across the area opened their doors again on Thanksgiving Day.

Customers started lining up outside the Toys R Us store in Cherry Hill 2 hours before it's 5pm opening.

"We go shopping on Thanksgiving. And the guys watch football and then tomorrow we have dinner together" said Rachel Britt of Audubon.

Most in line were waiting for the "must have" holiday toy. "Hatchimals" toys are in high demand. Toys R Us only had 10 in stock.

Shoppers were navigating shopping carts through the aisles and crowds of frenzied shoppers were armed with their lists in hand.

"I really don't have a strategy, I actually came fora car they'd didn't have so I'm just grabbing some other things while I'm here. I'm just trying to get out of here" said Alyssa Schacker of Southampton.

Over at Cherry Hill Mall the doors opened at 6pm By 10pm the mall was packed with shoppers. But many retailers are bucking the recent Thanksgiving Day trend by staying closed for the holiday. Last year 93 stores at the mall were open on Thanksgiving. This year it's only 88.

"I think maybe some retailers are looking at it as more let's keep the tradition of opening on Black Friday and maybe give their employees some extra time with families" said Lisa Wolstromer senior marketing manager for Cherry Hill Mall.

Shopping on the Thanksgiving is not just about getting the deals. For some, it's the start of a new holiday tradition.

"It's about getting out stretching our legs. People watching, Maybe catching a deal" said Julie Bennetsen of Haddon Township.

Most area malls will begin extended holiday shopping hours. Many open Black Friday at 6AM.