WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Black Friday bargains began just a few hours after residents finished their Thanksgiving dinners, including a store at the Westfarms Mall that opened at midnight.

Shannon Bakaysa was among those sifting through the items at The Disney Store at the West Hartford mall.

“It’s good to come, get the sales first thing in the morning,” she said.

Shopping for the little girls on her list, she said anything involving princesses is a must-have this year.

“I'm doing good in here,” Bakaysa said. “I wanted to get her a teapot for $8, and my son and my nephew, we come here every year. It's an additional 20 percent off the whole store until noon.”

JCPenney, Kohl’s and The Camera Store were also offering doorbuster deals on Black Friday.

But this year, retailers predicted shoppers would slow their spending.

“You know, people aren’t buying as much as they normally do,” said Meriden resident Ashley DeVito, who joined her mother in taking advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free deals. “I got six sweaters. I wouldn't normally buy all these things"

But there’s also a silver lining. Some residents and retailers said falling gas prices are giving people more disposable income, which can be used for shopping.

Do you want to make life easier this holiday season? Check out our Special Holiday Section for tips and hints on how to get a handle on the hustle and bustle of the holidays.