NEWINGTON, Conn. -- Shoppers around the state began lining up at stores Thursday night, hoping to be among the first to catch big deals in the early hours of Black Friday.

Tara Rolocut, of Tolland, was among those braving the crisp Thanksgiving air outside Toys R Us in Manchester for a Zhu Zhu Pet for her daughter.

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The Manchester Toys R Us had to delay it scheduled midnight opening for about 55 minutes because police had to be called to manage the line, which disintegrated when shoppers rushed the doors at midnight.

“They’re only $10, but there are limited quantities, and it’s a first-come-first-serve basis,” she said.

The store’s doors open at midnight.

The store was also offering early shoppers who purchase an I-Pod touch before 1 a.m., a $50 gift card.

Some stores rolled out the Black Friday sales early . Old Navy in West Hartford opened at noon on Thanksgiving Day.

“We had 150 to 179 people outside,” said Old Navy manager Arick Narvez. “I was surprised since it’s our first time on Thanksgiving; definitely better than expected.”

Shoppers also gathered in sleeping bags outside West Hartford’s Best Buy. The store opened at 5 a.m.

“We want a laptop -- $400, normally $700, so we’re saving $300 for staying here,” said Anupam Ojha.

Shopping center parking lots across the state were packed Friday morning, and a traffic jam was reported on Interstate 95 near outlet stores in Westbrook.