Thanksgiving day started the annual holiday shopping season in the United States, and many bargain hunters are on the rush.

Shoppers at Macy’s department store in midtown Manhattan took advantage of a pre-Black Friday sales event on Thanksgiving, as the store opened promptly at 5 p.m. Thursday. Shoppers quickly swarmed in as employees greeted them with cheers and applause.

Across the Hudson River, in Deptford, New Jersey, shoppers lined up outside electronics giant Best Buy, waiting to be the first to enter when it opened for business Thursday evening. Analysts say they are anticipating strong shopping during the holiday season.

“Black Friday is going to be the best time to buy all things technology. From large ones like televisions, to small washers and dryers,” said Ana Smith, Spokesperson.

“Looking historically, those items are very well reduced prices, and very competitive prices compared to any other time of the year. Customers would also buy gifts as apparel as well as gift cards. Consumers even mentioned to us gift cards are their No.1 item they would prefer to get.”