GAINESVILLE - For most people, Thanksgiving is traditionally a night to carve the turkey and enjoy the company of family. But for others, it's slowly turning into the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. 

 

Shoppers in Gainesville waited in line earlier than ever on Thanksgiving night, many of them enduring chilly temperatures, all for a chance to get the best bargains when stores opened their doors. 

 

Lines started forming early Thursday afternoon outside the Toys 'R' Us on Newberry road, which opened its doors at 8 p.m. The line at the Best Buy on Archer road stretched all the way past the adjacent PetSmart store. 

 

As more and more big box retailers begin opening their doors earlier this year, many people waiting in line said they had to rearrange their Turkey Day schedules in order to find the best deals. While some shoppers were not happy about the earlier start times, many said waiting in line on Thanksgiving night was well worth the money they saved on their purchases.