Black Friday got off to the earliest start ever with many stores opening during Thursday’s U.S. Thanksgiving.  Stores typically open in the early morning hours on the day after Thanksgiving known as Black Friday, because it’s traditionally when retailers turn a profit and go into the black.

Macy’s and Best Buy are among the retailers that opened their doors at midnight.  In New York City, about 11,000 shoppers were in lines wrapped around Macy’s flagship store as it opened.  Canadian retailers continue to try and get into the action by offering sale prices and extended hours on Black Friday in an effort to keep shoppers on this side of the border.  But many Canadians joined American shoppers in Buffalo, New York, saying you can’t beat the bargains.

New Canada Customs rules allow Canadians to bring back $200 worth of goods without paying duty, for a visit to the U.S. between 24 and 48 hours in length. Previously, the limit was $50.