Just hours before sales start in the United States for Black Friday; retailers in our region are offering their own bargains to keep shoppers local.

On Thursday, Tim Webber was taking advantage of what some retailers are calling ‘Grey Thursday’ – the first round of sales before prices drop even more for Black Friday.

“I was surprised at how good the deals are. I wasn’t expecting to see the percentage of savings that I’ve seen today so I’ve been happy.”

The Source is one of several Canadian retailers offering sales starting on Thursday.

“Black Friday is good, Black Thursday is even better. It gives people more of an opportunity to take advantage. It’s really a response to what consumers are looking for,” says Ron Craig, V.P. of Marketing for The Source.

Craig says Canadian stores joined in on Black Friday years ago when consumers were heading south of the border but it has quickly become part of our culture too.

According to a new Canadian study, more than 60% of Canadian’s plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals in Canada and stores are ready for them.

“It started a few years ago but it’s really exploded. This year we’re expecting Black Friday will even exceed what we see on Boxing Day, it’s become a phenomena,” adds Craig.

At Georgian Mall, sale signs are everywhere but there weren’t crowds on Thursday.

“I am actually quite surprised because I was expecting it to be packed and it’s quiet. They’re giving everyone Friday deals on Thursday but it’s a great deal to be here,” said one shopper.

Retail experts say Canadian companies know they have to compete with the Americans and they have to compete online too.

“The percentage of people who comparison shop online, Google tells us it’s huge…it outstandingly high,” says Michael LeBlanc, Senior Vice-President, Digital Retail, Retail Council of Canada.

Retailers who did start sales on Thursday told CTV News the deals will be even better on Friday.