With tough economic times, retailers are launching sales early before Black Friday to entice shoppers into the stores. Kmart shoppers are opting for the layaway plan.

It's $5 and apparently it's more popular than ever here with an increase of 50 percent this year, according to Kmart manager, Chuck Winslow. "You put it on layaway and put 10 percent of the total down. So, on a $200 dollar purchase, you put $20 down. Then, there are payments every 2 weeks,” said Winslow.

Mother of three, Jeri Keith is taking advantage of the pay-as-you-go option. "We have until January to pay for our things. It's easier. We have more paychecks to pay for it." Like many shoppers, Keith is trying to be a budget-conscious buyer without going broke.

One of the rooms inside Kmart is a place where layaway merchandise is stored. It's 1800 square feet it’s packed from top to bottom. There are three more warehouses like that one in the store. Winslow believes the amount of merchandise, put on hold, will double in the next few weeks.

At Best Buy, shoppers are promised the best deal in town. "Our sales are going to go through January. We’re going to keep the holiday momentum going," said Scott Bishop with Best Buy.

Another way to save is to shop on-line and compare prices before going to the store.

Also, there are liquidation sales going on at Circuit City and Linens ‘N Things in Colorado Springs.