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Comments of the morning:
“How sad. I wish people would boycott this absurdity. Next year are we going to have ‘Black Wednesday’?”
- wordswords

“Let's hope it is a big Friday for shopping. The market could use the boost.”
- bdyftns

Shoppers ready for Black Friday

Despite a struggling economy, it seems Americans are still in the mood to dole out dollars to ensure a merry Christmas. According to a recent report from the National Retail Federation, an industry trade group, an estimated 152 million people will shop over Black Friday weekend, up 10% from last year. And thanks to some stores opening Thanksgiving evening, that number may be even higher.

But most CNN.com commenters said they would be skipping Black Friday for various reasons.

Fallowt was among those who were critical of stores opening on Thanksgiving and for people wasting their time camping out for bargains.

"’Black Friday’ should be called ‘slave-driver’ Friday. Retailers now won't even let their employees have that one freakin’ day to enjoy with their families. It sucks, it's wrong and it needs to stop. I can't have any respect for someone who feels that they need to camp out in front of a store for a bargain. Those actions just speak volumes about the state of our society. Laziness, materialism and just plain low-class. I hope somebody steals your damn tents while you’re busting down Best Buys’ doors.”

But SmartIrish responded, “Did you not ever care to think that these people come from low income backgrounds and they never had an amazing Christmas? So if sleeping overnight might just let them splurge enough to make this Christmas special so be it. I hope someone steals your car while you sleep in!”

Some readers said that the popularity of Black Friday is emblematic of what’s wrong in the United States.

larryking11, said, “Bargain hunting and using credit cards to pay for majority of purchases; US consumers [are] overburdened with debt and cannot stop just like the US government.”

Tihsllub said, “Living in a material world and not having the money to pay for it. Most of them will pay by card with money they don’t have. There is more to life than consumer thrills, get a life people.”

Blackrhino said, “I am boycotting Black Friday and spending time with my friends and family instead of shopping. And to those retailers opening up on Thanksgiving night ... I will not be shopping at your stores at all this holiday. You are nothing more that a bunch of greedy grinches.”

Other readers encouraged shoppers to take their business elsewhere.

joshuag5732 said, “Buy local if at all possible. Buying local is better for the economy than buying from corporations.”

psgmichigan, said, “Remember how to save this economy. Buy local, state, and country in that order. Keep the money and jobs in this country. Buying American made products will create millions of jobs if we can just have the discipline to do it. Stay strong and hold out for the USA!”

Mark Buxman said, “Small business Saturday, far better than Black Friday. Go to small rural area towns [and] shop at the local shops where most of what they have is made right there. Better quality and better use of American money.”

Mightyfudge said, “Support Small Business Saturday! Quit giving your money to big corporations (who just give it to China) and support your neighbors for a change!”

And some readers said they would be among those having to work the sales.

Krozar, who wrote that he works overnights for a large retailer, said, "All the new people were hired at minimum wage. Benefits pretty much gone. Nobody is getting F/T status. Profit sharing is gone. Leaving after the Holidays. ...”

Josiah668 said, “It's despicable that retailers force their employees to work on Thanksgiving. They should be home with their families.”

BlueMaxxx said, “I'm definitely doing my duty tonight, working and getting that double time and a half. You couldn't pay me to take tonight off. Actually, I take that last bit back.”

Do you feel your views align with these commenters' thoughts? Post a comment below, or sound off on video.

Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.