MADISON, Wis. -- There was no lack of shoppers at many stores in Madison Friday waiting in lines and looking for deals to make the holiday season more affordable this year.

Retailers said they're hoping turnout at this year's Black Friday sales will boost sales figures for the year. But it's not only chain stores that are seeing an uptick in shoppers. Thrift stores have also seen a boost over the last few months, and some are turning to them for holiday needs.

When the doors opened Friday morning at Circuit City, many shoppers were looking for big deals on high-definition TVs and other electronics.

Gary Friske, of Blue Mounds, parked two lots away from Circuit City and spent 30 minutes looking at monitors. But he said his Black Friday trip could all be worth it for one purchase.

"(I'm looking for) a TV. I got the game sets for the kids over at Menards, and now I'm out for a present for myself, and that's a TV," Friske said.

Many shoppers reported lines at all the major chain stores they visited this morning, especially at toy stores.

"I came here for a Wii dance pad for our 'Dance Dance Revolution,' but they were out," said shopper Julie Trinkner, of Madison. "I was at Toys R Us this morning and waited about 45 minutes in line swirling around, and I was at Shopko and they were also out -- all their door busters were gone."

But some families said they might cut back on the amount they're spending on gifts for adults.

"We just felt we had to go out during these five hour sales to get the things otherwise there's no way we could afford them," said Joy Rosenberry Chase, of Eastpointe, Mich.

Rosenberry Chase said she's headed to thrift stores for some of her other shopping, and she's not alone.

"Not with the economy the way it is, and I think you can find great things at thrift stores," said Anna Lorenz, of Monona.

"Just over the last two or three months it's increased -- the people who are regular customers (are) shopping more, and just new customers who are looking for a good deal," said Judy Purcell, retail manager of the HospiceCare Thrift Store.

Business is up at the store by 15 percent, a place where shoppers can find a unique holiday gift.

"There are some toys here, antique toys that I bought for the kids, and they're wonderful for gifts," said Nancy Remley, of Evansville. "We'd rather get antique toys than something from the store."

For Friske, it won't be Christmas without a TV, but he said he's not sure the crowds he was battling with are buying one.

"Everybody is kind of watching things, but there's still a lot of people out. If they're spending money, I don't know, but there are a lot of people around," Friske said.

Monday spent at thrift or secondhand stories in the area can go to a good cause. All the proceeds from the HospiceCare Thrift store go to help terminally ill patients and their families.