FLORIDA - The economic slump is expected to slow down holiday spending this year.

The National Retail Federation says fifty-five percent of shoppers splan to spend less than last year.

But, that still leaves 128-million people who will venture out to shop during the long Thanksgiving weekend.

That's down more than five percent from the turnout a year ago.

But retail experts say the sour consumer mood lately... Has all but guaranteed big sales during December.

As Black Friday approaches, local stores know the odds are against them.

This year they're not only competing against the retail giants of the world... But also the tough economy.

Grace what are they planning to get shoppers in the door?

I went to three locally owned stores....

While one is offering discounts lower than ever...

The others hope opening early or an online campaign will bring people in off the street and into their stores.

Grace White, Reporter: "Are you going to shop this week?" Patty Bowers, Shopper: "No." Grace White, Reporter: "why not?" Patty Bowers, Shopper: "Money is tight this year."

grace, reporter: "Do you plan to shop this week?" Allan Brown, Shopper: "ugh, not really."

It's an atitude local retailers know they're up against...

Allan Brown, Shopper: "More important to save at this point with the economy the way it is."

Patrick Anderson, Miles Furniture: "It has been a little slow."

So, they're slashing prices and advertising big sales.

Grace, Reporter: "So, this whole store everything we see 50% off.?" Patrick Anderson, Miles Furniture: "And some even more."

This local furniture store usually offers Thanksgiving week deals only on Black Friday...But this year it's all week long.

Patrick Anderson, Miles Furniture: "There certainly has been some unsettling news about the economy but if your shopping for furniture it's a great time (opt. cut) you can get an outstanding value that wouldn't normally be available."

Wes Dannreuther, Comfort Zone: "We are going to open up early on Black Friday, normally we open at ten we are going to open a little before 8am."

Stores are posting discounts and offering special incentives to early bird shoppers.

Wes Dannreuther, Comfort Zone: "This is the kinda thing that keeps our economy going, people going out to eat and doing their normal thing holiday routine."

This local spa is even catering to economic woes...They're offering a 'Recession Concession' online.

Mary Anne Aanestad, Stillwaters Medical Spa: "Some of them are really targeted to stress relief because with the economy some people are really really stresed out and we've put some special pricing on it."

But even with all the special deals...Some consumers say they aren't budging.

Allan Brown, Shopper: "So, you aren't doing any early holiday shopping this week?" Allan Brown, Shopper: No, we are pinching really hard."

The top two reasons people are spending less are no suprise.

The economy...And having less money.

Shopping on Black Friday can take some planning...

If you want to get a gameplan together before you set out Friday morning...

You can go to blackfriday-dot-com.

They track all the sale ads store by store.

Or go to our website and click on Newslinks.Small Business and Slumping Economy