With the Thanksgiving holiday tradition comes the other tradition of shopping and Austin is as good a place as any.

Many of Austin’s big stores will be open Friday with some big sales for you eager Christmas shoppers. Walmart will have online sales starting Wednesday at 10 p.m. with the store opening at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Runnings, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics and Marshalls will all be closed Thanksgiving day, but will open Friday morning with all of their respective sales. Runnings will open with its door buster savings on Friday at 5 p.m., but those will last only until noon.

Marshall’s will be opening their doors at 7 a.m., Hobby Lobby will open at 8 a.m. and JoAnne Fabrics will open at 6 a.m.

The list of stores opening with blockbuster sales could go on forever, but Austin businesses are requesting you turn your eyes inward this holiday season.

“We all have to make plans what we’re going to do and what we’re going to spend, but is there somewhere in town we can that item?” said Austin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elaine Hansen. “What I have found is that I’ve worked more in the business community and our local retail community recently. I didn’t realize that’ this store carried this or this.’”

The shopping could especially be good this year given the current economic climate and the uptake in businesses.

“I think it’s very exciting to see all of not just the new businesses, but the stronger overall retail community we have,” Hansen said. “Starting in Austin is a great place to start their shopping.”

Hansen also reminds people that shopping local not only supports local businesses, but has overreaching affects as well.

“One of the biggest things is that when you shop locally, yes you’re helping that local business owner, but you’re spreading it more,” Hansen said. “Their employees have money to buy gas, their food, their shopping. It turns around and comes back.”