DENVER -- More than a week before Black Friday, retailers began offering deep discounts and incentives to lure in shoppers early.

“There’s definitely different sales than in years past,” said Jennifer Mauricio, as she shopped at the Kohl’s store in Parker. Kohl’s extended it’s hours Wednesday and was open until midnight.

“Shoppers will be delighted by the unbelievable prices we’re extending earlier and longer throughout the season,” said Kevin Mansell, president and CEO for Kohl’s Department stores.

Mansell made the comment in a recent news release from the company.

A weekend advertisement from Sears read, “Black Friday Prices Now,” and featured discounted electronics on the front page.

“The good news is shoppers will be presented with a myriad of discounts and value-priced goods,” said Chris Howes, president of the Colorado Retail Council.

Howes said following the dismal performance of the stock markets over the past two months, retailers are going to great lengths to attract shoppers.

“In light of the recent nationwide financial crisis, we believe (holiday sales) growth here in Colorado will be pretty modest – somewhere between one and two percent,” Howes said, and added Colorado has tended to do better than the rest of the country over the last decade.

“We have inventory all over the place,” said Melissa VanKempen, a supervisor at a Denver Best Buy store.

VanKempen said her store is reaching out to shoppers early with in-store sales and inventory that tends to run scarce during the holidays.

“We have them now, we have lots,” VanKempen said leaning on a stack of Rock Band video games and Wii game systems.

A spokesman for Best Buy declined to comment on specific sales not available until Black Friday. Rumors of the door-buster deals have circulated the internet.

Corporate marking managers from Kohl’s Department Stores said in a news release the company is beefing up promotional efforts catering to consumers who want to maximize budgets.

“We believe the holidays don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful, and this philosophy has never been more relevant given the economic downturn,” said Julie Gardner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Kohl’s.

Shopper Jim Schwendt said he’s noticed Christmas has come early.

“Everything’s rushed a little, but the economy is not in good shape; so they’re doing what they have to do I guess,” Schwendt said.