INDIANAPOLIS -- While serious shoppers are already gearing up for Black Friday, a leading Indiana economist said they just might be surprised at the deals they can get.

Michael Hicks, director of Ball State University's Center For Economic Research, said there will be strong discounts on clothing, consumer electronics and gift items for adults.

"You're going to see really deep discounts, almost post-Christmas discounts, that you wouldn't have seen in previous years," he told 6News' Renee Jameson.

At JCPenney in Greenwood, where 100 seasonal associates have been hired in anticipation of the holiday shopping season, store managers said the discounts will be substantial.

"We know that there is less disposable income this year, and we've got some really great values," said store manager Karen Willis.

Target will also be offering deep discounts to lure Black Friday shoppers, including up to 50 percent on key holiday items.

"It's different toys around the store, different domestics that are around the store, like home goods," said Sarah Condon, a manager at the Southport Target. "Obviously, you will find some really great deals over in electronics."

Many stores are also opening early this year. JCPenney will welcome shoppers at 4 a.m., while Target will move up its opening from 6 to 5 a.m. that day.