Bad Economy, Dangerous Holiday Shopping

Best Buy has been handing out Black Friday tickets for years and that -- combined with the practice of store employees standing outside offering guidance to customers early on -- has helped cut down on the morning shopping rush. Best Buy also stages Black Friday "dress rehearsals" so less-experienced employees are prepared for the big day.

"We've prided ourselves on being very proactive in terms of trying to reduce risks during this time," Best Buy spokesman Brian Lucas said. "It's more of an art than a science."