Though holiday decorations start appearing right after Halloween, veteran shoppers know that the real start to the holiday season is Black Friday. 

The Malls at Chestnut Hill and the Atrium Mall will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow with Macy's opening its doors at 4 a.m. and staying open until 11 p.m.

While the toughest consumers will be lined up outside malls and department stores before the sun is up tomorrow, smaller shops will be welcoming customers with their own bargains and sales.

"Black Friday is more of a department store and chain store phenomenon," states Jani Margolin of Staccato in Newton Highlands. "Boutiques are just not caught up in it all."

Catering to a clientele seeking a calmer shopping experience, Staccato and its neighboring shops Village Kids and Anthony Andrew Jewelers will be open regular business hours on Friday.

Shops in Newton Centre are highlighting seasonal merchandise, according to several employees.

"We have a large selection of really beautiful menorahs," says Jennifer Purves of Jubilation. "We're also putting out all of our Christmas ornaments and decorations."

Betsy Jenney, which also has a shop on Newbury Street in Boston, is running an ongoing promotion on Yansi Fugel coats, according the manager the Newton Centre store (who did not wish to give her name).

Owner Rachel Sciaba of Duchess is very excited to be participating in American Express's Small Business Saturday by offering 10 percent off of all cashmere including scarves and sweaters from White & Warren, LillaP and Qi.

For those seeking a more traditional Black Friday experience but not quite ready for the mall, many Needham Street shops will be offering early openings and special promotions.

Marshalls will have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as the adjacent seasonal Toys R Us Express.  Radio Shack gets the early bird award by opening its doors at 5:30 a.m .

While the nearby CVS isn't extending its hours, according to the pharmacy's news flyer there will be specials offered only on Thanksgiving itself and on the following Friday and Saturday.

Pete Schneider of Eastern Mountain Sports says that from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday everything will be 20 percent off. The store will also be offering will some door-buster specials--such as snow shoes--that will be 30 percent off.

For those looking for an energy boost before, after or during their bargain hunting, Baker's Best in Newton Highlands will be offering their brunch menu from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.