The biggest shopping day of the year is right around the corner, which means plenty of serious bargain-hunters have already thought about their plan of attack. We took a look at some of the local businesses providing support for the Black Friday crowds, and drumming up some extra holiday revenue of their own.

An espresso machine; It's the sound many avid shoppers need to hear before they step in line, on the day that signs like these light up earlier than ever. That's why the Fast Perk Coffee Hut will open Friday at 4 a.m., to help caffeinate Black Friday's most serious customers.

"Last year there was a big line of customers when I got here,” said employee Dina Smith. “So, I'm thinking it'll probably be pretty busy."

Fast Perk is offering patrons a few perks of their own, like the half-price "Black Friday drink”, plus discounts on gift certificates for coffee hut drinks and car washes. But let's face it, what people really need at 4 a.m. is an extra shot of espresso.

"I know that some of our family don't go to bed so that they can get up and get to the stores when they need to,” said Smith. “So, I'm sure those kind of people will need coffee and they might want to get gift certificates to give as stocking stuffers out of the way."

Another service early shoppers may need is someone to watch the kids while they battle the crowds. That's why River City Kids Drop-in Childcare is opening at 3:30 a.m.

"We'll have about 5 or 6 ladies on staff, so if we get slammed, we'll be able to handle it," said owner Diana Sundles.

The service is truly drop-in- no reservations required- so the kids can play while their parents wait in line to snag the best Christmas presents at the best prices.

"Some parents have a more tolerance and patience than others,” Sundles explained. “And some parents have more children than others, which is more of a workload."

So, thanks to these local businesses and others like them, early birds can stay alert and focused on getting that great deal Friday morning.

Fast perk coffee hut is located next to the Fast Car Wash on Smelter Avenue in Great Falls. River City Kids is located in the 2J's Shopping Center.

NewsChannel 5 will have complete coverage of Black Friday shopping at 5, 6 and 10.