DH works for a retailer that I think does a wonderful job of stopping the frenzy on Black Friday. An employee dares to emerge from the store about 1/2 hour before they are scheduled to open. He starts with the first person in line and asks what they are there for. He gives them a certificate for that item and moves to person #2. There is no reason for a stampede because if you have the certificate, you will get the item(s) that you want. I know that's not realistic for a lot of retailers, but for those who have limited "hot" items, it's a great idea IMHO.