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Black Friday Getting Longer

Stores open earlier to boost profits, attract headlines

By John Lister, Newser User

Posted Nov 22, 2007 8:08 PM CST

(Newser) – Stores will open earlier than ever on Black Friday, with midnight openings becoming more common, the AP reports. Wal-Mart, in fact, began its sales today. "You sell two sweaters and you've broken even,” said one analyst. But Gap chief Glenn Murphy will be out with the hordes, then crunching numbers. “There is a point from an industry perspective where you get diminishing returns.”

Even if the numbers are lackluster, stores get invaluable publicity, the AP notes. The Gap is one of many retailers that will open at midnight. Target, meanwhile, opens at 6, Circuit City and Best Buy at 5, and JC Penneys at 4. Economists will be keeping an eye on sales to gauge consumer confidence.

Book buyers start their holiday shopping at the Union Square Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007 in New York. The nation's retailers are bracing for an influx of shoppers on Black Friday. Barnes... (Associated Press)

Customers queue in front an electronic store in this file photo. Similar scenes will be playing out tomorrow morning across the country. (Getty Images)

Shopers pay for toys at a Toys "R" Us store. Lines will be jam-packed tomorrow. (Getty Images)

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Black Friday Getting Longer

Stores open earlier to boost profits, attract headlines

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Cargo Drop-off a Sign of Slow Economy

Observers stunned as port imports fall after years of growth

JC Penney's New Plan: an End to All Those Sales

...because every day will be a sale!

Harrods Now Selling Gold Bars

London emporium offers bullion to luxe-loving shoppers

Supermarkets Downsize to Speed Up Shopping

'Express' outlets cut back on miles of aisles for rushed shoppers

'Retail Renting' or Stealing? Stores Crack Down

Shoppers who repeatedly buy and return merchandise face tougher policies

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Black Friday Getting Longer

Stores open earlier to boost profits, attract headlines

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

shopping • JCPenney • business • US economy • chain stores • The Gap • department stores

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Cargo Drop-off a Sign of Slow Economy

Observers stunned as port imports fall after years of growth

JC Penney's New Plan: an End to All Those Sales

...because every day will be a sale!

Harrods Now Selling Gold Bars

London emporium offers bullion to luxe-loving shoppers

Supermarkets Downsize to Speed Up Shopping

'Express' outlets cut back on miles of aisles for rushed shoppers

'Retail Renting' or Stealing? Stores Crack Down

Shoppers who repeatedly buy and return merchandise face tougher policies

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?