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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Twitchy Retail Braces for Black Season

'Black Friday' starts days early and continues throughout season

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(Newser) – For years, retailers across America have dubbed today Black Friday, when shoppers descend like locusts on cut-price merchandise to signal the start of the holiday season. But as the New York Times reports, stores have been slashing prices for weeks now, often with little effect. From toys to electronics to luxury fashion, retailers are preparing for the worst season in memory.

At the Saks department store in New York, a $995 Marc Jacobs bag can be had for $248, while Wal-Mart will sell you a jumbo flat-screen TV for under $400. Executives say that the discounting is likely to continue for months, as gluts in inventory force retailers to offer further "doorbusters" to bring in buyers. Discounter TJ Maxx has summed up the sector's gloom with its new slogan: "Every day is Black Friday."

Cashier Beth Boisvert rings up towels and bedding for a customer during early morning shopping on Black Friday at Kohl's in Miramar, Fla. Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.
Cashier Beth Boisvert rings up towels and bedding for a customer during early morning shopping on Black Friday at Kohl's in Miramar, Fla. Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Shoppers wait for the opening of a Best Buy store for Black Friday deals early Friday morning Nov. 28, 2008 near Batavia, Ohio.
Shoppers wait for the opening of a Best Buy store for Black Friday deals early Friday morning Nov. 28, 2008 near Batavia, Ohio.   (AP Photo/David Kohl)
Bargain hunters looking for good buys during early morning
Bargain hunters looking for good buys during early morning "Black Friday" shopping flood into the Target in Aurora, Ohio on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
Vincent McLeese, 17, left, of Falls Church, Va., and Lisa Moore, 23, of Falls Church, Va., look at coupons for deals in the early morning line at Best Buy in Vienna, Va. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.
Vincent McLeese, 17, left, of Falls Church, Va., and Lisa Moore, 23, of Falls Church, Va., look at coupons for deals in the early morning line at Best Buy in Vienna, Va. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Early bird shoppers run into a Target store in Aurora, Ohio looking for bargains at the beginning of
Early bird shoppers run into a Target store in Aurora, Ohio looking for bargains at the beginning of "Black Friday" shopping early Friday, Nov. 28, 2008.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
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Greengift
Dec 1, 08 11:59 AM CST
Have A Green black friday ** TickleMe Plant - It Moves ** A great green low cost gift that will make everyone smile is to grow a TickleMe Plant and watch it MOVE when Tickled! The leaves quickly fold and even the branches droop when tickled. I found this to be a great stress reliever in my office and what a conversation piece!. You may have seen the TickleMe Plant in the botanical gardens.. Now it can be grown indoors year round. No green thumb needed. I found it on line at http://www.ticklemeplant.com Reply
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Shannonals
Dec 3, 08 3:53 PM CST
Deals weren't as good as they have been in the past Reply
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Stores report 2007-like traffic
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