Sales Rise Even Though Shoppers Spend Less

Shifts start at 11pm on Thanksgiving, to employees' dismay

(NEWSER) - If you rolled your eyes at the news that some stores are opening at midnight on Black Friday, imagine how the employees of those stores feel. Target parking attendant Anthony Hardwick says that for his Black Friday shift—which starts at 11pm on Thursday—he’ll “have to go to bed in the early afternoon on Thanksgiving to go in and work 10 hours." So he started a Change.org petition asking Target to “save Thanksgiving” by opening at 5am instead. More»

Target, Macy's kicking off holiday shopping season earlier than ever

(NEWSER) - This year's Black Friday probably won't be the most lucrative for big American retailers—but for some, it will be the longest. For the first time, Macy's and Target are planning to open their doors and kick off the holiday shopping season at midnight on Thanksgiving night, where local laws allow. Macy's usually opens its door at 4am on Black Friday and other retailers are expected to nudge their hours up in response. More»

Netbooks, e-books and other bad deals

(NEWSER) - Step away from the gizmos. Even if you make it through the Black Friday crowds unharmed, you may do serious damage to your wallet, writes Farhad Manjoo in Slate , who runs down what to buy and bypass at the big box store: Don't Buy:

• E-book readers: The market is heating up, but don't get burned. At $259 for the Nook and Kindle, these babies are still a risky—and expensive—choice for most. Plus, Apple's rumored iTablet could shake up the market.

Consumers shrug off unemployment, pessimism, and spend

(NEWSER) - Holiday shoppers put their economic fears on layaway on Friday, and instead bought and charged their way to a record huge Black Friday, reports Bloomberg . With $11.4 billion spent at retail stores and malls on Friday, spending was up 6.6% from last year, the biggest one-year gain since 2007. “A solid Black Friday suggests the rest of the season should be pretty good,” said one retail expert. “Those who have jobs have been willing to spend.” More»

Analysts say earlier hours could become the norm

(NEWSER) - Despite outcry and even protests beforehand, it appears the strategy of opening as early as 10pm Thursday night worked for Black Friday retailers, meaning “ Black Midnight ” or even “ Black Thursday ” will likely become the norm. The Los Angeles Times reports that Toys R Us, Sears, and Target all reported longer lines than usual, and at least one mall also experienced significantly better traffic. Early estimates show sales increased 10% to 14%, the AP reports, and retail analysts agree sales are likely up from last year. “After seeing what I saw last night I can't imagine that this is going to be a one year only shot,” says one. More»