So it begins.
The annual arms-race of stores opening early on Thanksgiving ahead of the Black Friday shopping rush is on after Target announced on Thursday they would be opening their stores one hour earlier this year at 5 p.m. The store plans on closing at 1 a.m. and then re-open at 7 a.m. for the full Black Friday event.
Last year, Target opened their doors to deal-hungry shoppers at 6 p.m.
“We know many of our guests look forward to our Black Friday deals every year, and today, they can start shopping and save big on some of the hottest items of the season,” said Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “Combined with the unmatched easy ways to shop with us – including new mobile technology that allows guests to skip the line for an even more convenient checkout – we’re confident guests will save time and money, and experience the joy of the season by choosing Target.”
The 'skip the line' technology Tritton refers to is a new mobile checkout option that will be made available to rushed shoppers. Target employees will be equipped with handheld devices to help scan items for shoppers and speed up their transactions anywhere in the store. The company said they expect to use the service for the larger, bulkier items, such as electronics. Walmart announced a similar program earlier this week.
Kohl's and Macy's also announced their plans to open their doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year, the same time they did in 2017.
On the other hand, some stores have elected to stay closed on Thanksgiving, allowing their employees spend the holiday with their families, right up until they have to face the hordes of shoppers Friday morning.
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