Laura’s Blog

Remember that day we used to celebrate — the one where we’d join with family and friends to thank God for our many blessings, eat turkey, take naps, and watch football?

Some retailers would have us ignore that day altogether and just shop, shop, shop. Over the last few years, stores have been opening earlier and earlier for Black Friday. First it was 5 a.m. Then 4 a.m. Then midnight.

This year, rather than allowing their employees to celebrate Thanksgiving, some merchants are instituting what they call “Black Thursday.”

Kmart opens at 6 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Toys R Us opens Thursday at 9 p.m.

Walmart opens at 10 p.m. on Turkey Day.

A news release from Coupon Sherpa (ironically) asks:

Doesn’t anybody “Respect the Bird” anymore?

Are Kmart’s deals really so amazing that they have to open on Thanksgiving? I doubt that. Instead, they’re preying on American’s consumerism mentality and hoping that shopping will win out over family time. Which, unfortunately, it will for some of us.

More likely, these retailers are so desperate to turn a profit that they believe starting their “big sales” as early as possible will bring in masses of people who would otherwise shop online.

But are the “big sales” really all that big, I wonder? I’ve received so many e-mails and fliers and coupons from JCPenney during the last few weeks that I can hardly keep them all straight. Which is the best sale? And will a coupon for en even better discount arrive in the mail tomorrow? Who knows?

It’s all so confusing. It makes me just want to stay in my warm bed and sleep the day away.

But, as I am a realist, I know that Black Friday is the day many of us hate to love. With that in mind, here’s a list of 15 major merchants who will open early on Black Friday, along with a special deal each is offering.

Keep in mind that hours are subject to change and some states don’t allow stores to open on Thanksgiving Day. For a comprehensive guide to Black Friday store openings and hours, check out CouponSherpa.com.

Ace Hardware – Midnight Friday
Enter to win a Craftsman 5-drawer Tool Center.

A.C. Moore – 5 a.m. Friday
Free $10 gift card to the first 50 customers.

Bealls – Midnight Friday
First 100 customers per store have a chance to win an iPad2, $250 gift card or $5 Bealls Bucks.

Best Buy – Midnight Friday
Best Buy will distribute entry tickets up to two hours before midnight.

Half Price Books – 7 a.m. Friday
First 100 people per store receive a tote bag and $5 gift card.

JCPenney – 4 a.m. Friday
Free collectible Disney snow globe, while supplies last.

Kmart – 6 a.m. Thanksgiving
Earn 20 bonus points for every $1 spent (twice the normal amount).

Macy’s – 4 a.m. Friday
Shop online all day Thanksgiving.

Office Max – 6 a.m. Friday
Save $15 on a $100 VISA or MasterCard gift card.

Kohl’s – Midnight Friday
Receive $15 Kohl’s cash for every $50 you spend, through Nov. 27, with coupon from Black Friday flier.

Old Navy – 9 a.m. Thanksgiving and midnight Friday
Free Kodak Easyshare Sport waterproof digital camera bundle with $40 purchase (while supplies last).

Rite Aid – 7 a.m. Thanksgiving (at select stores) through 11:59 p.m. Friday
$10 reward when you buy a $50 Home Improvement gift card.

Sears – 4 a.m. Friday
Pick up a Real Deal Coupon Book with over $3,000 in savings that start Nov. 27 (while quantities last).

Sports Authority – 5 a.m. Friday
First 80 people in line at each Sports Authority receive Bonus Bucks valued between $10 and $500.

Target – Midnight to 11 p.m. Friday
Learn about unadvertised deals by texting “MORE TVs” to “Target.”