Gone are the days when the only option for Black Friday shopping was getting up at the crack of dawn on the Friday after Thanksgiving, piling on warm clothing and standing in line for hours.
It's 2011, people, and that means choices. You can go the traditional route and get up at 'early o'clock,' stand in line outside stores or hit the malls.
You can be modern and click the mouse, warm and cozy in your own home.
But this year, there's another option added to the list: Black Friday shopping on Thursday.
Toys 'R Us is the early bird in this aviary: Stores are offering Black Friday deals at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24.
Walmart follows shortly thereafter, with stores opening at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
The following stores open at midnight on Friday, Nov. 25: Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's and Target.
Sears is open from 7 a.m. to noon Thanksgiving and offering Black Friday deals beginning at 4 a.m. Friday. KMart is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving but Black Friday specials don't begin until 5 a.m. Friday.
This Black Thursday phenomenon has its supporters and its naysayers. Which one are you? Vote in our Patch poll and feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section.
