National retailers are carving more than just turkey today — they’re carving a few more hours off their opening times in hopes of maximizing the lucrative holiday shopping season as Black Thursday firmly supplants Black Friday.
With pressure to meet the bottom line and lure early-bird bargain hunters, big retailers across Savannah are unlocking their doors about two to three hours earlier this year.
At Oglethorpe Mall, doors will open at 6 p.m. with about 37 of their retailers planning to pull all-nighters, including Macy’s, Sears and Belk. J.C. Penney, after a year of flagging sales, is among a few opening even earlier, at 5 p.m., and will remain open through Friday night.
Tanger Outlets in Bluffton, S.C., will be open from 6 p.m. till 2 a.m. to give tenants a chance to regroup before reopening at 6 a.m. on Friday.
General Manager LaDonna Shamlou said last year customers were lined up for hours before the 10 p.m. open, making the decision to push it back a little easier.
“We did a lot of discussion about moving it to 8 p.m. last year, but this year the 6 o’clock open was when the retailers are starting,” she said. “We’re really giving the option to shoppers.”
Shamlou said the alternate openings allow them to cater to both camps of customers, those who like to get their stocking stuffing done after dinner and those who prefer the early-morning tradition.
“The Moonlight Madness definitely brings a huge rush of shoppers that seem to enjoy that time of night to shop, but we are extremely busy all day Friday as well,” she said.
According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, 140.1 million Americans are expected to go shopping over the weekend, about the same as last year at 140.3 million. Of those who said they would go shopping, 18.3 percent, or 25.6 million, plan to do so Thursday, down from 23.5 percent last year.
The topic of earlier open times has become a touchy one, with the public torn between getting a good deal and forcing retail workers to leave their families on a holiday. In New Jersey, a lawmaker plans to introduce legislation that would bar retailers from opening before 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Amanda Dengert, a Savannah mother of two, said she’s undecided about when she’ll get her shopping done this weekend.
“I might go Friday, but I have twins, so if they’re up for it, I’m up for it,” she said.
At Savannah Mall, only Target and Rue 21 will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday, while the main mall entrances will open at 7 a.m. the next morning.
“We’re trying to keep it as reasonable as possible,” said Philip McConnell, general manager of the Savannah Mall. “We’ll start extending our hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting Dec. 15.”
At least one person gets a reprieve from earlier opening: Santa Claus. Savannah Mall’s Santa does not have to report to duty until 9 a.m.
“People are out shopping, so they’re not as concerned with getting the kids dressed up for a picture,” said McConnell. “(And) we were afraid the reindeer would revolt.”
HOLIDAY OPENINGS
A list of a few Savannah-area malls and retailers that will be open on Thanksgiving. Check individual retailers for more information.
Oglethorpe Mall (6 p.m.-all night)
Tanger Outlets (6 p.m.-2 a.m.)
Best Buy on Abercorn (5 p.m.-1 a.m.)
Kohl’s on Abercorn (6 p.m.-all night)
Toys R Us on Abercorn (5 p.m.-all night)
Target at Savannah Mall (6 p.m.-all night)
Target at Victory Square (6 p.m.-all night)
Rue 21 at Savannah Mall (6 p.m.-5 a.m.)
Wal-Mart on Montgomery Crossroad, Abercorn, Ogeechee Rd and Pooler Parkway (open 24 hours)