DONELSON, Tenn. – Shoppers will not have to wait until Black Friday to start their Christmas shopping. More national retailers are joining the list of stores open on Thanksgiving Day.

“It’s almost a madhouse just like Black Friday,” said Donelson Kmart manager Crystal Williams. “You’re talking about people rushing in for sales.”

Most Kmart stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Williams said most customers come to cash in on the sales in the electronics and toy departments.

Also, for the first time on Thanksgiving, 800 Old Navy stores will be open from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

“It’s really exciting for us. We’re stretching the deals out over the weekend because we really want to give the consumer options. They come out and shop with us all during the weekend season, all during the holiday season, so it’s good,” said Old Navy district manager Bo Landry.

Each Old Navy store will be giving away $200 shopping sprees throughout the day. Stores will also have selected items on sale.

Many Wal-Mart stores will also be open all day Thanksgiving.

The National Retail Federation said the extended hours are a way to recover projected losses. The group estimates holiday spending will be down 1 percent from last year.

source: newschannel5.com