Macy's to open at midnight on Thanksgiving

Attention Macy’s shoppers: Black Friday bargain hunting this year begins at midnight sharp.

The retail giant is among a growing number of stores giving customers an earlier jump on post-Thanksgiving specials.

The “earlier than ever” Macy’s campaign at most of its 800 stores follows Target’s announcement last week that it would move up its Black Friday bargain fest from 4 a.m. to midnight. Last year, Toys R Us opened its doors at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving evening.

Stores are kicking off Christmas sales ever earlier to please cost-conscious customers, and the
competition for their dollars will be especially keen this year given the still-sagging economy.

Retails are seeking an edge amid dire predictions of a 2.8% increase in holiday spending this year, versus a 5.2% jump last year.