Black Friday Starts Earlier For One Clothing Store This Year

Menomonee Falls, WI – The term “Door Buster” is very prevalent these days. Stores are opening earlier and earlier each year in hopes to gain a few extra shoppers over their competitors. It is within this fourth quarter that most businesses see majority of their year's income and the fight for the attention of consumers really ramps up.

This is why many stores have begun opening up for “Black Friday” as early as midnight or even in the later hours of Thanksgiving. One such store hopes to get a jump on other retail outlets by opening it's doors not earlier on Thanksgiving, but instead at 9 pm CST this evening. Shoppers at Kohl's can take advantage of Black Friday prices as early as this evening. The clothing retailer plans on remaining open until the end of the business day on Sunday.

A few weeks ago, Kohl's employees were told of the plan to stay open around the clock for four days and were instructed to enjoy time with their families earlier in the week to provide open availability for Kohl's throughout this pivotal weekend.  Some employees have provided communal cots, pillows, blankets and even toiletries for their co-workers in the employee break area.  Many were explaining to others how to effectively bathe in a public restroom within their 15 minute coffee break.  Throughout this time, Kohl's employees have petitioned friends and family to provide an provisions such as canned goods for their stay.  Some locations are without a microwave, so if you are planning on donating, it is recommended that you contact an employee about their potential food heating abilities before you donate.  Above all, majority of Kohl's employees are just asking for "thoughts and prayers through this trying time." 

When asked, Kohl's customers seemed mixed. While Karen Probst felt that it provided “more flexibility” in scheduling when she could go shopping, Samuel Segrum said that he would probably wait until he has had an "opportunity to enjoy some quality time with (his) family" to enjoy the great savings at Kohl's.  Kohl's customers do all agree that they will more than likely take advantage of Kohl's Black Friday prices due to the unlikely occurrence of Kohl's having any type of discount or sale at their locations throughout the rest of the year.

We asked to speak with Kohl's CEO Kevin Mansell about his decision to stay open for more than 4 days straight. “We want to offer a fun shopping experience for our shoppers. They can stop by our website to see when certain items will be on sale for them. And then they can take advantage of that particular sale. For example, bath towels will be on sale tonight at 3 am for one hour only!” Mansell's excitement faded when asked about his decision to not permit his employees to enjoy Thanksgiving with their family in hopes that these additional hours of operation will make the Kohl's shareholders (KSS) richer. “My thoughts on their (my employee's) Thanksgiving? (Expletive) 'em.”