Stores opening extra early for Black Friday

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Black Friday shoppers will have to get up even earlier, or choose to not sleep at all, if they want to find the early bird sales this year.

Stores nationwide are opening earlier the Friday after Thanksgiving.  Many stores have decided to open at midnight on Friday morning.  One of those stores, Wal-Mart, will start even earlier; its Black Friday sale starts at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

" We're always looking to re-invent ourselves," said Hector Hernandez, Executive Team Leader of Assets Protection at Target's Thomas Road store. "One of the things we're doing this year is being more competitive. Some of our competitiors are starting a little bit earlier, so we want to be right there, to give our guest an opportunity at the best offers and the best deals and come to Target first."

Some stores are sticking to a more traditional time.  Meijer has pushed up its opening, from 5 a.m. to 4 a.m.

"I t seems the customers are wanting to start their experience earlier," said Steve Whitlock, Customer Service Leader for Meijer's Illinois Road store. "So we decided to move from five to four, because we're in business to take care of customers and that's what they want, and that's what they're going to get from Meijer."

Black Friday shoppers are known for doing their research beforehand, and now stores are doing their own research.

"Su rveys have shown us that being open a little bit earlier is what they want," said Hernandez. "So, we're going to try it and see how it goes this year."

Most stores have already released their ads for Black Friday, and when their doors will open.

Some stores have also announced when their online sales begin.  Some beginning on Thanksgiving.