Early estimates by retailers on earlier store openings to kick off the holiday shopping season are that it was successful. Some stores opened hours before midnight on Thursday. Analysts say the move seemed to attract a non-traditional kind of shopper than the usual one who goes for the "Black Friday" deals. More families were involved and purchased more that just the "doorbuster" sale items. The new hours are expected to be a Thanksgiving night staple for more retailers next year.
