NEW YORK (AP) - Not all Americans tucked into turkey with their families on Thanksgiving. Some were out shopping, hitting sales ahead of the crowds expected Friday.
After a year of cautious spending and worry over an uncertain economy and high unemployment, more stores this year extended hours into Thanksgiving Day, a day when most are traditionally closed.
Many grumble about commercialism creeping into the holiday. But signs show some shoppers took the bait.
While crowds were expected to be relatively light compared to the weekend ahead, the extended hours drew in overseas visitors, those who have to work on Friday and some just looking for a good deal.
Sears, Kmart and some Sports Authority, Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic stores were among those open Thursday.