Mad Rush to the Mall Part of the Tradition

For many of us, heading to the mall for post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas sales are as much atradition as turkey with all the trimmings.

The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest shopping day ofthe year. Stores do everything they can to addyou to the crowd.

The News & Observer's Thanksgiving edition is its largest daily paper of the year,with 37 inserts and 144 pages.

"In terms of our space and equipment, it stretches us," said Fleet Woodley, the N&O's productionmanager.

Stores also will use TV advertising to lure shoppers to shopping bargains.But shoppers are split if it's the best time of the year to score a deal.

"I don't think so, I really don't," said shopper Lori Holleman. "I watch the ads allyear,and I shop all year; I pick it up when I see it on sale."

Even the most die-hard bargain hunters will debate the wisdom of venturingout on the busiest shopping day of the year. But some folks say they just can't stay away.

"It feels like it's time to start shopping for Christmas because it's theday after Thanksgiving," said Tony D'Amico. "It just feels like it's the thing to do."

One survival strategy: shop early in the morning or late inthe afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.Some stores will be opening as early as 6 a.m.