Midnight Shopping Lures Black Friday Hordes

Stores are pulling out all stops amid predictions of the worst holiday shopping season in five years. Many stores are opening early and offering big deals to lure shoppers.

Matthew and Siedah Taylor were among those waiting Thursday night for Smithfield Outlets to open at midnight. They arrived five hours early and sat outside – in the dark – just to be the first in the door.

Janet Nicodemus arrived a half hour earlier than the Taylors.

"We are here for us and the bargains and the bargains," Nicodemus said.

Nicodemus traveled more than three hours from Myrtle Beach, S.C. She said the long wait pays off in savings. Outlet store signs promised 50 even 75 percent off for the first few hours the stores are open.

"There's actually one that's going to be cheaper tomorrow, but there's going to be a bigger line," Long said after hoisting his purchase into the back of his car. "So, I figure paying the extra $20 is worth it."

Ellen Davis, spokeswoman for the National Retail Federation, said the Thanksgiving openings may be a way of generating early enthusiasm ahead of a holiday season that's widely expected to be sluggish.

"I think at this point Thanksgiving is still very revered in the retail industry," Davis said. "A lot of retailers just don't want to touch Thursday."

Kohls Opens at 4 a.m.

Smithfield Outlets Opens at 12 a.m.