What is the advantage of stores opening at 4 or 5 AM on friday?

Question

The day after thanksgiving stores are opening really early and giving incentives for being the earliest like greater reductions in price. What is the advantage of getting everyone up so early rather than just starting in hours that are regular? Is it that they make more money? If yes how?

Answer 1

Mostly it's hype, a way of getting people excited and eager to get out there and shop. They could have the same sales and open at 9, but that wouldn't make the day seem special.

Personally I wouldn't go near a department store or discount store on Friday - but that's just me.

Answer 2

Any marketer will tell you that half of the battle is getting the perspective buyers in your store or looking at your product. The early opening hours are designed to get the buyers in their store. Once inside, your more likely to purchase something.

The stores that are offering incentives and low prices expect that on average they will sell some items that aren't on sale or super low prices. Additionally, if you have a $25 shirt, but the ticket says marked down from $35, the average joe thinks he is getting a bargain.

Answer 3

One advantage is people can get some shopping done on their way to work.

From a corporate viewpoint, its a jumpstart to the holiday buying season. The early sales and huge incentives are to get people in the door, figuring they'll buy more than one thing once they're there :)

Answer 4

They want you to think the store will disappear of you wait until normal hours. really, it's all hype.

Answer 5

a little bit, but it gives wemon a lot more time to shop and as we all know time=money

Answer 6

people are more likely to buy anything when they are sleep walking!!!