Nov. 26--Attention all hardcore shoppers and deal seekers: No longer do you have to wait until the dawn of Black Friday, the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, to cash in on sales.

On Thursday, select stores, including Kmart, Old Navy and Dollar General, will open their doors, catering to the bargain hunters and huntresses willing to sacrifice holiday rest for once-a-year deals.

Opening at midnight Thursday, Toys R Us is tiptoeing to, but not breaching, the invisible line between Thanksgiving and the holiday shopping season.

For retailers, Thanksgiving Day is the start of a two-day fight, as they battle to lure individuals from family gatherings and then football.

On Friday, Black Friday, the heavyweight of shopping days, will take on the Iron Bowl, the heavyweight of college games in Alabama.

Local retailers anticipate crowds on Friday will wane as the kickoff to the Alabama versus Auburn game ticks closer. Office Depot Services Manager Matthew Smith predicted the game would cause a slump from noon until late afternoon, sort of like a halftime.

Smith expected sales would pick back up after the game.

Carol Polston, manager of Martin's Department Store, did not anticipate a huge impact on sales because of the game.

Typically, the majority of Black Friday business occurs during the morning, Polston said.

While football is a rookie on the Black Friday scene, the economy is a returning veteran.

The National Retail Federation said almost two-thirds of Americans reported the economy would affect their holiday plans. According to the federation, the average customer will spend $682.74 for gifts and holiday supplies, the lowest since 2003.

The economy, Polston said, may actually boost crowds as people search for the best deals.

"Sometimes, when the economy is tighter, people will come out and shop more competitively," she said. "I think they'll explore other options so they'll visit more stores, which could extend to Saturday."

And the National Retail Federation agrees.

The federation predicted weekend sales will attract 134 million shoppers, six million more than last year.

Stores open Thanksgiving

--Big Lots, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

--Dollar General, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

--Kmart, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

--Old Navy, noon to 6 p.m.

--Wal-Mart, open 24 hours.

CATHERINE GODBEY

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