Black Friday will see great deals, long hours

LOS ANGELES With a little music to set the mood, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa kicked off the shopping season, urging consumers to spend their money in L.A. "Will you make that promise? Shop L.A.!" he said at a press appearance Wednesday.

He's not the only one trying to lure shoppers. The competition among retailers is tougher than ever this year. Stores are opening earlier and advertising never-before-seen Black Friday deals. Neiman Marcus, the high-end department store, is offering $50 coupons for every $100 spent between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday.

Though the offers are great, some shoppers say they will still be watching their spending closely.

"I made a promise to myself and to my husband that all gifts and shopping would be strictly cash. No credit cards, no charging," said Dona Beglarian, who was shopping at at the Topanga Mall Wednesday.

"We're definitely cutting back. We're buying small presents for everybody. We're doing a lot of online shopping," said Elyse McDonnell. "We don't have to go out into the crowds and wait in lines. Online there's really good deals."

For the first time in more than 100 years, Sears department store will open on Thanksgiving day from 7 a.m. until noon.

Walmart will open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day, Kmart from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Toys R Us will open at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving for the first time ever.

On Black Friday, Macy's will open at midnight, Kohl's will open at 3 a.m., Target at 4 a.m. and Best Buy and Walmart will open at 5 a.m.

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