"'Tis the season!" Brookfield Square opening at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving; JC Penney opens at 5!



BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- Some stores at Brookfield Square Mall are opening two hours earlier on Thanksgiving than they did last year. This comes as some say the hunt for discounts impedes on family time -- especially for retail employees.

Brookfield Square will be opening its doors at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night to give shoppers a jump start on their Black Friday shopping.

"The snow has already put people in the mood a little bit early. (Opening at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving) is not required for our stores, but it's an option to them," Brookfield Square General Manager Scott Oleson said.

Stores opening at 6:00 p.m. include Sears, Finish Line, The North Face, Kay Jewelers and American Eagle Outfitters (JCPenney will open at 5:00 p.m.). Each will be ready for shoppers with door buster deals and great gift ideas. The fun will go on all evening with stores opening throughout the night and early morning.



Oleson floated the idea months ago of closing for a few hours overnight -- but officials with mall anchors like JCPenney expressed intentions to open and stay open.

All stores will be open by 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 28th.

"We don't close until 10:00 p.m. on Friday! We want to make sure the customers can come in and have a good time and shop!" Will Jaja, a manager at JCPenney said.

Store associates are already working to stock the store with soon-to-be doorbusters.

Small household items are expected to be a big draw at JCPenney, and the store's Black Friday ad promises a chance to win a $100-off coupon if you spend $100 or more.

Jaja says store officials made the decision to open early based on customer feedback, but national retailers have come under fire for making employees work on the holiday.

"We actually went to our associates and asked 'who would like to work on this day, what times?'  We used their preference when making the schedule," Jaja said.

Jaja says many JCPenney employees wanted to work, and more than 100 will staff the peak periods.

"It does seem to come earlier and earlier every year. However, 'tis the season!" Oleson said.

For a complete list of store opening times please visit www.ShopBrookfieldSquareMall.com.

Brookfield Square is located at 95 N. Moorland Road in Brookfield.