Stores Expected To Open Earlier Than Ever On Thanksgiving

(CBS) -- If you're looking for a way to work off that turkey dinner tomorrow - you can shop it off. Many stores will be open early in the evening and some almost all day.

Not everyone likes it, but CBS 2's Dana Kozlov examines why retailers are doing it.

Toys "R" Us is opening its doors at 5 pm. on Thanksgiving. It's just one of many stores jumping on the big box bandwagon of opening early on Thanksgiving. But, there is no proof it's helping the stores."

Many retailers will be opening earlier than ever before.

This will be the second year that Sears on State Street will open right after the Thanksgiving turkey is put away.

Manager John Ruth expects a rush for his 40 or so employees who'll man the State Street store. But retail marketing expert Manny Almagro isn't sure opening Thanksgiving night versus early the next morning actually helps any retailer's bottom line.

"I think the jury's still out on that," said Almagro. "They pretty much lost a week in between Christmas and Thanksgiving."

Almagro says competitive desperation may also be a reason. After all, retailers have to pay employees - often extra - to work the holiday. Some shoppers seem torn about Black Friday oozing into gray Thursday.

"I'm not happy about it. I wish many so many stores did not do it," said shopper Suzanne Othman. "But yet, I might give in."