Toys ‘R’ Us going on 30-hour shopping marathon

The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer isn’t worried about any so-called Thanksgiving backlash.



Toys “R” Us announced plans to open its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — and keep them open (in nearly all locations) for 30 hours straight, closing them at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. It’s the fourth consecutive year the chain has opened at 5 p.m. on the holiday.



Toys’ “R” Us’ decision shows that while a small group of mall operators and retailers will be dark this Thanksgiving, most of the nation’s biggest retailers, including J.C. Penney and Macy’s, will be open. In fact, Macy's is even opening an hour earlier this year, at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.



"Our customers have voted at the doors year after year, and they continue to want the option to get an early start on their holiday shopping lists," said Joe Venezia, executive VP, global store operations, Toys "R" Us.



Toys "R" Us is also rolling out an assortment of in-store holiday services, including having “toy experts,” decked out in red shirts, at the front of its stores starting in November.



To help ensure shoppers can quickly locate items, the chain is placing large, dynamic maps near each store entry that will let shoppers can search for a specific product by name and identify its exact location within the specific store (they can also do the same on Toysrus.com/Guide.)



In addition, stores will offer a dedicated "express checkout lane" for shoppers purchasing four items or less between Thursday, Nov. 24 and Christmas Eve.



The chain is also offering free layaway and free Shipping for online purchases of $19 or more.