UPDATE: We've compiled some new tips to help you sift through the Black Friday deals, including how to use social media tools to find savings, the best methods for finding savings and 27 stylish gift ideas.)
Black Friday deal season is upon us. But there's reason to believe this year's holiday shopping season may be cheery: retail sales grew in October at the fastest rate in seven months.
While the economy and unemployment levels have remained disheartening for most of the year, retailers are hoping low prices and special offers can lure cautious consumers into their stores. For many retailers, the holiday shopping season can mean the difference between a good year and a forgettable one.
This year's Black Friday bonanza will be complicated by the fact that Walmart is now offering free shipping with no minimum on their website. Few big box retailers have done this, and Walmart's actions will no doubt lead to other major retailers to offer similar deals.
More than a few sites, like Dealnews and Black Friday Ads, have sprung up to monitor the unofficial releases of Black Friday ads. Even CNN Money has created their own special Holiday Shopping Guide to monitor deals.
Below we've compiled some of the hottest deals and each store's hours of operation. Check them out below:
