ORLANDO, Fla. – Just when you thought Black Friday madness could not get any crazier, Kmart says it's going to open its door on Thanksgiving Day at 6 a.m. and stay open for 41 hours straight.
It appears to be the earliest opening yet of any retail store for Black Friday shopping and that move is generating anger on-line from people who say it's just too much.
On Local 6's Facebook page, Terry wrote, "I'll never shop at Kmart again. Forcing the lowest paid, lowest seniority to work (the) holiday, some overnight, so the company can put on a PR stunt is inexcusable."
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While Patricia chimed in, "This is just so wrong! We wonder what has happened to our world and family structure."
Kmart's Facebook page was also flooded with comments. The company fired back with its own post writing, "Kmart is staffing with volunteers and seasonal associates wherever possible. This gives associates the opportunity to make some additional money this holiday season."
Kmart shoppers Local 6 spoke with did not have a problem with the extended holiday hours.
"The way the job situation is in this economy, people will be glad to get the overtime," said Diane Lamont, who is currently looking for a job.
"While I feel bad for them, many people these days are just happy to have a job," said Lynev August, who noted that many people who work in Central Florida's hospitality industry also have to work holidays.
Kmart has opened at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for the past three years, but this is the first time it's staying open all day. Last year, the store closed for a few hours at 4 p.m., letting shoppers and employees take a break for some turkey.
Kmart's parent company, Sears, said it will open its doors at 8 Thanksgiving night. That's also the same time Macy's is opening, hopefully giving families time to finish their meals before hitting the aisles.