They've become such a part of the American economic scene their names are instantly recognizable:
Black Friday.
Cyber Monday.
And the more recent addition, Small Business Saturday, which tries to make sure locally-owned businesses don't get forgotten in the holiday shopping frenzy.
This year, some of the grand retail plans have come with an extra helping of controversy. Target stores will open their doors to shoppers at 9 pm on Thanksgiving night, prompting several petition drives in protest.
The Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia will be opening, for the first time in its history, at 12:00 am on Friday morning.
Lenox Square is also opening at midnight. Northlake Mall will be opening at 4 a.m. Friday and Perimeter Mall will kick off Black Friday at 6 am, followed by Phipps Plaza at 8 am and North DeKalb Mall at 9 am.
But malls aren't the only retailers who want to cash in on the most important shopping season of the year. Retailers in southwest Atlanta and in other Patch communities are encouraging buyers to shop locally this year on Nov. 26, as part of Small Business Saturday.
And we can't overlook Cyber Monday, which has also become a major revenue generator for retailers.
Patch wants to know which one of these days is No. 1 on your shopping list during the holiday season. Take our Patch poll and share your thoughts in the comments section.
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A First: Mall Of Stonecrest To Open At Midnight On Black Friday.
Black Friday Hours For Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza.
Shop Locally In Southwest Atlanta On Small Business Saturday.
Petitions Abound As Target Announces 9 pm Opening On Thanksgiving Day.