Best Buy Co. Inc. said Friday that it will open its stores at midnight on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Richfield-based consumer electronics giant joins Target Corp. and nearly 100 retailers at the Mall of America in trying to get a jump start on Black Friday, the traditional start to the holiday shopping season.
Wary of high unemployment, shaky consumer confidence, and weak economic growth, retailers are trying everything they can to boost holiday-related sales, which can account for up to two thirds of annual sales.
"Black Friday is just the beginning," Best Buy chief marketing officer Barry Judge said in a statement. "This commitment will come to life throughout the holiday season in a variety of offers and initiatives that give customers great values and the most convenient ways to shop for everyone on their list."