Old Navy. Some 700 of the Gap unit's 1,026 stores will open from noon to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. "Consumers need a compelling reason to come into stores and buy," says spokeswoman Louise Callagy. Sweaters that usually sell for $30 will go for $15, she says. Some 350 of the company's Gap, Banana Republic and outlet stores also will be open, she says.

Toys R Us. While not really open on Thanksgiving Day, most of the chain's stores will open at midnight on Thursday. Some 70 unadvertised "door busters" will be available between midnight and 1 p.m.

RadioShack. The electronics chain has tested Thanksgiving in limited locations for several years. This year, it will spread to 700 stores in the Western USA, says marketing chief Lee Applbaum. "We are responding to the needs of consumers."

T.G.I. Friday's. To spur sales, about 560 of the chain's 600 eateries will be open on Thanksgiving from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. President John Neitzel says 2009 was the roughest year for Friday's in his 27 years with the chain.

Early bird:Most Walmarts will open on Thanksgiving Day at 6 a.m.