It is Thanksgiving, which means Christmas is right around the corner. In fact, there are only 31 shopping days left until Dec. 25.

Retail stores have always opened their doors before dawn on Black Friday, but this year, they’re opening earlier than ever.

At some stores, shoppers can begin their holiday shopping tonight.

To find the best deals out there, don’t forget to pick up your copy of Thursday’s edition of the American Press.

Today’s paper will cost $1.25 but will be our biggest offering of the year. It will be stuffed with 38 inserts highlighting Black Friday sales for most of the retail stores across Southwest Louisiana.

HOLIDAY STORE HOURS

• Academy Sports and Outdoors: 5 a.m.

• Bed, Bath and Beyond: 4 a.m.

• Best Buy: Midnight

• Books-A-Million: 7 a.m.

• Conn’s: 5 a.m.

• Home Depot: 5 a.m.

• Kmart: 5 a.m.

• Lowe’s: 5 a.m.

• Old Navy: Midnight

• Prien Lake Mall: 4 a.m.

• Radio Shack: 5:30 a.m.

• Sam’s Club: 5 a.m.

• Stine: 6 a.m.

• Target: Midnight

• Toys “R” Us: 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day

• Tuesday Morning: 8 a.m.

• Wal-Mart: 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day

• NOTE: The American Press independently compiled this list. No company paid for or requested inclusion.

HOLIDAY SAFETY

As you go out to conquer the holiday shopping season or visit loved ones across the state, the American Press would like to remind everyone to be safe. The Louisiana State Police, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lake Charles City Police have offered these holiday safety tips.

Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

• Park in well-lit spaces. Always remember to lock your car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags/gifts in the trunk.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash.

• Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• Shopping with children? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

• Shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Beware of strangers. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

• If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, ask a security guard for an escort.

Travel

• Do not speed. Plan your trip ahead of time and leave early. (One third of all automobile accidents are caused by excessive speed).

• Wear your seat belt. ( In 2010, 59% of people killed in automobile accidents iin Louisiana were not wearing a seat belt or properly restrained in an appropriate child seat).

• Do not drive while intoxicated/impaired. (In 2009, 10,839 people died in the United States as a result of an DWI-related crash).

• Do not travel alone. If you must, let someone know where you are going, your route and when to expect you back.

• If you are going on a long trip make sure to have your car inspected. The technicians should check tire pressure, oil and radiator fluid levels, battery charge, registration sticker. Carry a copy of your insurance card in the vehicle at all times.

• If you see any unsafe or suspicious activities on the highway report it by dialing *LSP (*577) from your mobile phone or contact your local law enforcement agency.

(AMERICAN PRESS ARCHIVES)