Giving Tuesday: A Chance to Give Back During the Holiday Season

St. Louis-based Gateway to Peace Museum, Habitat for Humanity and the United Way of Greater St. Louis are among the nonprofits trying to encourage people to pause in their shopping and find a way to help others.

Will donating to charity ever be as popular as shopping during the holiday season? A partnership of nonprofits hopes so. For many people, the holiday shopping marathon began on Thanksgiving Day, with some national chains opening their doors just hours after the traditional turkey dinner. Then comes Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, which has morphed into Cyber Week. Now, there's a new campaign asking you to open your wallet—Giving Tuesday. The Giving Tuesday website says the effort, coming on the heels of days devoted to consumerism, is designed "to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations." …

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Shop in Clayton on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24

You can skip the Black Friday lines by completing your holiday shopping during Small Business Saturday in Clayton and across St. Louis.

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Clayton and Richmond Heights. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities. Participating businesses include: For a complete …

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Black Friday: Galleria Stores Open at Six

You can begin your holiday shopping at 6 a.m.

Which Movies Are Playing on Thanksgiving?

Spending your Turkey Day in St. Louis and looking for a family-friendly activity? Skip the Black Friday lines and watch a movie on Thanksgiving.

Sneak Peek at Walmart Black Friday Deals

The retail giant will be open all day on Thanksgiving Day, then Black Friday sales begin at 8 p.m. Here's what you'll find, plus how the store plans to handle security.

Holiday shoppers get ready! The holiday shopping season is getting underway. (Read Previous Story: Walmart Holding Its Earliest Black Friday Ever) As previously reported by Patch, Walmart is beginning its Black Friday deals at its earliest time ever this year. St. Louis area stores will be open all day on Thursday and will begin running "Black Friday" sales at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.  As the world’s largest retailer prepares for one of the most popular shopping days of the year, Patch got a sneak peak at some of the deals the store will offer shoppers. (View some of the deals in the photo portion of this article). Walmart staff said the store is offering its best Black Friday assortment ever during three in-store events that begin …

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68 West County Mall Stores to Open at Midnight on Black Friday

Other stores in the mall will open at 5 a.m.

More than 50 stores at West County Center will open at midnight on Black Friday, Nov. 23. The mall's other stores will open at 5 a.m., with times varying slightly for department stores. Here's a look at West County Center stores that will open at midnight on Black Friday. Temporary Tenants *List is subject to change. Contact stores for more information. Other department store opening times on Black Friday. jcpenney: 6 a.m. Nordstrom: 9 a.m. Information provided by CBL St. Louis Malls.

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35 Galleria Stores to Open at Midnight on Black Friday

The others in the mall will open at 6 a.m.

As area stores plans their earliest Black Friday openings ever, the St. Louis Galleria will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 23. These Galleria shops will be open even longer, opening at 12 a.m. on Black Friday. Other St. Louis-area malls plan early Black Friday openings. All the Galleria stores listed below will be open from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 23. Also in Patch:

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Online Petition Protests Target's Thanksgiving Opening For Black Friday Sales

Thousands are signing an online petition protesting Target's plans to open at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving to offer Black Friday sales.

Black Friday Shopping in St. Louis to Start Earlier Than Ever in 2012

Walmart announced a Thanksgiving Day start to its sales. Target, Toys R Us, and Best Buy aren't far behind.

Serious shoppers know Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the day for bargains. Retailers are opening earlier than ever this year with sales to entice more holiday shoppers. Home Depot started its Black Friday sales on Nov. 8.  Walmart has set the bar at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for 2012 sales to start. Will other stores follow? Macy’s, Target and Toys R Us are among a growing number of shops kicking off Black Friday sales at midnight, the St. Louis Business Journal reports. Area mall doors will open at various times, though some of their stores may or may not be open then. Many sales haven't been announced yet. Target offers a signup to receive text messages of sales, and previews a 40-inch Toshiba TV, a Samsung laptop computer…

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