They are the ones planning to be open Thursday but most will wait until Friday to open for the traditional after-Thanksgiving sales which signal the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Some will open as early as 5:00 a.m.
Most economists expect merchants in Georgia and across the country to do well this Christmas.
The weather is expected to improve dramatically in time for Thanksgiving and the day after. The rain should have moved out by Thanksgiving and temperatures will begin to turn cooler and more seasonal after a week of warm, wet weather.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/11/146544