DENVER -- Millennials may boost Black Friday shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF.) In a recent survey, 79.6% of shoppers age 18 to 24 plan to head to the stores over Thanksgiving weekend. For all age groups, 61.1% of shoppers say they plan to conduct holiday shopping at least one day during Thursday to Sunday.

"For younger shoppers, shopping on Thanksgiving and Black Friday is as much a social experience as it is a buying mission," said Pam Goodfellow, a principal analyst for Prosper Insights and Analytics, in a statement.


"While these shoppers may not have the biggest holiday budgets or the longest shopping lists, they still enjoy the 'tradition' of heading out with friends and family on two of retail's most exciting shopping days."

In the Mile High City, even more stores are taking the step of opening on Thanksgiving Day, despite a backlash against the practice. A Facebook page titled Boycott Shopping on Thanksgiving Day has received more than 11,000 likes as of the Monday before Thanksgiving. "Thanksgiving is the last non-religious, non-partisan American holiday where people have nothing else to do but be with family and/or friends. No doctor appointments, no meetings, nothing," said Jordana Bishop, who started the group in 2010, in a Facebook message. "A time when retailers can take a break and relax, celebrating traditions that go back for decades."

Retailers defend the practice, saying that time-crunched shoppers appreciate the extra time. "We know our guests are pulled in a million different directions as the holidays get underway, so we’re helping them save time and money by offering more access to Black Friday deals," said Kathee Tesija, chief merchandising and supply chain officer for Target, in a statement.

Despite extended hours, experts say consumers may be more picky this year about how they spend their shopping dollars. “Consumers today want more than just the discounts they’ve been showered with since the start of the recession; they want exclusive offerings and a good reason to spend their discretionary budgets,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF.

Denver Stores Open on Thanksgiving

• Michaels - Opens at 4 p.m.
• Old Navy - Opens at 4 p.m.
• Best Buy - Opens at 5 p.m.
• Toys R Us - Opens at 5 p.m.
• Kohl's - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Macy's - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Sears - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Sports Authority - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Staples - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Target - Opens at 6 p.m.
• Walmart - Opens at 6 p.m.