Ten Points for Taking out the Soccer Mom

It might still seem like Thursday night, but when that clock strikes midnight, Black Friday — and all its related consumer craziness — officially begins. Recession-weary retailers know better than to expect the astronomical profits of seasons past. It’s all about bargains.

So no one can fault you if you wear your pajamas to Zona Rosa (8640 North Dixson Avenue). Lots of stores are opening their doors from midnight to 3 a.m. Some, like Marshalls, are even staying open through the whole night. See zonarosa.com for store and sale listings.

Not to be outdone, many of the shops within the Legends at Village West (1843 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas) are actually welcoming customers as early as 10 p.m. Thursday to gear up for the Midnight Magic — Black Friday Savings Event, a shopping party that features an appearance by hyperactive KMXV 93.3 DJ Steve Serrano, plus complimentary energy drinks and food samples from restaurants. See ­legendsshopping.com.

The extended hours at Town Center Plaza (5000 West 119th Street in Leawood) are a little saner. Stores there open from
­9 a.m. ­to 9 p.m. Friday, with Santa arriving at 10 a.m. See towncenterplaza.com. 

— Crystal K. Wiebe

Thu., Nov. 25, 10 p.m., 2010