Liberty Tree Mall Will Open Earlier Than Ever on 'Black Friday'

Liberty Tree Mall will open at 12:30 a.m. this year on Black Friday - the day after Thanksgiving known for its early morning shopping deals to kick off the holiday shopping season.

The opening time will be the earliest ever for the mall, which is owned by Simon Property Group. It is part of a decision by Simon to open all of its malls in eastern Massachusetts at 12:30 a.m., including nearby North Shore Mall in Peabody.

It also includes the Square One Mall in Saugus and the Simon said in an announcement issued on Tuesday.

The earliest the mall had opened on Black Friday in recent years had been 4 a.m. last year. In 2010, the mall opened at 5 a.m.

"This is our first time opening at 12:30," said mall spokeswoman Ashley Keating. 

The opening time applies to the main mall and other stores on the property have scheduled different opening times. Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and Kohl's will open at 1 a.m., Home Depot at 5 a.m., Staples at 6 a.m. and Michael's at 7 a.m.

The mall has also added an extra hour on to the shopping day and will stay open until 10 p.m.

Other changes planned for the mall this holiday season include the addition of greeters starting on Black Friday and also during peak shopping times. The mall will also have a "Rejuvenation Station" with "big comfy chairs and sofas" where shoppers can use free Wi-Fi and have a "more indulgent shopping environment than ever before," the mall said in an announcement.

The holiday season at the mall will also include gift wrap stations benefiting various local charities, local holiday entertainment including carolers and choral groups and Santa and holiday pet photos.

Elsewhere in Danvers, several stores plan early openings on Black Friday, Nov. 23. Walmart will open at 1 a.m., Bed Bath and Beyond at 5 a.m. and BJ's at 7 a.m.