Rite Aid gives customers head start on Black Friday shopping

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering Black Friday discounts early at its stores this year.

The retail pharmacy chain said it would open its stores from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and emailing Black Friday survival guides with shopping tips and savings to customers. The National Retail Federation predicts that 71 million shoppers will visit retailers over Black Friday weekend.

The guides contain tips such as staying hydrated and energized, offering deals on Gatorade, bottled water, Red Bull and healthy snacks. The company is sending the guides along with an exclusive preview of the chain's regular Black Friday promotion, which offers deals for members of the Wellness+ loyalty program. Discounts this year include gifts such as children's toys, video game consoles that play Atari and Sega Genesis games, beauty sets and men's grooming products.

"Rite Aid has long been a Black Friday destination because our convenient locations and extended holiday hours give weary shoppers a chance to refuel and refresh on their marathon shopping quests and a break from crowded mall and big-box store parking lots," Rite Aid EVP merchandising Tony Montini said. "This year, we've also taken care to select some of the hottest items spanning the major gift categories to help weekend shoppers cross a few names off their lists."