Initial reports indicate record-breaking sales on Black Friday, but will that continue and translate into a strong holiday shopping season? In this week’s Retail Rap, I offer my views on what retailers and consumers can expect over the next several weeks.

Behind the raw numbers, what was interesting to me was how the extended hours really did seem to drive up sales. As you know, I didn’t think retailers opening on Thanksgiving night would mean more sales. I simply thought it would mean the sales would be spread out over more hours. But, I think the commitment retailers showed in marketing and advertising their extended hours really worked! Given its success, I think we’ll see this become the new normal going forward.

Check out the full article from my recurring column, Retail Rap, at Chain Store Age.