Wal-Mart To Open Stores At Midnight On Black Friday

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) said it plans to open most stores at midnight on the key "Black Friday" shopping day following Thanksgiving, the latest plot to lure cash-conscious customers into stores. The world's largest retailer has seen same-store sales drop at its U.S. locations for five-straight quarters as persistently high unemployment and housing troubles lead consumers to spend cautiously. Fiscal third-quarter results are due Tuesday. The retail sector faces a fiercely competitive Christmas season, with price wars and promotions expected as retailers woo shoppers. Wal-Mart has already cut prices on toys, among other items, and last week