Retail giant Target (TGT -1.20%) has announced that it will be starting its "Black Friday" sales at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, three hours earlier than last year.

Additional "doorbuster" deals will become available in the store at 4 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23.

"Opening at 9 p.m. gives Target’s Black Friday guests a more convenient way to create an after-dinner shopping event that the entire family can enjoy," said Kathee Tesija, Target's executive vice president of merchandising.

Shoppers who spend $50 on apparel, accessories, or home products in Target stores between 4 a.m. and noon Friday, Nov. 23, will earn a $10 gift card toward future purchases. "Doorbuster deals" for "Black Friday" will be available from Nov 22 to 24, and include discounts on select LCD TVs, e-readers, board games, and gaming systems.

Wal-Mart (WMT 0.15%) revealed last week that it will begin its Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day, beginning at 8 p.m. . Toys R Us is also kicking off its Black Friday sales at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving.