Walmart, Target, Macy's Khol's, Kmart, TOYS R US. All of these stores open on Thanksgiving Day.

They justify opening on the famous American holiday because of competition. Others are doing it, so they have to as well or they'll lose out on sales.

Third quarter sales were soft for major chain retailers, which are grappling with a lack of compelling product and continued competition from pure-play online retailers.

After a four year dry-spell - its longest in nearly two decades - Estee Lauder Cos. is back on the prowl. In the past month alone, the cosmetics giant has snapped up three small, growing beauty brands:cult-favorite fragrance company Le Labo, high-end skin-care label Rodin Olio Lusso and, less than two weeks ago, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle.