In contrast, staple mall department stores like Sears, J. C. Penney and Macy's closed 80, 27 and four stores respectively this year.

Now that the Seattle-based firm has devoured retail players like Borders, Sears and Toys 'R' Us, it is facing bigger challenges from multinationals who are making substantial investments to compete, D. A. Davidson & Co analyst Thomas Forte said.

Sears, Home Depot, Apple and Gap will kick off big sales on Black Friday.