HERSHEY, Pa., Nov 24, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- According to a recent survey, more than 73 million Americans, or one quarter of the U.S. population, plan on shopping the Day after Thanksgiving. Widely known as the Nuttiest Shopping Day of the Year, the world's nuttiest new miniature candy is providing shoppers with some helpful tips and tools to ensure a successful shopping event. From wake-up calls to shopping tactics, the new Hershey's Miniatures Nut Lovers Assortment will prevent shoppers from going totally nuts this holiday season.

The first step in a successful shopping experience is planning ahead. According to The Hershey's Nuttiest Shopping Day Survey the majority of shoppers (70%) will plan their shopping day ahead of time, which leaves 22 million shoppers to tackle the crowds, bargains and lines without an agenda. Knowing what stores to visit and what gifts to buy will save time and money, as prepared shoppers know what's on sale and where to find it. Shopping the Day After Thanksgiving can be a little nuts to say the least, but shoppers who do their homework and use their time wisely can come home with some incredible deals. Having a game plan to navigate the day is important.

Another great way to make the most of the day is to start early, as many stores open well before their normal business hours on the Day After Thanksgiving. Almost 15% of shoppers will hit the stores by 5:00 a.m. and nearly half will begin by 8:00 a.m., taking advantage of the first-come, first-served specials. Although many stores open early, for many Americans they can't open early enough - 42% of Day-After-Thanksgiving shoppers have waited in line at a store before the doors have even opened. When it comes to shopping, women seem to know something about the early bird catching the worm, as they are much more likely than men to hit the stores before they open (47% vs. 33%). Worried about missing these early bird specials? Hershey's Nut Lovers' Nuttiest Shopping Day Wake-Up Call is putting minds at ease. By dialing 1-888-8GO-NUTS toll-free, consumers can schedule a wake-up call, compliments of Hershey's Miniatures Nut Lovers Assortment to ensure they don't miss a single bargain on the Nuttiest Shopping Day of the Year.

Hershey's Nut Lovers' final tip to ensure a successful shopping day is to make it fun! For many, the Day After Thanksgiving is a holiday in and of itself. Almost 60% of people who shop on the Nuttiest Shopping Day of the Year consider it a tradition no matter how nutty the sales or crowds may get.

Combining a quarter of the American population with the biggest sales of the year is bound to drive even the most professional of shoppers a little nutty. Hershey's Miniatures Nut Lovers Assortment wants shoppers to get the most of the day by planning ahead, starting early, and having fun! Celebrate the tradition, shop 'til you drop, and go nuts! And add the all-new Hershey's Miniatures Nut Lovers Assortment to the list this shopping season.

    About Hershey Foods Corporation

Hershey Foods Corporation (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company, the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products, and a leading processor of nuts. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, Hershey's markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, York, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, and Ice Breakers as well as innovative new products such as Swoops and Hershey's S'mores. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health- conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, as well as Hershey's SmartZone bars for people seeking balanced nutrition. It also markets Hershey's cocoa, Hershey's syrup and other branded baking ingredients, toppings and beverages. Visit us at http://www.hersheynewsroom.com.

SOURCE Hershey Foods Corporation

Kristin Travis, +1-630-932-9316 or Laura Dihel,
+1-630-932-9347, both of Hershey Foods

http://www.hersheynewsroom.com