22 Retailers That Aren't Opening Doors on Thanksgiving Day
There was a time that Thanksgiving was about spending time with family, being thankful and eating a belly-busting meal – today, Thanksgiving is all about getting ready for Black Friday doorbuster deals. The retailers that opened their doors during customer's Turkey Day meals were criticized on social media – some people even launched online petitions against taking away Thanksgiving dinner from store workers. So where did things go wrong? Have retailers gotten too greedy, or have customers begun to lose their family values?
To open on the most family-oriented American holiday is tough on associates, who must also forego their family time. Macy's defends its decision for opening at 6pm on Thanksgiving because the majority of the shifts are filled voluntarily by employees who would rather sacrifice their Thanksgiving to have off on Black Friday.
However, in states like Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts, this is a non-event as there are laws dating back to the 17th century that make it illegal for retailers to open on Thanksgiving.
This year, retailers are waking up and respecting the fact that associates should be at home with their families. Costco was the first to jump on the bandwagon and close its doors on Thanksgiving, stating that its employees "deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families."
There are several good reasons a store might close for Thanksgiving:
Without further ado, here are the 22 retailers that are putting the family back in Thanksgiving and refusing to open their doors:
*Update: After the story was published it was released that Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela's will also be closed on Thanksgiving, bringing the list to 24 retailers.
To open on the most family-oriented American holiday is tough on associates, who must also forego their family time. Macy's defends its decision for opening at 6pm on Thanksgiving because the majority of the shifts are filled voluntarily by employees who would rather sacrifice their Thanksgiving to have off on Black Friday.
However, in states like Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts, this is a non-event as there are laws dating back to the 17th century that make it illegal for retailers to open on Thanksgiving.
This year, retailers are waking up and respecting the fact that associates should be at home with their families. Costco was the first to jump on the bandwagon and close its doors on Thanksgiving, stating that its employees "deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families."
There are several good reasons a store might close for Thanksgiving:
- Retailers can improve their reputation and ultimately bring in more shoppers for the holiday season
- By closing on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday sales will inevitably improve
Without further ado, here are the 22 retailers that are putting the family back in Thanksgiving and refusing to open their doors:
| 1 | Nordstrom |
| 2 | Pier 1 Imports |
| 3 | DSW |
| 4 | The Home Depot |
| 5 | GameStop |
| 6 | Petco |
| 7 | REI |
| 8 | RadioShack |
| 9 | Barnes & Noble |
| 10 |
TJX Companies (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods) |
| 11 | BJ's Wholesale |
| 12 | Sam's Club |
| 13 | Burlington Coat Factory |
| 14 | Costco |
| 15 | Crate and Barrel |
| 16 | Dillard's |
| 17 | Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts |
| 18 | Sierra Trading Post |
| 19 | American Girl |
| 20 | Patagonia |
| 21 | Publix |
| 22 | True Value |
*Update: After the story was published it was released that Academy Sports + Outdoors and Cabela's will also be closed on Thanksgiving, bringing the list to 24 retailers.