Lots of stores closed on Thanksgiving this year

[ilikefree]

PITTSBURGH —

In recent years, many large retailers across the U.S. began opening their doors earlier on Thanksgiving to get a jump on Black Friday sales.

This year, 57 retailers say they will not be open at all on Thanksgiving.

• A.C. Moore
• Abt Electronics
• Academy Sports + Outdoors
• At Home
• BJ's Wholesale Club
• Blain's Farm and Fleet
• Burlington
• Cabela’s
• Cost Plus World Market
• Costco
• Craft Warehouse
• Crate and Barrel
• DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
• Ethan Allen
• Gardner-White Furniture
• Guitar Center
• H&M
• Half Price Books
• Harbor Freight
• Hobby Lobby
• Home Depot
• HomeGoods
• Homesense
• Ikea
• Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
• Jos. A. Bank
• La-Z-Boy (corporately owned stores)
• Lowe's
• Marshalls
• Mattress Firm
• Micro Center
• Music & Arts
• Neiman Marcus
• Office Depot and OfficeMax
• Outdoor Research
• P.C. Richard & Son
• Party City
• Patagonia
• Petco
• PetSmart
• Pier 1 Imports
• Publix
• Raymour & Flanigan Furniture
• Sam's Club
• Sierra Trading Post
• Sportsman’s Warehouse
• Sprint
• Staples
• Sur La Table
• The Container Store
• The Original Mattress Factory
• TJ Maxx
• Tractor Supply
• Trollbeads
• Von Maur
• West Marine

 

More stores that are expected (but not yet confirmed) to close for Thanksgiving:

• American Girl
• AT&T
• Barnes & Noble
• Big 5 Sporting Goods
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Bloomingdale’s
• Christmas Tree Shops
• Dillard's
• Mall of America
• Mendards
• Navy Exchange
• Nordstrom
• Nordstrom Rack
• REI
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Talbots

Here's a link to where I found the article. There's a video there as well.

 

http://www.wlwt.com/article/list-of-stores-closed-on-thanksgiving-day/12781327

[Tara3117]

This is awesome but until the major stores sign on, it's almost meaningless. Toys R Us, Target, Kohl's, Walmart, Macy's, etc need to get on board if there's going to be any change to the Black Friday creep that we've been seeing lately.

[ilikefree]

I agree, but I did see a couple bigger stores on this list so hopefully it's just a matter of time before the major stores join in.

[angelbabymommy]

This is awesome but until the major stores sign on, it's almost meaningless. Toys R Us, Target, Kohl's, Walmart, Macy's, etc need to get on board if there's going to be any change to the Black Friday creep that we've been seeing lately.

I was just going to say now if only the bigger stores would jump on board. I miss the way BF used to be when I first started 15 years ago.

[tracy0504]

The funny thing is Kmart has been open on Thanksgiving for years before some of the bigger stores... I'm used to getting up @ 3 or 4 am to go to Kmart and shop, then swing by Walgreen's for the wrapping paper and that was it until the original BF madness began at 3-4 am the next morning all for the sake of saving a few (a lot) of pennies...lol...being able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and spread the ads out on my aunt's dinning table and read thru each ad for hours after dinner was relaxing...I guess it doesn't bother me as much now because my kids are older and they don't spend as much time with me on the holidays anymore so going out with a friend or family member after dinner is still quality time for me...but if they went back to the way it was, I would still enjoy it just as much as I do now...I've spoken with people in retail who have to work Thanksgiving and some love it because they don't have family to spend the day with  or it's an excuse not to spend as much time with family...some actually love the hustle and bustle and chaos of the day...but we know there are still others who would rather be at home getting full and fat off of the turkey and all the trimmings...lol...

[Tara3117]

I was just going to say now if only the bigger stores would jump on board. I miss the way BF used to be when I first started 15 years ago.

 

I'm with you Sister! I live in MA where stores can't open on Thanksgiving, but they are open right across the border in NH and it's a pain. I'd rather enjoy my Thanksgiving dinner!

[berry1014]

I really miss those 4 and 5 am openings. Getting up at 3 am, stopping for round one of coffee on the way to Walmart which is always the 1st stop. Now I don't leave my house until around 8 pm to go shopping, its just not the same!

[Kanyon71]

I think the only thing that's going to stop them is bankruptcy (many are going out of business), money talks and people flock out to spend the money. I for one do not and won't if I shop on Thanksgiving it's online only.

[HanShotFirst]

I've no doubt I'll be in the minority here but I actually enjoy Thanksgiving Day shopping and would hate to see Walmart decide to close on Thursday.  My family has always eaten turkey dinner at noon so the boys can get to the deer woods for the weekend.  I'm from a small town and the only stores we have access to on Thursday are Walmart and Dollar General.   If we get these two out of the way then on Friday we can head out of town to where all the other stores are if we want to.  My mom 73 and has issues standing for long periods of time so the more we can spread the shopping out the better for all of us.           

[msyves]

I'm all about opening on Thanksgiving day if it's after 10pm. At least give people a chance to enjoy their family. I personally like the days of getting up in the middle of the night in order to do 5am shopping on Black Friday.

[tracy0504]

I've no doubt I'll be in the minority here but I actually enjoy Thanksgiving Day shopping and would hate to see Walmart decide to close on Thursday.  My family has always eaten turkey dinner at noon so the boys can get to the deer woods for the weekend.  I'm from a small town and the only stores we have access to on Thursday are Walmart and Dollar General.   If we get these two out of the way then on Friday we can head out of town to where all the other stores are if we want to.  My mom 73 and has issues standing for long periods of time so the more we can spread the shopping out the better for all of us.           

 

I'm in the minority right along with you...I enjoy shopping on Thanksgiving as well

[avsfan]

I'm in the minority right along with you...I enjoy shopping on Thanksgiving as well

 

DH and I like to go out on Thanksgiving evening too.

[len_mullen]

I'm in the minority right along with you...I enjoy shopping on Thanksgiving as well

 

I don't go out on Thanksgiving, though I have stopped by Walmart on my way home from dinner at the in-laws.  I also do not wait overnight in lines.  BUT, this creates a great opportunity for those who do to wait on two nights -- Thursday for BB or Wallmart then Friday for something special at a second tier store.  Hope the weather is nice for these die hards.

 

Also, condolences to those who will be losing money over the closings.  It's tough to lose one or two days pay during the holidays.

[Kanyon71]

I don't go out on Thanksgiving, though I have stopped by Walmart on my way home from dinner at the in-laws.  I also do not wait overnight in lines.  BUT, this creates a great opportunity for those who do to wait on two nights -- Thursday for BB or Wallmart then Friday for something special at a second tier store.  Hope the weather is nice for these die hards.

 

Also, condolences to those who will be losing money over the closings.  It's tough to lose one or two days pay during the holidays.

Pretty much all the ones that I know who were forced to work Thanksgiving would have preferred to not have that money and spend the time at home. I'm sure there are some that will miss it though. Ones of those things where someone on some side won't be happy. I don't like it so I don't shop on that day. I know I won't get the door busters anymore and I'm ok with that.

 

We still go out and have our traditional fun now there just isn't huge crowds lol

[jesusluvu]

I agree, if the bigger ones sign on then that would be news. I use to love beating the crowds and catching a few zzzz before having to head out. It is supply and demand. If we stop demanding it ( stop showing up ) they will change it

The funny thing is Kmart has been open on Thanksgiving for years before some of the bigger stores... I'm used to getting up @ 3 or 4 am to go to Kmart and shop, then swing by Walgreen's for the wrapping paper and that was it until the original BF madness began at 3-4 am the next morning all for the sake of saving a few (a lot) of pennies...lol...being able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and spread the ads out on my aunt's dinning table and read thru each ad for hours after dinner was relaxing...I guess it doesn't bother me as much now because my kids are older and they don't spend as much time with me on the holidays anymore so going out with a friend or family member after dinner is still quality time for me...but if they went back to the way it was, I would still enjoy it just as much as I do now...I've spoken with people in retail who have to work Thanksgiving and some love it because they don't have family to spend the day with  or it's an excuse not to spend as much time with family...some actually love the hustle and bustle and chaos of the day...but we know there are still others who would rather be at home getting full and fat off of the turkey and all the trimmings...lol...

I use to get out to kmart as well. Early morning deals and back in bed before anyone wakes up. 

[mgreen]

If the big stores do sign on, maybe we can go back to the real black FRIDAY!!!

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using GottaDEAL mobile app

[Tara3117]

I think the only thing that's going to stop them is bankruptcy (many are going out of business), money talks and people flock out to spend the money. I for one do not and won't if I shop on Thanksgiving it's online only.

 

I was thinking with TRU's bankruptcy that there's no way they will close down on Thanksgiving. They need all the hours they can to get people in their stores!

[len_mullen]

Pretty much all the ones that I know who were forced to work Thanksgiving would have preferred to not have that money and spend the time at home. I'm sure there are some that will miss it though. Ones of those things where someone on some side won't be happy. I don't like it so I don't shop on that day. I know I won't get the door busters anymore and I'm ok with that.

 

We still go out and have our traditional fun now there just isn't huge crowds lol

 

Same here.  When I was young -- before the day after Thanksgiving was called Black Friday -- I worked in a department store for a short time.  One of the managers put together a crew to get ready for Friday -- which was even back then an important shopping day.  They paid us double time to work on a holiday, bought us breakfast in the wee hours of the morning, and gave us the Friday off.  He also turned the lights on and left the doors unlocked.  All the upcoming sales were active.  And people came in.  So, I guess Zayre's Department Store in Seabrook New Hampshire was probably the first store to open on Thanksgiving.

 

I was pretty happy to have the bump in my paycheck.

I was thinking with TRU's bankruptcy that there's no way they will close down on Thanksgiving. They need all the hours they can to get people in their stores!

 

They probably never placed orders for Christmas.

[Tara3117]

 

 

They probably never placed orders for Christmas.

 

From their bankruptcy statement, it sounds like they did. If their vendors don't want to sell to them right now, that's another issue I suppose.

 

From the statement:

Mr. Brandon continued, “As the holiday season ramps up, our physical and web stores are open for business, and our team members around the world look forward to continuing to put huge smiles on children’s faces. We thank our vendors for their ongoing support through this important season and beyond. We also appreciate the strong support our investors have provided over time and the constructive role they are playing in this process that will allow us to create a brighter future for our company. And as importantly, we thank our team members in advance for their hard work and dedication to serving the millions of customers who will shop with us this holiday.”

[Kanyon71]

Same here.  When I was young -- before the day after Thanksgiving was called Black Friday -- I worked in a department store for a short time.  One of the managers put together a crew to get ready for Friday -- which was even back then an important shopping day.  They paid us double time to work on a holiday, bought us breakfast in the wee hours of the morning, and gave us the Friday off.  He also turned the lights on and left the doors unlocked.  All the upcoming sales were active.  And people came in.  So, I guess Zayre's Department Store in Seabrook New Hampshire was probably the first store to open on Thanksgiving.

 

I was pretty happy to have the bump in my paycheck.

 

They probably never placed orders for Christmas.

They were trendsetters lol. My b-i-l when he worked retail they told them they show up on they day or don't bother showing up any longer. That's the attitude I didn't like. If someone WANT'S to work that's great if someone would rather be home with family that shouldn't threaten their full time employment.

[mom2thegirls]

Also part of the minority.  We hit Penney's or Macy's early in the day.  Then the older daughter goes with the fiancé for his family's Thanksgiving and the younger daughter and I have tacos or lasagna and watch football.  None of us like turkey or stuffing or cranberries.

 

When I was Christmas help a few years a go at Target I volunteered to work Thanksgiving and was told all those hours were for regular employees - and the manager had a wait-list because she couldn't accommodate everyone wanting hours.

[jewleyp]

I would love to see the brick & mortar stores closed since so many people can access sales earlier online. Going out now is just for the thrill . The items I really need I have already bought at 2am Thanksgiving morning. Lol

[Pepper_Mint_Tea]

I hope Target & Wal-Mart dont open thanksgiving day !!!

[HomeinKS]

I have never known anyone that had to work a holiday (retail or otherwise) that was happy about it.

I would like to see things go back to Friday openings.

[msomnipotent]

My sister works at Walmart, and I have become friends with many of her coworkers. All of them want to work on Thanksgiving. The majority of their Christmas shopping is paid for with the extra holiday pay. I came from a lower class, blue collar family and working on holidays was just a fact of life. I worked at a gas station, a restaurant, and a hospital. I worked every holiday from the time I was a teen until I married and became a housewife. Most of my family had similar jobs. I don't think that some people realize how many people have to work holidays. You wouldn't be able to use electricity or water if people didn't work the holidays! 

[rollingrock411]

Put me down for wanting to shop on Thanksgiving, we have always done a late lunch meal with the majority of eating and deserts out of the way by 3pm or 4pm. We get to our local Walmart about 430,get everything we need or in a que line, out of the store by 730 or 8pm and in bed around 1030 and no need to get up on Friday until 7am.

 

No more 3am alarms,no more standing in line in the freezing cold and no more bum rushing the entrance and having it be frantic race to get your item.

[jaymacfla]

I think the only thing that's going to stop them is bankruptcy (many are going out of business), money talks and people flock out to spend the money. I for one do not and won't if I shop on Thanksgiving it's online only.

Walmart is the only one to blame. Until everyone comes to this conclusion and concentrates their efforts in this regard Walmart will continue to get away with the theft of the holiday. Once they can be made to change direction, ALL others will follow.

[angiekd27]

We typically do all of our shopping online....so whether the stores open or not will not affect us. I prefer slower speeds on the website than crazy crowds and drivers....

[mcwalker]

As others have noted, these are not the "major" stores and I think most of these have not been open on Thanksgiving day. It will not be as meaningful until something changes the aggressive attitude of those major retailers.  Still, nice that these stores show some concern for their employees and preservation of a day of limited commercial activity.

 

As I have written before, I think that (almost) all stores should be closed all day Thanksgiving (midnight to midnight at least).  Moreover, I think that online retailers should not start any sales (price reductions) during those hours--they could drop prices before midnight if they like or just wait until midnight Thursday night.  There are plenty of days in the year (364) for people to shop and plenty of days for employees to earn some extra hours.  Opening Thanksgiving does not increase total sales or contribute anything to the economy that would not happen on other days and we got by just fine without much Thanksgiving shopping for more than 200 years.

[Kash]

My daughter showed me the list of stores not open on Thanksgiving last week.  My first though is what many of you have said is that that list does not include Meijer, Walmart, TRU, JCP, Kohls, Etc.  I use to do Kmart Thanksgiving Morning and then spend the day with family get a couple hours sleep and then get up at 2 or 3 to go out for BF.  I miss those days.