Kmart, J.C. Penney, Toys R Us and Walmart are all opening their doors on Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn't mean everyone is asking workers to report for Black Friday duty a day early.
At least 13 large retailers have decided to remain closed on Thanksgiving. In various statements, the companies have cited the questionable benefits of opening on Thursday and the importance of preserving the holiday for employees and customers alike.
Some stores that do plan to open on the national holiday say that they are responding to customer demand and that fierce pressure from competitors necessitates their Thursday openings. Holiday shopping season is a key time for retailers, and stores are trying to boost sales by adding an extra day to the critical period.
Still, the so-called "War on Thanksgiving" has come up for criticism from those who want the holiday cordoned off from shopping and argue that workers need a day off. Others have questioned whether opening on Thanksgiving really helps boost holiday sales.
Bill Martin, the founder of ShopperTrak, a company that monitors shopping trends in malls, told MarketWatch that he questions whether opening on Thanksgiving really helps overall holiday sales at all. “Thursday is simply selling the stuff at the expense of Black Friday," Martin said.
So who has decided to shut their doors for the holiday? We decided to find out.
1. Costco
Opens at 9 a.m. on Black Friday.
In a statement, Costco spokeswoman Bev Akada told The Huffington Post:
“Our employees work especially hard during the holiday season and we simply believe that they deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Nothing more complicated than that."
2. Marshalls
Most stores open at 7 a.m., and some open at 5 a.m., on Black Friday.
Colleen Beauregard, a TJX Companies spokeswoman, told HuffPost:
"We consider ourselves an associate-friendly company."
3. Barnes & Noble
Store hours vary on Black Friday.
The company posted on its
:
"We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 27 so that our booksellers can be with their family and friends."
4. GameStop
Opens at midnight on Black Friday.
Spokeswoman Jackie Smith told HuffPost in an email:
"We believe it’s the right decision not only for our employees, but also for our customers. Enjoy this time with your loved ones and we’ll see you on Black Friday."
5. T.J. Maxx
Most stores open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
Colleen Beauregard, TJX Companies spokeswoman, told HuffPost in an email:
"We are pleased to give our Associates the time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends."
6. Neiman Marcus
Opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.
Neiman Marcus spokeswoman Ginger Reeder told HuffPost:
"We hope our associates enjoy the time with family and friends."
7. Burlington Coat Factory
Black Friday hours vary by store.
A Burlington spokesperson
.
“All Burlington locations will remain closed on Thanksgiving so that our associates and customers can spend the special holiday with their loved ones."
8. Nordstrom
Black Friday hours vary by store.
A Nordstrom spokesperson
:
"We just like the idea of celebrating one holiday at a time."
9. Dillard's
Opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.
Julie Johnson Bull, director of investor relations at Dillard's, told HuffPost in an email:
"We choose to remain closed on Thanksgiving in longstanding tradition of honoring of our customers' and associates' time with family."
10. REI
Black Friday hours vary by location, but all stores will open by at least 8 a.m.
A REI spokesperson confirmed that stores will be closed on Thanksgiving.
11. American Girl
Black Friday hours vary by location.
Susan Jevens, American Girl spokeswoman, told HuffPost:
"Our stores have never been open on Thanksgiving, so this is not a new decision for us."
12. Sam's Club
Stores open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
Tara Raddohl, a Sam's Club spokeswoman, told HuffPost:
"Based on member feedback, we have elected to close our clubs Thanksgiving Day."
13. Patagonia
Black Friday hours vary by store.
A Patagonia spokesperson
:
“It’s a holiday – we’re closed!"
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
