Remember when EVERYTHING was closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter? It was hard to find a gas station, let alone a grocery store for those “uh-oh, I burned the…” moments. Nowadays, though, stores are opening their doors so that shoppers can get a head start on their holiday shopping. Retailers are looking to get the corner on the market and bolster their sales with by milking every moment of holiday shopping possible.
According to Huffington Post, Target will open its doors at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Target announced that they will provide incentive pay for employees, and try, if possible to take volunteers to work the once no-work-day holiday. Other stores, like J.C. Penney, Toys R Us, and Kmart will also open their doors sometime Thanksgiving evening. For some, I know that Black Friday is a bigger holiday than Thanksgiving. I can appreciate the tradition of meeting sisters, girlfriends, etc. with coffee in hand and hitting the pavement, all while Christmas lights twinkle and sales hit epic proportions, but, I have to ask…are the deals really worth it? I am not asking with judgement, but I’d rather stay home and avoid the crowds and chaos. Traditions change. Priorities change. I get that. But, what are we giving up? What are we gaining?
I kind of just want to open it up for discussion. What do you think? Are we gaining more than we are losing by having the stores open on the Holidays? Or is it vice-versa?
~Mavis
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Deb k says
I think stores being open on these major holidays is sad and bad for family time. I go out of my way to try and stay out of and not shop at these stores anymore that do this. Very, very sad.
debk
Sarah B. says
I actually gave up doing the in store black Friday sales a few years ago because I just didn’t want to brave the cold and the crazy people. I now only shop online with the comfort of my warm fire and jammies! 🙂
Susan S says
I guess it just depends on your family and whether it’s more enjoyable for you to get out of the house… I’d rather be with my family and friends, but I’m also fortunate that my family and friends are enjoyable to be around and abundant. I can see where someone with a disfunctional family or someone new to a city without many contacts may rather go grab some deals… Also, I had a very good friend that dredded Thanksgiving because it was the day her mother died. As a result, sitting around a big table with family or friends and not her mother, made her extremely upset. Shopping was a good distraction for her, and I get it. I have no problem with it. Live and let live.
Rebecca says
I feel so sorry for people who work in retail and have to work on the holidays………..I used to be one of them!
I think stores should be closed in Thanksgiving. My favorite thing to do on “Black Friday” is turn on my computer and do shop on the Internet from the comfort of home in my fluffy pink robe and slippers. Many stores off Black Friday prices online and give free shipping too!
Jane A says
If I go out on Black Friday, it’s to sit in a coffee shop 🙂 I love being out around people, but I can’t stand fighting crowds for STUFF. I love Christmas, but I kind of hate the retail side of it all.
Cathy says
I’m sorry it’s sneaking into the Thursday holiday. In the past years Friday morning was a father and son time going and hunting down the perfect gift at the perfect price. They spread out the ads from the newspaper , how early were they getting up. Do they stop for cocoa ?
It’s lost its fun , I’m sorry for the people who have work on Thursday.
Lynne says
I agree that Thanksgiving day is not for shopping, although I’ve noticed that after several years of midnight openings, more and more stores are starting “Black Friday” earlier and earlier on Thursday evening.
For the longest time, I looked at Black Friday as a day to stay as far away from stores as possible. Just a few years back, for reasons I now don’t recall, my sister and I made an early-morning trip to a few stores, and had fun. We’ve now made it a tradition. I still wouldn’t go near a toy store or major department store, but we visit places like Ace Hardware, Staples, JoAnn’s, and once the lines are gone, we might try Walmart, Kmart or Kohl’s. We don’t go with the desperate pressure of getting the one big TV in each store that’s on sale, so it’s more of a browse. It’s always surprising what’s still available after the hordes who waited on line half the night have swept through. We get some gifts, stock up on things we need, and cap it off with breakfast before heading home.
Tracy Sch says
Seeing stores open on Thanksgiving day is very sad to me. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have, whether the celebration is with family, friends, our pets, or at a homeless shelter giving back. I have gone out on Black Friday in the past and may in the future, but it will never be during my family time on Thanksgiving Day. I am sad for the employees of those stores that have to miss their own celebrations. Thankfully my retail career was before they started opening on thanksgiving. I would have to work at 12:00am sometimes, but never report in at 5 or 6 on Thanksgiving Day. To each their own, but for me, I’ll be home. The retail business is too greedy.
Cecily says
All holiday observances are heavily commercialized (most are also pagan in origin) and have gone from being family centered to affairs based on greed and selfishness. Many children throw tantrums when they don’t get the exact “gift” that they want. Many families argue over petty disagreements or spend the holidays, eyes glued to the television. Suicide rates jump around the holidays. I don’t observe any secular holidays and I find that for a large number of people that I come into contact with who do, the above facts are a common theme of the holiday season. To me it is very sad.
Diane says
Let’s remember not everyone even celebrates Thanksgiving! Some people would be happy to get extra pay (Target’s incentive pay may a nice little bonus!) or even not lose a day’s pay.
I get Thanksgiving off, but I will lose a day’s pay, being a part-time employee. Full-timers get it paid (we are union).
My family always got together for Thanksgiving, but now the grandmothers/mothers of the family are gone, and the children/grandchildren are scattered around the country, so it’s just me and my two kids. It’s just a fancier dinner I spend more preparation time and money on.
I don’t shop on that Friday. I do a lot of my Christmas shopping online. In fact, I am expecting my first Amazon package to be delivered today!
Tina P says
You can look at this from all sides and find agreement and disagreement. The one thing we need to all remember is if it were us or one of our loved ones having to report to work on Thanksgiving or Christmas how would we feel. A lot of families have multiple celebrations throughout the day, at one in-laws house or the others and sometimes even a friends place. On the flip side there are those who need the extra money “volunteering” for earlier opening times would bring. I’ve been black Friday shopping and yes it can be fun but in my opinion it should at least wait until Friday to begin. This is another one of those “you can’t make everyone happy” deals.
sheila says
Once upon a time, I used to love a good deal (I still do!), but now I don’t want any more crapola in my house than necessary. If I could avoid all gift giving/receiving I would. Now I can’t imagine going out in the cold to fight the traffic and crowds to buy more crap that I or someone else doesn’t need to save $ that wouldn’t otherwise have been spent. However I’m not prejudiced against black Friday. I avoid the entire holiday shopping season as a whole. I’d rather spend holidays for their original purpose. …none of which were based on retail spending.
Sarah says
I admit I’m not a holiday person. Before I became a stay-at-home-mom, I would often volunteer to work holidays at the hospital. I really liked working at Thanksgiving and Christmas time because the work environment was different –more fun, I’d say–than the average day.
There are a lot of folks who will work on Thanksgiving besides retail employees. The whole US doesn’t shut down, nor does every American have a traditional family gathering they’re sad to be missing out on.
I don’t think it’s necessary to feel bad for those who work retail on Thanksgiving. The nature of retail is that you’re generally working when the majority of shoppers are not. If this is a problem for someone, they probably shouldn’t work retail. Every year my mother says how bad she feels for folks who are working on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I really think it’s unnecessary–I’d guess that the majority of holiday workers are fine with it.
Retailers wouldn’t open on Thanksgiving if there wasn’t a demand for it. It’s the consumer who is driving these changes. If no one shows up to Target on Thursday, I’m pretty sure they’d rethink opening Thanksgiving next year. We know that’s not going to happen.
Carol says
Well said, Sarah! I’m retired now, but the steel mill I worked in didn’t shut down for holidays. So families adapt their traditions to the reality of life. When I had step-daughters, we had to do a lot of extra adaptations to incorporate them, my son and the ex’s new family so that everyone had a bit of the kids for the holidays. If you care about your family, you make the sacrifices and are grateful for what you do have. Somewhere there is a lesson to be learned in this whole topic!
Jennifer says
I think your guess is mostly wrong. As someone who has had to work Black Friday and who has family members working retail still; having to work holidays is awful. Sure, some people don’t have any celebration to go to or don’t celebrate the holiday but most do and are missing out. My kids have only spent one thanksgiving with their grandma because she has to work that day and it just takes all the joy out of the holiday. Most who work retail can’t just find a new job if they don’t like working through the holidays. But maybe I just have a different perspective.
Jenni says
I am very saddened by the encroachment of Black Friday onto Thanksgiving Day. I have in-laws that have no problem shopping on Thanksgiving day and will shop all night if possible for the joy of ???. It’s lost on me, but then I worked retail for years while I completed my college degree. I remember working until midnight on Christmas Eve. It never felt good to be the one waiting on the last minute customers.
Sandie A says
I have gotten a lot of flack because I do go to one store every Thanksgiving Afternoon (Michaels) I may go to Target this year as well. I own my own business, and take very little time off. I do a lot of shopping online, and throughout the year to get deals………..but the Michaels Thanksgiving afternoon trip is a tradition for my Mom and me. This store is not busy when they open, I enjoy being out with my Mom and I get some deals for my students prize cabinet. I do hope that the stores I patronize on these Holidays make it very worth their employees while.
Julie says
I, too, am saddened that Black Friday is encroaching on Thanksgiving. Regardless of how people choose to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is a day set aside to give thanks. Do we now show gratitude for all we have by buying more stuff?
Cheryl says
When my nieces were young, I envied my sisters as they would make it a day and head out on Black Friday, I always had to work. Now that I am just shy of 60, you couldn’t pay me enough to go anywhere near a mall on Black Friday. I cannot deal with the traffic and the morons that have only themselves in mind…the season is not about what they are doing and I want no part of it. The majority of my Christmas gifts over the years have been handmade and I have put a lot of thought and energy into said gifts: quilts, little step stools when the kids were little, homemade jams, rocking horses and elephants, 4 generation photos, the kids pics from kindergarten to marriage, collage photo coffee cups for mom of her kids and grandkids…that’s what the holidays are about and that is what is important to me.
But then too, there are single folks like me that are left out of holiday plans as each new family goes to the spouse’s family for the holidays. So the traditions we used to celebrate are fast becoming a thing of the past, as I told my mother last year…we either have to adjust or be left out. I agree the holidays are a serious over commercialization, but at the same time…you as an individual have the option of choosing to embrace the commercialization or not and to some, maybe this is tradition…who am I to say? I march to my own drummer and will continue to do so…we each have a place in this life and this is what I choose. Nuff Said.
Leanna T. says
I always decorate on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I do not like crowds and try to get most of my shopping done before Thanksgiving.
Wynne says
Me too! That weekend is wonderful for decorating, and then everything’s in place to enjoy all December long.
Char says
I am usually a black Friday shopper. Those were the days when I would leave the house at 9:30 -10 o’clock and get home at three in the morning. I could get all my shopping done, not to feel guilty about leaving my kids and they were sound asleep and I do find it a fun experience. The deals aren’t so great but it gives me ample time to shop. However, with the stores opening so early it makes me sad. I will not shorten my Thanksgiving with my family to get to the stores. I will continue out later at night as I always have. I know everything will be picked over and will be an absolute chaotic mess but I will not take time away from my family.
Lisa says
If stores plan to be open on Thanksgiving (always a Thursday) I think they need to change the name…it is no longer Black Friday!!
Patty Peterson says
It’s been interesting reading all of these posts — looks like 90% in favor of staying closed. For me, I haven’t really thought in terms of employees who can “volunteer” (or is it “voluntold”?), people who need the money, etc. Maybe that’s because I haven’t worked retail in 40(?!) years. And as far as those who DO work on Thanksgiving (think airports!), those are necessary services.
For me, here’s the thing: We are a land of unbelievable wealth. Absolutely astounding. I now buy all of my brand-new-tags-still-on-never-been-warn clothes at GOODWILL. We are wealthy enough as a nation to toss aside clothes that have never been worn. Being a country with that kind of wealth, it just seems silly to focus so much on “stuff”, when we toss our “stuff” so quickly. We don’t even appreciate what we have… what makes us think that more stuff is the answer? So… in the end… no, I don’t think stores should be open on Thanksgiving. But I also don’t think a single Christmas decoration should be visible until the day AFTER Thanksgiving. Call me old fashioned… I’m not only saddened by the idea of retailer opened on Thanksgiving, I’m saddened that we as a nation think commerce deserves this kind of attention. This year I’m making all of my Christmas presents… all bounty from my own garden, and my own hands. – Patty
Ellen in Clackamas says
I used to live in a little town and worked in a little grocery store (kind of like a rural 7-11). We were the ONLY grocery store open for 30 miles and people flocked to the store on thanksgiving to get the replacement for the….that burned or was forgotten. Our boss wanted to make sure we all were able to spend time with family so he opened from 8-4 and everyone worked a 4 hour shift. Unfortunately everyone was used to us being open later and they would stand outside the locked doors plaintively crying…”I just need a can of olives/rolls/butter/film” We would have to hide in the back room for a couple of hours before it cleared out enough for us to leave. Always ate very late in the evening!!!
Sara says
I signed a petition on change.org asking Target to close on Thanksgiving.
Jan says
I think that is a great idea!! We should petition all the stores to close on holidays…good for you~
Jan says
Honestly, it just burns me up that any store has to be open on a holiday, be it Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years Day. That’s what is wrong with this country, businesses try to make up for a lousy bottom line the rest of the year by offering ‘spectacular bargains’ to get people in the door on these holidays.
First, holidays are FAMILY TIME…it’s bad enough that so many kids (and adults) are addicted to the video games, computers, television, etc…hard to get everyone in the same place once or twice a year to enjoy visiting and catching up on the family times….
Secondly, those ‘Spectacular Bargains’ are generally items which normally get a minimal price reduction off of an already-overblown price, so nobody is saving anything…it’s a marketing ploy which the public has all too willingly embraced…
Third, all stores should be closed from 9 pm the night BEFORE until 9 a.m. the day AFTER the holiday…we know every year what day/date the holidays are, get your ducks in a row, do your cooking, decorate if necessary & then relax so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and the fun times of being with family. If you make a goof on a dish, either laugh it off & eat it anyhow, or just set it aside and ignore it…most people cook way too much anyhow & then they have tons of leftovers to either push off on their guests to take home, or they gripe about having to eat those leftovers for a week after the holiday.
No, I am NOT a black Friday or a Thanksgiving evening shopper, actually I HATE shopping…I do most of mine online and do it early, before the prices go up just to go down again….selection is better too…
So, there I have said my piece….;)
Sara says
I don’t want my kids thinking Thanksgiving is about going shopping.
RebekahU says
The commercialization of holidays makes me very, very sad. These holidays – Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas – were once largely recognized by most American families as religious days. Although I am a capitalist, I think the American people have let materialism creep into every tiny corner of their lives. AND – most people – 7 out of 10 families are living paycheck to paycheck! Debt, debt, debt which leads to MISERY! Wouldn’t the holidays be less stressful if we were not looking for happiness in a box?? Have we lost the concept of what is enough?? We’ve become a disposable society that buys, buys, buys, and then tosses, tosses, tosses. So many people are no longer good stewards of what they have been entrusted with. And, when a store is open on a holiday, there are workers that have to be there – dealing with often rude and greedy shoppers (picture a scene from Dr Suess full of madness and mayhem!) (AND – when we lived in South Florida, a lady was actually trampled TO DEATH over a Black Friday deal in 2006 (I think)) – when they could be at home relaxing with their families. Yes – some people do not mind working on those days, but some do. I am not wanting to force my life approach on anyone, but I do wish that our nation could use these holidays for quiet reflection. For gratitude. For loving on people in a way that you cannot buy from a store. Not religious? Use the day to spend with a child, a parent, someBODY. Not in pursuit of someTHING. (sorry for the rant…)
Jenn says
I used to be one of those people who loved to get out on Black Friday and go shopping and then, a few years ago, I simply just didn’t feel like putting up with all of the people. I was never really looking for those big ticket items at rock bottom charges. I was always looking for the little things. There was a few times that I scored some good deals, but more times than not, I was waiting in the crazy long lines for something that was just a couple of bucks cheaper. So I started staying at home and hitting the internet for Cyber Monday. Mostly everything is just as cheap as Black Friday and most stores have free shipping. So why get out and put up with having to find a parking spot and deal with the crazy crowds when I can shop in my pi’s in the comfort of my own home. Much more comfy!
kelliinkc says
Just waiting for the day that employers everywhere recognize that they are losing money giving their employees a paid day off to shop and then the holiday gets taken away and everyone has to work!
LoraC says
I can only make a choice for myself. I don’t shop on Thanksgiving. I hate crowds and I am fortunate that I don’t need to pinch pennies. Is Thursday shopping a response to consumer demand or are we being told that is what we want? The way it works out though people who want / need to go out before the rest of us now have that option. Is it fair to the employees? Not everyone has a family to spend Thanksgiving with, and some have a family they want to avoid and see that day as an opportunity to earn. The biggest group are probably those that would rather be at home but have to work to keep their employer happy. Whatever the case, if I do go out shopping at all that weekend, I try to be extra appreciative and patient.
Nancy says
Here we are a bit different. My four youngest (21-29) still live at home and they all work in retail. Three of them work for companies that are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and we definitely appreciate it. The other one is the overnight manager and if it is his regular night off he may be off, he may not. So we plan accordingly for later in the day so he can participate with the rest of us. None of us will shop on one of the major holidays and we aren’t fans of Black Friday either. A lot of craziness for stuff you generally aren’t buying as a gift- really when was the last time someone gifted you a new tv. We try to have our shopping done before Thanksgiving because of the longer work hours they all have so we can enjoy the holiday. The rest of the Thanksgiving weekend, not on Thanksgiving Day, we will spend time working at decorating the house, putting up the tree, etc.
Btw, many who work retail aren’t given a choice of volunteering either- if you are scheduled you work.
Vy says
I have always avoided Black Friday, unless I can get stuff online. I hate crowds and lines and rudeness, all which seem to be in high demand that day. Also I’m on a huge “no STUFF, make gifts, give experiences” kick. Still, I did manage to get a monster tv for 1/3 the normal cost last year, so I’m not unreasonable or anything ;). Still, opening on Thanksgiving is the wrong message, it’s pulling people away from family and those experiences I was talking about and making them focus on the STUFF and needless spending. So no, not a fan, not in the least.
Tracie H says
I too grew up in a very small town ( see Ellen’s comment above) and our grocery stores were always open on Thanksgiving day until 3:00 pm. My brother and three of my cousins all worked there so we never had thanksgiving until late on Thursday or as we do now we wait until Saturday to have our huge family gathering. I don’t shop in an actual store (would much rather stay home in my pajamas)but the rest of the women in my family do and they love it. Regardless of whether or not you get dressed and go to a brick and mortar store or you do your shopping online, someone is having to work so that you can shop. I don’t think that it’s going to change anytime soon.
Michelle says
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – it sets the tone for the whole season. I have not ever once gone shopping on Black Friday and refuse to partake in the rhetoric. I despise crowds and I think the whole thing is ridiculous! I just feel sorry for the people who have to work.
Emily says
I worked every holiday last year (at the ER – gotta love intern life). After that soul-and-family-life crushing experience I won’t shop anywhere on a holiday anymore. I don’t really even like the idea of going to the movies on Christmas. I think only essential services should be open on holidays. Police, fire dept, and hospitals. Everyone else ought to have the opportunity to stay home on Thanksgiving.
Brenda says
We don’t shop on Thanksgiving and don’t see the need for non-essential services or stores to be open for shoppers. We spend our Thanksgiving being thankful for what we have, for the essential services workers, and with our family.
sue says
Thanksgiving and July 4th are the only holidays in America that are non-denominational. No matter what religion or non religion you are, Thanksgiving has the same meaning. Our country will keep stores closed on Christmas Day but everyone is a Christian. The one day that all beliefs celebrate, we are open.
It is a Retail World. We are consumers. America needs to get back to basics and realize what is important. Family and friends, not material possessions and profits. The religious fanatics will go on about how not having religion is schools and the breakdown of the American Family because of the lack of religion but will be the first to be at the stores on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the day after Christmas sales. Stores call in employees on holidays to “get the store ready” for the sales the next day.
My sister in law works for Walmart. She always has to go in on Thanksgiving and Christmas to get the store ready for the next day’s sales. Just once I would like a holiday where we don’t have to eat and visit around Walmart’s schedule.
I lived in Switzerland 20 years ago and everything is shut down on holidays. Around 7:00 the evening before their Independence Day, all stores closed so everyone could prepare for the holiday. It is all about planning. We know when the holidays are. If we would plan and shop and not wait until the last minute, employees can enjoy their holiday too. Who cares if you burned the sweet potatoes and you can’t go to the store to get more. Is the holiday about the sweet potatoes?
Cecily says
Not everyone in America is a Christian and not all Christians celebrate Christmas. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses (a Christian denomination) and we do not celebrate any secular or non-secular holidays. Christmas is a holiday with origins in paganism and its traditions are based on misinformation (careful bible research reveals that Jesus was not born in December). Patriotism is worship of Country so 4th of July (in America) could be called a religious holiday. Thanksgiving was originally meant to be a day to reflect on and be thankful for God’s blessings (something that should be done year round not just on one day). Now it is a holiday based on gluttony often with little to no thoughts turning to God. These are my beliefs and are based on careful study of the bible and reference works. Everyone should decide for themselves whether or not to observe holidays, but everyone should also seek accurate information about the events that they wish to participate in.
gina says
Oh Mavis. We have to open our eyes to the fact that even Thanksgiving is commercialized since it’s beginning. The first Indian Thanksgiving on our lands was about 600 years ago in the Northeast with the native Americans greeting the Vikings. Then in the 1500’s they met with the Spanish in St. Augustine for another Thanksgiving. But teeny, tiny Plymouth rock and a ship called the Mayflower marketed itself as the “first” Thanksgiving. Also, they didn’t even eat turkey until the turkey farming industry needed a boost and it was declared the official meal served at Thanksgiving. So to see retailers trying to make a buck….it’s the same old game as always.
jess-nebraska says
I grew up in a very very small community of 900 people. There was absolutely nothing open after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday’s and nothing on Sunday’s – let alone a holiday – you could here a pin drop during those days. In fact, the same remains true to my hometown as well as the small town of 500 I now live in….other than the bar (that is always open – ironically). When I was in my 20’s stuff was so important to me – so shopping was awesome and having more was awesome. Now in my 40’s, as I have watched the world evolve and have seen what is happening to families, etc., stuff really doesn’t hold the importance it once did. I follow a great blog called Becoming Minimalist. While I do not follow 100% of everything there, much of it holds quite a bit of truth. With that being said….I love a great “deal”, but I am finding that the “deals” really don’t matter as much as the time with my family and the sanity I am keeping as I dislike crowds immensely! I just hate that holiday’s have become overridden with consumerism. I’d much rather pay full price for one thought out gift, than run like a mad woman to pick up several. Just my humble thoughts on it all. We are taking family pictures for Thanksgiving this year…so no black Friday here! I guess as with everything – to each his own!
BJ says
I love remembering the “good ol’ days” but I have worked all major holidays for nearly 30 years now. Thankfully I work overnights (newspaper must still go out! ), so I get to spend the days with family even though sleepy with coffee I.V. However, on the very few nights I have found someone to cover me…GLORIOUS!! I appreciate so much more being wide awake. I’ve read and wondered about other countries or cities that just shut down for several days to emerse themselves in the holidays. I don’t think Americans as a whole could handle it. As a “new” senior; I’m enjoying shopping more and more on-line. You can keep the crowds.
Just my thoughts…..
Jennifer says
My spouse works at Target…. They used to close at a reasonable time on Wednesday, then set the store for sales on Friday…. we had a small window where we could travel 2 hours to my family to celebrate, he could get some rest and be back to open the store on Friday at 6 am…. Now that window is gone. Target is open until midnight on Wednesday… Then they spend a minimum of 4 hours setting up all the displays of TV’s, cameras, appliances and everything else we consume…. The store is now opening at 6 pm on Thanksgiving,… that’s literally 14 hrs off…. (13 actually because he has to be in at 5 pm to open Starbucks so everyone is properly caffeinated)…. Target may talk about all these volunteer employees and the incentive but in my husbands store no one is raising their hand to help! So much for family time… We have to eat turkey between daddy’s nap time…. How many TV’s do we all need?