Share
On Monday, Target became the second major retailer to say it will close its stores on Thanksgiving Day amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let’s face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn’t a year for crowds.” — Target CEO Brian Cornell
“Let’s face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn’t a year for crowds, “Target CEO Brian Cornell said in a statement.
In the announcement, the Minneapolis-based retailer focused on how it has expanded contactless same-day pickup and delivery service.
“The investments we’ve made in our business and our incredible team have enabled us to move with flexibility and speed to meet guests’ changing needs during this global pandemic,” Cornell said.
Walmart, Sam’s Club Also Will Close on Thanksgiving
Last week, Walmart said it would close stores on Thanksgiving Day so that employees could be with their families. The company’s Sam’s Club locations will close as well on Thanksgiving.
“It has been a trying year, and associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones,” said John Fulmer, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
Thanksgiving Closures Is a Trend
Forbes notes that before the pandemic Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, T.J.Maxx, and other retailers elected to close on Thanksgiving in recent years.
What About Black Friday?
Target opened for the first time on Thanksgiving in 2011, joining other stores in starting Black Friday sales a day early and creating a new tradition of shoppers heading out to the stores after their turkey feast. Many retailers did so because they were trying to better compete with Amazon and other online players.
But sales ended up eating into Black Friday and many critics lambasted stores for not honoring the holiday and allowing their workers to spend it with family. In response to the backlash and also poor sales, some stores and malls like Bloomington, Minnesota-based Mall of America, reversed course and have not opened on Thanksgiving in recent years.
The bigger question still looms on how to handle Black Friday itself, which also draws huge crowds — and sales. Despite competition from Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday ranks as either the top or No. 2 sales day of the year.
(Associated Press contributed to this story.)
RELATED TOPICS:
Sex Abuse Scandal Forces Fresno’s Catholic Diocese to Declare Bankruptcy
1 hour ago
Fresno Police Arrest Intoxicated Employee Following Morning Disturbance
2 hours ago
US Senate Strikes AI Regulation Ban From Trump Megabill
2 hours ago
Fresno Police, CHP Crack Down on Impaired Driving for July 4th
2 hours ago
Despite Last-Minute Changes, Senate Bill Deals Big Blow to Renewable Energy
3 hours ago
Valley Crime Stoppers’ Most Wanted Person of the Day: Amaury Fernandez
4 hours ago
CA Rolls Back Its Landmark Environmental Law to Speed Housing Construction
4 hours ago
Visalia Police Investigate Deadly Shooting Near Bethlehem Center
5 hours ago
How Wimbledon Is Tackling Its Hottest Opening on Record
5 minutes ago
Categories

How Wimbledon Is Tackling Its Hottest Opening on Record

Tulare County Gang Robber Sentenced to Life in Prison for Attempted Murder of Police Officer

The Chainsmokers to Headline Dog Daze Festival at Chukchansi Park

Sex Abuse Scandal Forces Fresno’s Catholic Diocese to Declare Bankruptcy

Fresno Police Arrest Intoxicated Employee Following Morning Disturbance

US Senate Strikes AI Regulation Ban From Trump Megabill

Fresno Police, CHP Crack Down on Impaired Driving for July 4th
