November 23rd, 2009 by John 
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As I was running around shopping today, I could not believe the number of stores that are planning to stay open on Thanksgiving day. Restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores and department stores. It’s sad really. You would think these retailers would allow their employees to take the day off and spend time with their families. Is it really necessary to stay open? Can’t we do without shopping for just one day?
A Long Time Ago…
When I was growing up, stores were not only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but on Sundays, as well. Here in Virginia we had “Blue Laws” prohibiting most stores from opening on Sunday. Looking back on those times, I’m not so sure we are better off today with our 24 by 7 world. I think it is good to have a few days a year where we just “shut down” and relax. Where everyone can relax, rest and spend time with loved ones.
Post Your Hours Please
In my travels, I noticed that some stores do not have any holiday hours posted. However, upon asking, I was told they would be open on Thanksgiving day. Is this on purpose? Are these retailers trying to reap the benefits of staying open without attracting attention to the fact that their employees will be working while I’m stuffing my face with turkey? I think there is a good possibility that’s what’s going on. I know one thing for sure, gone are the days when Walmart proudly displayed a sign stating “We will be closed for Thanksgiving so our employees can spend time with their families.” Probably gone for good.
Walmart plans to stay open all day and overnight on Thanksgiving.
Get Up, Stand Up
There is something we can do about it. What is that, you ask? Vote with your dollars. Refuse to shop on Thanksgiving day. If it’s not profitable to stay open, eventually retailers would begin closing for the holiday. So postpone buying that super-whamadyne-widget that you just have to have. Stay home with your friends and family. Wait until Black Friday, a shoppers dream come true. It will still be there. I promise.
On A Positive Note
Target had a sign proudly displayed at the entrance stating, “We will be closed for Thanksgiving.” Bravo. I applaud the Target management. Good call.
What do you think? Can you live without shopping for one day? Does it irritate you that stores are staying open? Do you have to work on Thanksgiving? Let us know!
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I wrote about this some time ago and someone reminded me that the people working on holidays may actually want to or need to, since they may be paid time and a half or even double time. But still, I remember the days when Sundays and holidays were sacred.
Junk Drawer Kathy´s last blog ..Careful Where You Stick That
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John reply on November 23rd, 2009 8:33 am:
I hear you, but I think the vast majority of employees, customers and the companies themselves would be better served to put those OT hours to use on Black Friday and in the days leading up to holidays.
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I can remember how it was almost a “magical” quality to holidays – Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas – I think New Years Day was like that too. Almost as if everything had stopped and I could imagine everyone sitting home with their families. But, now that I’m older I realize that not everyone has family, not everyone celebrates holidays – so I can understand why some stores stay open.
sheila sultani´s last blog ..7 Killer Ways To Make People Click On Your Ads
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John reply on November 23rd, 2009 8:40 am:
Well I’m not sure about you, but I have NEVER heard anyone say “Gosh I’m glad I’m working on Christmas!”……I’m just saying.
In fact, just the opposite. In my visits to stores yesterday, I heard person after person complaining about having to work on Thanksgiving. AND customers telling them they’re sorry they have to work and the store should let them have the day off. I have to believe in a store the size of Walmart, the majority of employees do have friends and family and would like to have the day off.
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I guess it depends on the person that gets stuck working on that holiday on whether or not they wanted to or needed that extra money. I can understand your view about if we stopped going on that particular day then the retailer would eventually have to stop staying open on say Thanksgiving Day. I too remember the days when Sundays all stores were closed and holidays, but I am glad that we do have a choice as to whether we can run into town and get that last minute “whatever” that we really needed.I probably could live without shopping for that one day, but in no way does it irritate me. I find too many other things that irritate me. lol
jj-momscashblog´s last blog ..Make Money for the Holidays with Affiliate Marketing
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I think stores should close for Thanksgiving. Shopping is something that can definitely wait, but I must admit I like to go out for Thanksgiving dinner to a restaurant. We go to Hometown Buffet every year and enjoy it very much! It’s also nice for elderly who don’t cook and don’t have family to visit to be able to get a great Thanksgiving meal.
Thanks for letting us know about Target closing for the holiday–that’s nice for their employees! WalMart should too but you make a good point. If we want to help those employees get the holidays off, we need to refrain from shopping there on those days.
Karen, author of “My Funny Dad, Harry”´s last blog ..Vote For An Animal Shelter
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I feel sorry for the people who have to work on Thanksgiving. I understand that in this economy some people may welcome the extra money for the overtime or holiday pay. I don’t do any “shopping” on Thanksgiving or Christmas because I want to spend time with my family.
But I do apprciate the gas stations and grocery stores that stay open until noon on those days. If something is forgotten for Thanksgiving dinner then it is nice to have store to run out to. Of course, we could always do without that item!
Sandy S,´s last blog ..Monday New Week Reminders 11/23
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I cannot believe how many things here are open on Thanksgiving!!! When I was a kid everything seemed to be closed on Thanksgiving and even the mall was closed on Sunday!
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Well, guess what? I’m one of those people working on Thanksgiving!!!
Folks up here in old NYC like to get in a WORKOUT before relaxing with the fam at the Thanksgiving table. That’s how ANAL we are about being perfect up here. Not one ounce of fat on US, no Sir!!
I will be teaching two afternoon exercise classes for all the workout freaks, and then I will be released back into normal civilization…..
Take care, and have a Happy!
The Fitness Diva´s last blog ..Why Have We Become So Violent?
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I do certainly remember the times when everything was closed on Thanksgiving and Sundays and certainly on Christmas. But I have to agree that some people need the money especially in our economy at the moment. But I do remember having to work on Thanksgiving many years ago because I ran a boarding stable for people to keep their horses and there was one couple that just had to ride right when I was ready to sit down and eat my dinner.
Marg´s last blog ..Happy Turkey Day
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In my single days, working holidays wasn’t a big deal, because it meant double-time.
Plus there are always going to be places like video stores that are insane busy on holidays: you open all the gifts and eat all the food and, hedonistic tendencies not fulfilled, it’s off to the video place…
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I’m sure the “big bosses” are at home with their families during the holidays.
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