Which Retailers Will Be Closed on Thanksgiving?
Major retailers like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Best Buy and more are closing their doors on Thanksgiving due to the ongoing pandemic and to say thank you to their employees.
For many retailers, this is the second year in a row that they are closing on the holiday. Last year, retailers closed their doors to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and follow health and safety measures. This year, many stores are keeping up with the tradition as they saw it resonate with customers and employees. They are also changing up their Black Friday initiatives, hosting month-long savings events throughout November.
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Despite the closure, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon are beginning their Black Friday sales sooner than ever before to give customers more time to do their holiday shopping as supply chain blockages continue to create product shortages.
Here, WWD rounds up all the retailers that are closing their stores on Thanksgiving. Read on for more.
Apple
Apple will close its stores on Thanksgiving and will reopen the next day for Black Friday shopping.
Bath & Body Works
The retailer will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond revealed in June that it would be closing its stores on Thanksgiving.
“As we look ahead to Thanksgiving and a return to a ‘new normal,’ we want our associates to be home, happier and be able to welcome friends and family into their homes,” said Lynda Markoe, executive vice president and chief people and culture officer, in a statement.
Customers will still be able to shop through the retailer’s digital channels on Thanksgiving.
Best Buy
For the second year in a row, Best Buy will close its stores on Thanksgiving. Instead, the retailer has begun offering savings deals in mid-October, with Black Friday deals set to launch on Nov. 19, a week earlier than the actual Black Friday.
Belk
The North Carolina-based department store will close all its locations on Thanksgiving.
Boscov’s
The Northeastern department store chain is closing its stores on Thanksgiving.
Chief executive officer Jim Boscov stated the initiative is in hopes “that closing on Thanksgiving Day once again becomes an industry tradition allowing our coworkers the ability to enjoy an uninterrupted Thanksgiving Day with their families.”
Burlington
The retailer is closing its stores on Thanksgiving so its “customers and associates can enjoy time with their friends and family near and far” according to Burlington.
Costco
Costco will be closed on Thanksgiving. The retailer is typically closed on major holidays, including New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods said in February that it would be closing its stores and distribution centers on Thanksgiving.
“We closed our stores and distribution centers last year on Thanksgiving as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to our teammates for navigating all the stress and strain of 2020 and to encourage our teammates and customers to spend time with their loved ones,” said Lauren Hobart, Dick’s Sporting Goods president and chief executive officer. “This year, we wanted to give our teammates plenty of notice that we will be closed again, so they have the opportunity to plan for their annual traditions — whether it’s participating in a fun run, watching football or enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.”
Dillard’s
The Arkansas-based department store chain will close all locations on Thanksgiving.
DSW
The footwear retailer will be closed on Thanksgiving
Foot Locker
Foot Locker said in June that it would close its stores on Thanksgiving. The retailer will reopen for Black Friday sales.
Gap
Gap will close its stores on Thanksgiving.
JCPenney
JCPenney will close its stores on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. The department store will reopen at 5 a.m. the next day for Black Friday.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s said in June that it will close stores on Thanksgiving after doing the same the year prior.
Macy’s
While Macy’s is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Parade, it will be closing its stores on the holiday. The retailer will reopen at 6 a.m. the next day for Black Friday.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will be open the following day for Black Friday.
Old Navy
Old Navy will close its stores nationwide on Thanksgiving.
Pandora
Pandora will be closed on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row.
REI
REI is continuing its #OptOutside initiative for the seventh year in a row, where it closes its stores on Thanksgiving and Black Friday to encourage the company’s employees to spend the holiday outside with family and friends.
Sephora
Sephora will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Simon Properties
The shopping mall operator is closing its stores within its properties on Thanksgiving.
“In these challenging times, we made the decision that we will not open on Thanksgiving Day, instead allowing our associates to spend the holiday with their loved ones,” said David Simon, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Simon Properties.
Target
Target is again closing stores on Thanksgiving, according to a statement put out in January. The retailer shared that it saw strong performance last November and December and large growth in its same-day services, which has led to its decision to again close on Thanksgiving this year.
TJX Companies
T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and other stores under TJX Companies will be closed on Thanksgiving.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty will close its locations on Thanksgiving.
Walmart
Walmart said in June that it would close its stores on Thanksgiving as an additional thank you to its associates.
“Our people make the difference, and that’s never been more true than it is right now,” said Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart U.S. “Closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day is one way we’re saying ‘thank you’ to our teams for their dedication and hard work this year. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to be with their loved ones during what’s always a special time.”
Walmart’s Black Friday deals will begin on Nov. 3 with its “Black Friday Deals for Days” initiative, where deals are offered throughout the month.
READ MORE HERE:
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