As Thanksgiving approaches, shoppers planning to visit retail superstore outlets may need to reassess their strategies for holiday shopping. Major retailers like Walmart and Target have announced their decision to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day for the fifth consecutive year. This policy aims to allow employees across the country to spend quality time with their families during the holiday. Walmart’s corporate statement emphasizes the company’s commitment to employee well-being, indicating that the day off is a priority for them.
Walmart, a leading chain in the retail industry, officially confirmed that all stores will close on Thanksgiving Day. This decision aligns with the company’s longstanding practice of closing its doors on that day, reinforcing their focus on the health of their workforce and the importance of family connections during the holidays. In addition to ensuring stores remain closed, Walmart is taking proactive steps to engage shoppers earlier in the holiday season by launching its first Holiday Deals event starting in October, enabling customers to shop for festive deals ahead of the traditional Black Friday rush.
Similarly, Target has reaffirmed its stance on Thanksgiving closure as a permanent policy. Announcing this decision last November, Target emphasized its commitment to giving employees time off to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones. By opting to close on Thanksgiving, both retailers are contributing to a broader trend where companies prioritize work-life balance and the well-being of their staff, diverging from the previous norm of extended shopping hours during the holiday.
As Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 28 this year, many shoppers who have traditionally flocked to stores for early holiday bargains may need to adjust their plans. The closures at Walmart and Target mean that consumers will have to find alternative shopping strategies, whether by participating in online shopping events or visiting stores on other days, which can significantly affect their holiday shopping experience.
The decision by these major retailers reflects a growing sentiment among businesses that value employee morale and customer experience. By closing on Thanksgiving, Walmart and Target not only prioritize their associates’ family time but also shift the consumer focus away from the rush of shopping on the holiday itself. Retailers are now embracing new shopping calendars that allow for a more sustainable approach to holiday spending, gradually changing the landscape of holiday retailing.
With the impending Thanksgiving holiday, shoppers need to be aware of these new retail policies. As Walmart and Target embrace their commitment to employee well-being and family time, customers will continue to see enhancements in shopping opportunities through early access deals and promotions, starting long before Thanksgiving. This evolution in retail practices may lead to a more relaxed holiday shopping environment, characterized by earlier sales and a renewed focus on the holiday’s true meaning—family and togetherness.