For years, major retailers have made opening on Thanksgiving a tradition to give shoppers an early start on shopping Black Friday deals.
But this year, due to COVID-19, Walmart is stepping back. The retailer announced in a statement that it will keep its doors closed on Thanksgiving, for the first time in years.
Here's what you need to know:
- Walmart stores and Sam's Club stores will be closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26). That's a sharp departure from its tradition of opening at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
- Walmart's hours for Black Friday (Nov. 27) are still unknown. The retailer announced it will share those plans at a later date.
That tradition of retailers opening on Thanksgiving has not been without controversy, and every year, we've seen petitions against stores remaining open on a family-oriented holiday. Walmart was always front and center in that controversy, ever since it announced in 2012 it would start its Black Friday sale at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Over the next eight years, retailers constantly upped the ante, opening earlier and earlier on Turkey Day (Walmart has consistently opened at 6 p.m. the past few years).
While large crowds (and pandemic health concerns of in-store events) are likely at least part of the reason for Walmart's decision, its announcement focused on its workers: “We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones,” said John Furner, President and CEO of Walmart U.S. in the statement.
How do you feel about Walmart's decision? Will you be shopping online during Black Friday this year?
