Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Target and Walmart plan to close on Thanksgiving Day. The major retail chains made the decision to close in order to prevent large crowds during the holiday season.
Traditionally, between Thanksgiving and the New Year is the retailers’ busiest time of the year. However, the coronavirus pushed the stores to reevaluate Black Friday and the holiday season.
While Target and Walmart won’t open on Thanksgiving Day, the retailers plan to offer holiday deals online and in stores in October, Star Tribune reports.
Target CEO, Brian Cornell, released a statement in regard to the decision. “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. “This year more than ever, a joyful holiday will be inseparable from a safe one, and we’re continuing to adjust our plans to deliver ease, value and the joy of the season in a way that only Target can.”
In a blog post on the Target website, the company addressed the holiday season. “Let’s face it: Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn’t a year for crowds,” the post reads.
The last time Target closed on Thanksgiving Day was 2011. However, the store opened at midnight for Black Friday shoppers. In the past few years, Black Friday deals and store openings came crept into Thanksgiving Day. For example, Target opened at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day last year.
In addition to Target and Walmart, a handful of other major retailers announced plans to close on Thanksgiving. On Monday, Dick’s Sporting Goods announced its stores will close on the holiday. Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream revealed similar plans.
[H/T Star Tribune]
