Money

Stores That Will Stay Closed on Thanksgiving

October 22nd 2015

Though it’s still about a month away, five major retailers are already announcing that they are planning to close their stores around the country on Thanksgiving Day.

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Last year, several stores refused to open on the holiday, choosing to wait until it was officially Black Friday to open their doors. In recent years, Black Friday hours have edged earlier and closer to midnight, encroaching on retail employees' Thanksgiving holiday.

Many people hope that the stores that close on Turkey Day will spark a “backwards trend” of retailers completely closing down for the holiday so that people can spend time eating with their families before shopping insanity ensues early the following morning.

While some companies are willing to close for Thanksgiving, the reality is that when money talks, retailers listen. And money has a lot to say during the most wonderful time of the year.

During the 2014 holidays, shoppers spent an average of $802 on decorations, food and gifts, The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports. While this overall number is an increase from 2013's $767, the NRF reports that the overall percentage of shopping during Thanksgiving weekend dropped 5.2 percent in 2014 from 2013, and that's a good thing.

At first glance, the decrease might seem like a negative, but according to CFO Magazine, the decline actually reflects a strengthening economy.

“A strengthening economy that changes consumers’ reliance on deep discounts, a highly competitive environment, early promotions and the ability to shop 24/7 online all contributed to the shift witnessed this weekend,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a news release.

There is an evolutionary change happening in holiday shopping, and according to Shay, it's a trend we can expect to continue.

Still, some companies believe that holidays should be celebrated one at a time. Here are five stores that already announced that they will be closing on Thanksgiving Day 2015.

Costco

CostcoFlickr, Mike Mozart - flickr.com

As it did last year, the warehouse club reported on its website that it is planning on closing its doors for Thanksgiving 2015. Anyone who needs to grab turkeys in bulk should definitely do it in advance.

GameStop

Picture of GameStop LogoFlickr, Mike Mozart - flickr.com

The BlackFriday.com reports that videogame retailer GameStop will also keep its doors shuttered for Thanksgiving 2015. If you need to pick up Halo 5, do it before you turn in for mashed potatoes.

Staples

Staples LogoFlickr, Mike Mozart - flickr.com

Though it was open last year, USA TODAY reports that Staples announced it would not open for Thanksgiving on October 2. "We want our customers and associates to enjoy Thanksgiving their own way," said Demos Parneros, Staples president of North American stores and online.

Mattress Firm

Mattress Firm LogoDaniel Oines, Flickr - flickr.com

ThinkProgress reports that Mattress Firm is continuing its 29-year-old policy of closing for Thanksgiving Day. The company has 2,300 stores in 38 states, and closes on Thanksgiving to allow its employees to go home and spend time with their families.

Half Price Books

Discounted books laid out on a deskBrew Books, Flickr - flickr.com

Yahoo reports that the discount bookstore will be closed for Thanksgiving, and it's expected that more announcements will be made in the coming weeks about who will keep their doors open for the holiday.

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