Target Stores Will Remain Closed on Thanksgiving Day Permanently

After closing last year on Thanksgiving due to the coronavirus pandemic, Target announced Monday that it would permanently remain closed on the holiday, giving the day back to thousands of workers.

While stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, some call center and distribution workers will still have to work.

“What started as a temporary measure driven by the pandemic is now our new standard — one that recognizes our ability to deliver on our guests’ holiday wishes both within and well beyond store hours,” Target CEO Brian Cornell said in a written note to employees.

Retailers began opening earlier and earlier, encroaching on Thanksgiving, to compete with online retailers. But even with stores closed for the holiday, sales were up 8.2 percent from the previous year. Shoppers were able to get the same deals but spread out over a more extended period. 

Thanksgiving is historically not a big sales day for stores. It doesn’t even crack the top ten. In the past, it has been a big day for online sales.

Hopefully, other major retailers will take note of Target’s shift away from opening on Thanksgiving and follow suit.