Boycotting Black Thursday: More Retailers Decide to Close on Thanksgiving

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Black Friday used to kick off the Christmas shopping frenzy. It started early, and got earlier, with several stores opening at midnight to offer its limited supply deals on TVs, computers or the latest toy craze.

That meant family members who planned to join hungry deal-seeking crowds had to depart from the Thanksgiving festivities early to wedge in some sleep before the midnight rush.

Now, Black Friday has creeped further into Thanksgiving Day itself, with retailers opening up on the holiday. It not only pulls shoppers away from their families, but more importantly, boycotters argue, those who have to work in these retail stores.

Groups such as Boycott Black Thursday urge shoppers to fight the movement, asking, “Boycott any retailer that chooses to extend massive Black Friday sales into Thanksgiving Day. Protect the employees, protect the family.

Best Buy, Walmart and Target are among major retailers planning to open on Thanksgiving, even as early as 6 a.m.

“This means employees will be forced to work the majority of the day and evening in preparation for the huge sale,” it says on the Facebook page. “We believe this is an unethical decision that does not consider the families of the men and women who work at these stores, so we’re boycotting Black Thursday. Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday that is meant as a day for giving thanks for what you already have, not as a day for shopping for material items that you probably don’t need. “

A similar group, Boycott Shopping on Thanksgiving Day, released its “Naughty and Nice” list.

This year, several retailers have stepped up to announce early that they will not be among those that open on Thanksgiving Day.

REI is leading the way, as it is not only staying closed on Black Thursday, but Black Friday, as well.

According to Fortune magazine, several others have followed suit, at least for Thanksgiving Day.

The following are not opening on Black Thursday, according to Fortune:

• Staples
• GameStop
• Costco
• BJ’s
• Nordstrom
• T.J. Maxx
• Marshalls
• Home Goods
• Sam’s Club
• Home Depot
• Barnes and Noble
• DSW
• Crate and Barrel
• Burlington Coat Factory
• Patagonia
• Sur La Table
• Jo-Ann Stores
• A.C. Moore
• Sierra Trading Post
• Harbor Freight
• At Home
• Von Maur
• Mattress Firm
• Half Price Books

Will you shop at the store that open on Thanksgiving Day? Share in the comments section below. Know of other stores planning to close on that day? Tell us about it at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.