Walmart To Close This Thanksgiving, Ending Black Friday Tradition

ACROSS AMERICA — Die-hard Black Friday shoppers will have one less option this year after Walmart this week announced it plans to keep stores closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The closures, affecting both Walmart and Sam's Club stores, mark a huge departure from Walmart's tradition of kicking off Black Friday in-store sales on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on Nov. 26 this year.

John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart, said in a statement that closing stores is a way to recognize employees for the work they’ve done during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“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,” Furner said in a statement. “We are certainly thankful to our people for all of their efforts.”

Walmart is one of many of companies that have faced criticism for remaining open on Thanksgiving and keeping workers from spending the holiday with their families. In response, a growing number of retailers including Costco, Lowe's and Hobby Lobby have started closing stores on the holiday.

Additionally, Walmart said it will pay out $428 million in cash bonuses to store, Sam’s Club, distribution center and fulfillment center associates.

This is the third bonus Walmart has given employees in 2020. So far, the company has paid out $1.1 billion in bonuses.

Walmart and Sam’s Club locations will be open normal hours on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Information regarding store and club hours on Black Friday will be shared at a later date, the company said.