Some stores will be opening on Thanksgiving in hopes of getting an early rush from Black Friday shoppers while others are putting their foot down and strictly sharing time with their family and friends while their stores’ doors stay tightly locked up.
As the holidays approach, shoppers scurry frantically as they realize gifts must be bought for their loved ones. What’s the best day to accomplish this terrifying task one might ask? The day of unbelievable discounts and the biggest shopping day of the year? A shopper’s heaven and a retail employee’s Hell? Black Friday.
During this time, Thanksgiving becomes just a blur for some as they prepare for the, what seems like, unpreparable holidays.
What are some reasons for leaving stores open on Thanksgiving? Well, stores that are open on Thanksgiving as well as Black Friday have opportunities to gain from sales, of course. Some workers even enjoy this due to a raise in pay for themselves.
However, stores that remain closed on the holiday prior to the busy shopping day choose family over profit, get a boost of reputation for their store because of this and love from their workers as well.
As the GAP store located on Lancaster Avenue in Wayne prepares for the hustle and bustle, one employee, Devon Schenck, voiced her opinion on the matter as well. Schenck said, “It’s unfortunate (to work on Thanksgiving) but they’re really accommodating if people don’t want to work.” Shenck will be working from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. but doesn’t mind the hours on a holiday as much since she is getting paid time and a half.
According to a National Retail Federation survey, from today.com, roughly 32 percent of holiday shoppers said they plan to shop on Thanksgiving Thursday. Is this percentage really high enough to persuade businesses to open or close their doors for themselves?
Some well-known stores are hopping on the band wagon for more time to give thanks on Thursday and less time opening early for Black Friday include Home Goods, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, Burlington Coat Factory and T.J. Maxx, amongst many others.
If one was looking to shop at some smaller, local stores, like those located in the Wayne shopping complexes on Lancaster Avenue, as opposed to King of Prussia or any other large mall for Thanksgiving, it is recommended to call ahead.
Marianne English, store manager of Pet Valu located on Lancaster Avenue, agrees with being family-oriented for the holidays. The store in which she works will be closed on Thanksgiving and will even open later than usual on Black Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Although Pet Valu is keeping their doors closed for the holiday, Wayne Sports located right next door will be opening early for Black Friday, but later in the evening on Thanksgiving, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
As one can see, it is a battle for profit and a battle for more time with the family.
@abbierosekeefe
