Trying to get ahead on your Black Friday shopping spree? Check out this list of stores closed on Thanksgiving before you begin.
While many people take the end of Thanksgiving to be the beginning of a holiday spending spree, nearly as many others disagree. They point to the long lines, tense environments, and stressed out employees as indications of consumerism gone wrong.
These same folk also argue that this focus on buying stuff is strange, given how much the cultural perception of Thanksgiving centers on eating with friends and family (not to mention entering into a deep food coma on the couch immediately after).
Whether or not you agree, some stores are taking an unusual stance. At least 55 major retailers will be closed on Thanksgiving 2017. Some will remain closed on Black Friday, the shopping spree that falls immediately after Thanksgiving.
REI in particular has made a point of its closure on Thanksgiving and Black Friday with its #OptOutside campaign. CEO Jerry Stritzke has some especially pointed words about the “rampant consumerism” of the day.
Your particular locale might also have municipal or even statewide rules that affect Thanksgiving and Black Friday retail hours. For instance, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine have “blue laws” that could prevent some stores from opening on Thanksgiving.
If you’re all set to brave the crowds and empty your wallet this Thanksgiving, be sure to double-check store hours before you begin. Some stores might break with tradition at the last minute and open their doors (but don’t hold your breath).
Here is a list of businesses that are expected to be closed on Thanksgiving, per Best Black Friday:
"A.C. MooreAbt ElectronicsAcademy Sports + OutdoorsAce HardwareAmerican GirlAT&T (some locations)At HomeBabies R UsBarnes and NobleBed Bath & BeyondBJ’s Wholesale ClubBlain’s Farm and FleetBurlingtonCost Plus World MarketCostcoCraft WarehouseCrate and BarrelDillard’sdressbarnDSW – Designer Shoe WarehouseEthan AllenFred MeyerFry’s ElectronicsGardner-White FurnitureGuitar CenterH&MHalf Price BooksHarbor FreightHobby LobbyHome DepotHomeGoodsHomesensIKEAJOANN Fabric and Craft StoresJos. A. BankLa-Z-Boy (all corporately owned stores)Lowe’sMarshallsMattress FirmMenardsMicro CenterMills Fleet FarmMusic & ArtsNeiman MarcusNordstromNordstrom RackOffice Depot and OfficeMaxOutdoor Research (also closed on Black Friday)P.C. Richard & SonParty CityPatagoniaPetcoPetSmartPier 1 ImportsPublixRaymour & Flanigan FurnitureREI (also closed on Black Friday)Sam’s ClubShoe CarnivalSierra Trading PostSportsman’s WarehouseSprint (Corporate & Dealer Owned Stores; Mall Kiosks May Open)StaplesStein MartSur La TableThe Container StoreThe Original Mattress FactoryTJ MaxxTractor SupplyTrollbeadsVon MaurWest Marine"
Again, be sure to double check store hours in your area before heading out. Some franchised businesses may or may not be open, too.
Next: Target Black Friday ad 2017: Best deals
Also, don’t forget that Small Business Saturday is right after the hullabaloo of Black Friday. Yes, it was created by American Express as a marketing tactic.
Still, this is a good opportunity to support local and small businesses in your area.