Target plans to close on Thanksgiving, preparing for a pandemic holiday season
FILE – This March 18, 2020 file photo, shows a view of the Target store in Annapolis, Md. Target is joining Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day, ending a decade-long tradition of jump starting Black Friday sales. The move, announced Monday, July 27 comes as stores are rethinking the Black Friday in-store door busters as they try to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has seen a resurgence in a slew of states. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)
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MINNEAPOLIS (NewsNation) — No need to rush through Thanksgiving dinner this year for tradition’s sake of gaining a jump start on Black Friday sales at Target. The Minneapolis-based retailer’s announcement to close on Thanksgiving Day this year follows Walmart’s decision to close its namesake stores and Sam’s Clubs on the federal holiday as well.
A statement released on Monday comes as stores are reevaluating a holiday season that “is going to be very different this year” due to the coronavirus pandemic. Adding that the result of aiming for that in-door deal buster “can mean crowded events and this isn’t a year for crowds.”
“The investments we’ve made in our business and our incredible team have enabled us to move with flexibility and speed to meet guests’ changing needs during this global pandemic,” said Target CEO Brian Cornell. “This year more than ever, a joyful holiday will be inseparable from a safe one, and we’re continuing to adjust our plans to deliver ease, value and the joy of the season in a way that only Target can.”
The retailer said it will stretch out customer savings with deals starting in October, including expansion of its safety measures including contactless options, making 20,000 more gifts and essentials, including groceries, available for same-day drive up, pickup and delivery.