January 1, Target Stores Will No Longer Be Open on Thanksgiving Day

Target announced that it will now close its stores on Thanksgiving Day. The move marks a permanent change to the culture of Black Friday shopping since holiday deals last for a more extended period.

“What started as a temporary measure driven by the pandemic is now our new standard — one that recognizes our ability to deliver on our guests’ holiday wishes both within and well beyond store hours,” Target CEO Brian Cornell wrote in a note to employees.

Target said distribution and call centers will have some staff on Thanksgiving, but stores will remain closed.

According to NPR, Target started opening its stores on Thanksgiving in 2011 in a joint effort with retailers to kick off Black Friday sales a day early to compete with online retailers. However, the move didn’t do much to bolster Black Friday sales and instead caused blowback from critics who said thousands were forced to work instead of spending time with their families.

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Target will no longer open its stores on Thanksgiving Day