Costco, Nordstrom And Other Stores Boycotting Black Thursday

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the biggest shopping day of the year. Over the last few years, however, major stores have opened their doors earlier and earlier, with several stores open on Thanksgiving day itself. This phenomenon has come to be known as Black Thursday, and this year, more stores will be taking a stand against it.

As Michael McDonald, the CEO of shoe retailer DSW Inc DSW, said in a statement last month:

"This holiday season, you’ve probably seen or read about all the retailers opening their doors as early as 6:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. We have decided not to follow that trend. Instead, WE BELIEVE FAMILY COMES FIRST AND YOU SHOULD BE HOME CELEBRATING WITH THEM ON THIS SPECIAL HOLIDAY. This means none of our stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day. In addition no stores will be open before 7:00am on Black Friday."

An image with McDonald’s quote emblazoned onto it has been circulating through social media, spreading the word of DSW's decision. Here are a few other companies following its lead.

Related Link: Deloitte: Holiday Sales Will Rise As Much As 4.5%, Shopping Malls Still Relevant

Costco

As a spokesperson said about Costco Wholesale Corporation's COST decision to stay closed on Thanksgiving, "Our employees work especially hard during the holiday season and we simply believe that they deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Nothing more complicated than that."

The wholesale company’s decision will give its 127,000 employees the freedom to spend Thanksgiving entirely with their families.

GameStop

All video game retailers stores will closed on Thanksgiving, though stores will open at midnight to begin Black Friday sales. GameStop Corp. GME released a statment, saying "At GameStop we often use the phrase ‘protect the family’ in reference to our business...We believes it’s the right decision not only for our employees, but also for our customer. Enjoy this time with your loved ones and we’ll see you on Black Friday."

Nordstrom

The upscale fashion retailer will again keep its doors closed for Black Thursday. A Nordstrom, Inc. JWN spokesperson said, "As is our tradition, our Nordstrom stores will be closed on Thanksgiving... the reasoning behind that is we believe in celebrating one holiday at a time. Over the years, our tradition has been to be closed on Thanksgiving and to unveil our holiday trim the following morning... Our employees work especially hard during the holiday season and we simply believe that they deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families."

Not only does Nordstrom oppose Black Thursday openings, but it also opposes early Black Friday openings. Its major competitors, such as Macy’s and Kohl’s, don't agree.

Other major retail chains boycotting Black Thursday include American Girl, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Burlington Stores, Crate and Barrell, Dillard’s, Gordman’s, Homegoods, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Marshalls, Patagonia, Pier 1 Imports , Publix, REI, Sierra Trading Post and T.J. Maxx.