Hmmm...Shopping on Thanksgiving?

Photo Credit: The Examiner.com

Stores prepare for the flood of consumers to come on Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Some stores have decided to give consumers a head-start on their shopping, by opening stores on Thanksgiving Day. This decision has sparked an ongoing debate about whether retailers should open stores on Thanksgiving Day. I do not think stores should be opened on Thanksgiving because it defeats the purpose of the holiday-family time.

Thanksgiving is a day when many Americans slow down their busy lives to fellowship with their family and friends, and to take time to appreciate what they have. Opening stores on this holiday, preaches the opposite message, because people are constantly wanting more and trying to be the first in line to get the latest item. Also opening stores on Thanksgiving Day is at others expense. It is unfair to the employees of retailers because it takes time away from employees' family and friends. After all, it is not like retail stores take holidays often throughout the year.

Thanksgiving should be a day set aside strictly for family, friends, and showing gratitude. Family is the core of any society, and allowing stores to be open takes the focus away from the family. 

Some stores who are opening on Thanksgiving for the first time or at earlier times are:

Khol's
Macy's
Kmart
Target
Toys R Us
J.C. Penny