Planning to get an early start on Black Friday shopping? Fewer stores open on Thanksgiving
Remember when Black Friday shopping actually started on Thanksgiving Day?
While some shoppers were happy about the jumpstart to holiday shopping, others were upset about pulling employees and family members away from what has traditionally been a time to gather around the table — or TV —to enjoy time with family and friends.
COVID-19 changed a lot in 2020 as many stores decided not to open on Thanksgiving Day to avoid crowds after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified “shopping at crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving” on a list of higher-risk activities to avoid and suggested online shopping.
Things have changed over the past three years. A pack of toilet paper or can of Lysol doesn't generate the excitement it once did. Online shopping has surged. And people are looking for bargains.
Fewer stores are open on Thanksgiving Day, and such retailers as Walmart and Target are staying closed on the holiday.
Walmart announced its decision to close for the holiday for the fourth consecutive year on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Thanksgiving is a special day, and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones. Hear from John Furner about how we're closing Walmart stores on Thanksgiving again this year. pic.twitter.com/fNIONuTn3b
— Walmart Inc. (@WalmartInc) October 9, 2023
"Thanksgiving is a special day, and we want our store associates to have the chance to spend it with their families and loved ones," said Walmart CEO John Furner.
How much are people planning on spending for holidays in 2023?
A survey by the National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend an average of $875 on gifts, decorations, food and other key seasonal items.
That's $42 more than they planned to spend in 2022.
Approximately $620 will be spent on gifts, with another $255 planned for such items as decorations, candy or food.
Sixty-two percent of those surveyed said sales and promotions are even more important to them this year than last year.
The National Retail Federation’s consumer survey was conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Holiday shopping starts early
Similar to previous years, 43% of shoppers said they start their holiday shopping before November, according to the National Retail Federation.
Reasons vary from spreading out their budget to avoiding the stress of last-minute shopping and avoiding crowds.
“This year, seven in 10 holiday shoppers say they are considering taking advantage of October sales events to pick up holiday gifts, décor and other items on their list,” according to Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist.
Where will people do their holiday shopping?
According to the survey, here's where people are doing their holiday shopping:
Online: 58%
Department stores: 49%
Discount stores: 48%
Grocery stores: 44%
What are the most popular gifts to give in 2023?
Gift cards: 55%
Clothing or accessories: 49%
Books, video games, other media: 28%
Personal care, beauty items: 25%
Gift of experience: 23%
Stores closed on Thanksgiving Day 2023
Editor's note: Several businesses have not yet posted their 2023 holiday hours. We'll update these lists as information is released.
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Walmart closed for Thanksgiving: Walmart will close its doors on Thanksgiving Day for fourth consecutive year, CEO says
Stores open on Thanksgiving Day 2023
Bass Pro Shops: Stores open at 8 a.m.
Cumberland Farms: Most stores open.
CVS: Many will be open but check your store location.
The Fresh Market: Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at all locations
Walgreens: Open 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wawa: Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Whole Foods: Many stores open for modified hours. Check your location.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida stores open, closed Thanksgiving 2023? Black Friday hours
