Macy's Throws Down the Thanksgiving Gauntlet, Will Open at 6 p.m.; Are You Planning On Going to Thanksgiving Day Bargains/Sales?

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:10:39 -0400

Are you planning on taking advantage of Thanksgiving Day sales and bargains? Why, or why not?
Me? I'm going to keep my "Thankful" a$$ at home!!! :)

Bargain-hungry shoppers will once again be able to scoop up Black Friday deals at Macy's shortly after they finish their turkey dinner.

The department store on Thursday said that for the second consecutive year, it will open its doors at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. The move comes as a handful of retailers, including GameStop, Lowe's, TJX and Staples, have said they will be closed for the holiday.

Outdoor brand REI has even gone as far as to say it will stay closed on Black Friday, instead encouraging consumers to spend the major shopping event outside.

But industry experts had predicted that the retailers that cater to discount-driven shoppers — including Macy's, Target and Wal-Mart — would once again start their holiday promotions on Thanksgiving, in a bid to get consumers in their doors first.

By opening early, retailers have a chance to grab an early share of shoppers' wallets, and build loyalty for throughout the season.

That's not to say these decisions are without controversy. REI, for instance, received a flood of positive feedback for its contrarian decision to stay closed on what ShopperTrak predicts will be the busiest sales day of the season.

Many shoppers contend that because of the popularity of Internet shopping, there is no need for retailers to stay open on Thanksgiving — and, as a result, schedule thousands of employees to work.

On the flip side, many consumers continue to respond to these "door-buster deals" — particularly those who are on a budget.

Macy's had its first Thanksgiving opening in 2013. Last year, the company's CEO, Terry Lundgren, said more than 15,000 people visited its flagship New York City store during the holiday. Also that year, Wal-Mart said more than 22 million shoppers came to its stores on Thanksgiving.

Wal-Mart and Target are expected to announce their holiday plans shortly.

Macy's Throws Down the Thanksgiving Gauntlet, Will Open at 6 p.m.

Challenging competitors who plan to sit out Thanksgiving Day, Macy's said Thursday said that it will again open its doors at 6 p.m. on the holiday.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Oct 29 at 2015 4:13 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:13:57 -0400

Me? As I said, I'm going to keep my "Thankful" a$$ at home!!! :)
It's waaaay to crazy during this time for me! LOL!

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Oct 29 at 2015 4:15 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:15:06 -0400

I will be keeping my happy @$$ at home. I will be in the woods early the next morning deer hunting. Stores should close for those two days to give its employees time to celebrate the holiday with their family, not have to cut it short so they can go back to work and deal with the obnoxious crowds.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 29 at 2015 4:50 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:50:12 -0400

I don't shop on Thanksgiving or the day following. I worked retail. I will not add to that madness.

I am thinking about doing 100% of my shopping at REI this year because of this.

http://www.rei.com/black-friday

REI Stores are Closing on Black Friday - REI.comExtra Small REI Difference BannerSmall / Medium...

Since 1938 we've been dedicated to getting people outside. On 11/27 the co-op is closing all 143 stores so our employees can do just that. We hope to see you and all 5.5 million of our members out there too.

Response by SFC David McMahon made Oct 29 at 2015 4:51 PM

SFC David McMahon — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:51:10 -0400

I personally don't support any shopping on or after Thanksgiving. You should spend it with your family and be thankful for what you have.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 29 at 2015 4:54 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 16:54:15 -0400

Will Amazon be open? Then no.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Oct 29 at 2015 5:12 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:12:04 -0400

No. It's a day to spend with those important in my life

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 5:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 17:34:44 -0400

I wish more would follow REI's example and not open at all on Black Friday.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 6:37 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:37:23 -0400

I will pass and stay home. Feel sorry for the workers that have to work then.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2015 6:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 18:43:10 -0400

I avoid the stores, sidewalks, and streets at all possible costs for 2 days prior and the day of Black Friday. Personally, with the number of injuries and deaths because of these "fabulous" sales, they really need to stop with Black Friday.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Oct 29 at 2015 7:19 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 19:19:48 -0400

No. Why, because I hate crowds and traffic jams.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Oct 29 at 2015 7:27 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 19:27:53 -0400

Hats off to REI - they are not participating in Black Friday and will be closed, encouraging their staff and shoppers to get outside.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 7:27 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 07:27:38 -0400

..... I stay out of Back Friday .... that would answer your question.