Target announced that it will be closing stores on Thanksgiving, following Walmart and other retailers doing so in an effort to curb crowds due to the coronavirus.
“Historically, deal hunting and holiday shopping can mean crowded events, and this isn’t a year for crowds,” Target said in a statement on Monday. Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year for consumers.
As cases have risen in many states, Walmart announced last week that it would not be opening Walmarts or Sam’s Clubs on Thanksgiving Day to reduce crowds and allow employees to spend time with their families.
Other major stores followed suit after Walmart’s announcement, including Macy’s.
Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday usually draw millions of people across the country to stores, making it difficult for stores to follow coronavirus guidelines, such as keeping people 6 feet apart.
Stores have opened on Thanksgiving Day after dinner for the past 10 years. Despite criticism for the move, retailers have said customers like to shop on the holiday.
