GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Many major retailers announced they will remain closed for Thanksgiving this year. But, some did remain open to let people begin their Black Friday shopping.
Many major retailers announced they will remain closed for Thanksgiving this year. But, some did remain open to let people begin their Black Friday shopping.
Shawn McGuire drove from Michigan to Cabela’s in Ashwaubenon to get in some early Christmas shopping.
“We came to shop for our families,” said McGuire.
Cabela’s opened for part of Thanksgiving day giving hunters a chance to stock up before heading out for the day, or for folks hunting for a Black Friday deal.
And if not looking for a deal, some people were thankful grocers like Meijer in Howard are open Thanksgiving day.
“It’s a holiday so most people should be with their families if possible, but this year I am thankful they are open,” said Tom Laurent who was doing some last minute shopping.
Meijer says getting those last-minute needs is a major reason they stay open the day before Black Friday.
“A lot of our team members like in the area want to make sure people have a place to go for last minute needs and stuff like that, a lot of us get excited during this time,” said Heidi Datema, store director for the Meijer in Howard.
Target was one of several retailers to have an empty parking lot this Thanksgiving Day. Target announced last year they were closing the day before black Friday because of COVID-19 related reasons, and this year they made that a permanent decision. Bay Park Square also remained closed this Thanksgiving.
Some shoppers appreciate seeing stores closing. But as for McGuire, he prefers some stay open— even if it’s limited hours for the holiday.
“They should be open even if it was like for a little, very few hours,” said McGuire.
Still, many plan on enjoying their Thanksgiving meal.
“There’s quite a few people who started their Christmas shopping while they’re waiting for their meal to cook a lot of people told us they’re having dinner later,” said Datema.
A late meal, so they can get in some shopping before making it to the dinner table.
Walmart, Kohl’s and Best Buy were some of the other retailers closed for Thanksgiving Day this year.
