https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 04:43:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249571 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 22:20:52 +0000 MrsSCB 1249571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: I wouldn't say everything open today except retail is "essential." As someone else mentioned, a big part of Thanksgiving is watching football, and that requires large numbers of employees to work. I guess you could argue public transportation is essential for people to get to their families, but then you're keeping transit workers from their families so that sort of cancels out. As you suggested, "essential" is very subjective, but it's just unrealistic to expect everything to shut down for a holiday, especially given the fact that not everyone in this country even celebrates thanksgiving or Christmas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249551 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 21:43:33 +0000 Sammyfab 1249551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I think it's actually different across the country. I used to live in Ontario and pretty much everything is closed on a national holiday. We recently moved out west and it seems like everything is open on stat holidays (malls, restaurants, grocery stores, etc.)! The one exception may be Christmas. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249546 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 21:35:46 +0000 Ree723 1249546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: @navyrn2012: I think it comes down to what's essential vs what is not essential. And it's a sad reflection on our society if we think being able to buy the latest gadget or cheap crap at Walmart is an 'essential'. Health, police, fire, transport - those things are essential services, a new tv or Xbox is not. But hey, if people want to prioritise 'things' over family, well, so be it, but it makes me sad for the world I am raising my child in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249521 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:59:35 +0000 NavyRN2012 1249521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: this!!!! It seems people feel it so inhumane for retail workers to spend Thanksgiving at work. They are getting paid holiday pay. There are so many people that work the holidays in their various fields of work. I've worked the last 3 Thanksgivings, and countless other holidays, but don't complain because it's the nature of the job I chose to work (and I get no holiday pay). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249513 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:53:27 +0000 googly-eyes 1249513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSCB: also true! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249512 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 20:52:43 +0000 googly-eyes 1249512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cmomma17: They may not have gone up but I think people open earlier and earlier because they have to stay open so as not to lose sales to the other stores that are open. So hypothetically if no stores opened the bottom line would be the same but that's not the case at least not where I am.</p> <p>@MamaMoose: true!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249458 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 19:53:51 +0000 QBbride 1249458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't, but I hate shopping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249426 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 19:12:35 +0000 cmomma17 1249426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: at my husbands store sales numbers have NOT increased over the past three years (when they began opening earlier and earlier) on thanksgiving/Black Friday weekend. So in our case there is supply, but little to no demand. I'll be interested to hear this years numbers to see if the trend continues. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249410 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:45:42 +0000 Greentea 1249410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I change my answer to no never! I just need some more wipes... I have mixed feeling about the philosophy about it but I don't like crowds and avoids sales in general. Dh had to work today at a local coop grocer and no one was shopping... sigh. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249407 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:43:13 +0000 MrsSCB 1249407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: ITA. Everyone is up in arms about retail employees working but where's the line? I've worked on plenty of holidays but because I don't work retail apparently it doesn't matter. Lots of people crying foul about shopping will go see movies. Or maybe they'll take public transportation. Should the subway shut down? Should airports be open? We don't HAVE to travel on a holiday. Bus stations? Train stations? I just don't get this whole outcry. Sure, shopping isn't necessary on a holiday, but a lot of things we do on holidays aren't really necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249397 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:24:53 +0000 MrsTiz 1249397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No we don't, we don't do Black Friday craziness either. DHs cousin just moved back home and got a job at an electronics store, he has to work 6-1am tonight and it's his first day. His girlfriend has to go IN TO work at 4am for VS. Crazy town. I remember when DH worked retail and had to work all night for Black Friday, he hated it! No overtime either, just was one of his regular paid days! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249372 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 17:33:53 +0000 sorrycharlie 1249372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: We will have to agree to disagree. I live in a state that doesn't allow stores - target, walmart, toys r us etc - to be open on thanksgiving. They certainly still make sales goals and are doing fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249332 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:42:32 +0000 MamaMoose 1249332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you refuse to shop because of workers rights do you not do ANYTHING that requires people to work and be away from their families?? In order for the Parade to be broadcasted performers, hosts, production and camera people have to work. In order for us to watch football those players have to work. In order for us to drive long distances to see our families gas station attendants and toll booth operators have to work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249331 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 16:38:54 +0000 MamaMoose 1249331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: demand determines supply, not vice versa. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249309 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:55:15 +0000 pui 1249309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ALV91711: Really? At least here the mall and any other store I can think of is closed on Thanksgiving Monday, including grocery stores and Pharmacies. o_O </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249299 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 15:31:53 +0000 ALV91711 1249299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I'm in canada and retail stores are open thanksgiving, usually just shorter hours. </p> <p>I personally don't normally shop on holidays. I've worked in businesses that I've had to work on holidays. </p> <p>I have mixed feelings about stores being open. Yes it does suck having to work a holiday when you want to be home with family. But not everyone celebrates the holidays, so they can't do anything on theses days? I know places I've worked in the past if people didn't celebrate a holiday they would usually volunteer to work so those who wanted it off could have it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249225 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 13:38:16 +0000 googly-eyes 1249225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Stores open because people want to shop. It sucks but there are worse things and some people actually want to work for extra $. I did when I was in college anyway. Still sucks for those who don't but its not a problem that can't be overcome, usually pretty easily.</p> <p>Eta and I voted only the grocery store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249221 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 13:23:24 +0000 honeybear 1249221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I make a concerted effort to not shop anywhere on most national holidays and Easter Sunday. </p> <p>I think readers of this thread might enjoy Peggy Noonan's column in the WSJ yesterday. You'll have to go through Google News to read it for free, but it's worth the extra step: Search "Stay Home, America" at news.google.com. Happy Thanksgiving! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249203 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 13:00:30 +0000 BSB 1249203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: It is a national holiday but we don't require stores to be closed. Like hospitals and grocery stores are usually open. There are 3 states that have laws against opening on Thanksgiving.<br /> <a href="http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/27/21646544-thanksgiving-shopping-not-in-states-that-ban-it" rel="nofollow">http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/27/21646544-thanksgiving-shopping-not-in-states-that-ban-it</a></p> <p>What makes it even more sad is most of these stores will be open for Christmas day, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving/page/2#post-1249058 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:53:47 +0000 MrsSCB 1249058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ree723: If you don't make a lot of money, I think every little extra bit is especially helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1249040 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:47:07 +0000 sorrycharlie 1249040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I disagree that it's a supply and demand. If the store was closed, no one would shop. The end. </p> <p>;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1249028 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:37:32 +0000 pui 1249028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So in the States Thanksgiving isn't like a national holiday that everyone has off?</p> <p>Everything is closed except some restaurants and emergency services on Thanksgiving day in Canada. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248902 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 08:35:49 +0000 Ree723 1248902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not in the States for Thanksgiving this year, but if I were, there is no way in the world I would be shopping! I think it's appalling to have unnecessary stores open on a holiday that is meant to be spent with family. Sure there are probably a small percentage of workers who want the extra cash or don't have families to spend the holiday with, but I think the vast majority of people who will be working are those who have no choice due to job security or financial constraints. I worked in retail when younger and I remember around the holidays it was "you will work your scheduled hours or you will not have a job". Awesome. As for time and a half holiday pay - right, with min wage being $7 per hour, that extra $3.50/hr is really going to make up for the loss of a holiday with one's children, right? Right. </p> <p>Ugh, the greediness and ridiculous consumerism overtaking our society just disgusts me. Let's get back to the things that really matter, ie spending time with family, and forget about scoring a 'super awesome deal' on the biggest tv or newest video game on a day meant for family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248841 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 08:01:17 +0000 loveletter 1248841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sickens me how Thanksgiving is becoming Black Thursday. My husband manages a small chain retail store and each year it opens earlier and earlier. This year it opens at midnight (he will have to go in at 9 to get things ready) but I have a feeling next year they'll follow suite and open at 6 or 7 on Thanksgiving. It just sucks that already I barely see him between Thanksgiving and New Years because he's working so much and now one of the only days that's supposed to be for family is probably going to become a work day for him in the future. :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248802 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 07:01:32 +0000 Cherrybee 1248802@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was going to vote yes because I'm in the UK but I didn't want to skew your poll! But if we did Thanksgiving - no, I wouldn't. Family time is precious and it's being stolen away from so many people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248800 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 06:56:59 +0000 Andrea 1248800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I think it's nice to have a day of rest! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248776 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 04:05:55 +0000 yin 1248776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No thanks. I would rather spend the holiday with my family at home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248774 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 04:02:19 +0000 rachiecakes 1248774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Vegmama: no Thanksgiving shopping in Massachusetts </p> <p>I'm a crazy shopper and I wouldn't. Thanksgiving is time with family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248771 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:32:28 +0000 BSB 1248771@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I'm not a fan of stores opening up on Thanksgiving. I worked retail, too. When I worked at the movie theatre, it wasn't that bad. It was easy money. It wasn't as busy as weekends where blockbuster hits are released. It's crazy. </p> <p>Now, I worked at both Target and American Eagle. AE was fine. Both jobs set us up with free food but Target was complete madness once the store opened. I still have imprinted in my head seeing shopping carts RUNNING down the aisle and headed right for me. When I worked at Target, the toy department was not a strong suit for me and guess what department I was assigned to? Toys on freakin' black friday!! Ahhhhh!!! Target had a nice setup where I was responsible for my 2-3 aisles. Basically it was lot of people asking the same question… where is [insert doorbuster item]? Overall, Target did a good job with the logistics and making sure the employees were taken care of (food and break wise). It's just the people is what makes it so bad. Are you really going to argue over who touched that toy first and who gets to put it in the cart?!? Really?</p> <p>There is one thing to think of. When I worked at Target and AE, there would be prep time needed to set up displays and signage. I always volunteered to do that stuff because it was less interaction with customers, plus it was super early and I didn't mind as a college student. So when we were open on Black Friday, there would be about 10 people who would have to come in on Thanksgiving anyway. Now that there are Thanksgiving deals, it would make these prep people come in on the day before. Although, the number of people required to prep the store is tiny compared to the number of people needed to be there when the store opened. Lastly, working in retail, you were REQUIRED to work both holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas). If you are hired as seasonal staff, you pretty much gave your holiday season away and could not take off. THAT SUCKS!! You had limits on when you could take off, too. I'm thankful that I don't have to work another holiday season.</p> <p>Just one thing to those of you who do shop… be ultra nice to the employees that are working. Don't give them crap about long lines, item not being available or out of stock, not being able to find your item, not being able to get rain checks and the list could go on. Be grateful that you don't have to work and are lucky enough to be shopping. </p> <p>*Steps off the soapbox* Ok, I'm done. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-shop-on-thanksgiving#post-1248764 Thu, 28 Nov 2013 03:13:42 +0000 sunny 1248764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No I won't be shopping except if I forget something I need for a recipe. If I want to buy anything fun, it will be online only.</p> <p>BTW - I wanted to mention. It's not just retail employees who have to work on Thanksgiving. Since so many people shop online during this time of year, many software developers are not allowed any time off around Thanksgiving &amp; Christmas (e.g. no vacations are allowed to be scheduled) and many of them carry pagers so that they can respond to any website outages--day or night! I've had friends who have said they can't be more than 10 minutes away from a computer to respond to issues. </p> <p>They don't get any extra pay for this work either since it is a salaried position, though they are very well paid.</p> <p>I read that the employees of SlickDeals are all required to be actually IN the office on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The company provides a Thanksgiving dinner for all the employees and from the pictures I saw, it looked like families were invited to be at the dinner. </p>