Walmart says stores will be closed for Thanksgiving

NEW YORK — Walmart Inc. said that it will be closing its namesake stores and Sam’s Clubs on Thanksgiving Day this year, saying that it wants to have its employees spend time with their families during the coronavirus.

The move, announced Tuesday, marks the first major indication of how COVID will affect Black Friday store shopping, which for many retailers starts off with big crowds after the turkey feast and expands into Friday.

However, given safety concerns, stores are rethinking their plans for the kickoff.

The traditional family gathering holiday became another day to shop about five years ago when retailers moved early morning Black Friday doorbusters into late Thursday afternoon. Most specialty stores remained closed but most major national chains opened including department stores, discounters and some malls. There was a consumer backlash, but not enough to end the new hours.

The pandemic may reverse Thanksgiving in-store shopping as more retailers decide to give their hourly-paid, front-line workers the day off.

Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner made the announcement in a letter Tuesday to employees letting them know they will also receive another round of cash bonuses in August. Given Walmart’s clout as the nation’s largest retailer, other major retailers could follow its lead. Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette said earlier this month that the department store will be pivoting its Black Friday business more toward online and will likely be going “full force” with holiday marketing right after Halloween. It also will be staggering events to reduce customer traffic in the stores.

Sam’s Club locations were closed last Thanksgiving and will be closed again this year.