Walmart has recently announced that it will close all of its stores on Thanksgiving Day. This a huge and untraditional change from the company’s habit of starting its popular Black Friday “door buster” sales the day before.
What We Know:
- The stores closures this year will end up falling on the U.S Holiday on Nov. 26. A statement, released Tuesday, said it will affect all Walmart and Sam’s Club stores around the country.
- John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US, said in a statement, “We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones.”
- Last year’s Black Friday sale had Walmart locations open its doors at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Despite giving customers more time to shop, many critics say that starting sales during the cherished holiday has in fact, reduced sales from Black Friday and added stress on workers.
- Furner stated in his memo to employees Tuesday that the idea of closing on Thanksgiving came from Kevin Carlyle, a store supervisor in Round Rock, Texas. He explained that the store supervisor “recently wrote us and suggested that we close for Thanksgiving during this unusual year, so that our associates could spend the day with their families”.
- Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in many states the past few weeks, countless workers at Walmart have been dealing with wearing masks during their shifts and struggling with extra tasks like disinfecting stores. The company also mandated masks for its customers last week. Walmart also announced Tuesday that it would generously spend about $428 million on bonuses this year as a gesture of gratitude for all its US employees for dealing with all the extra duties brought upon them due the to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the company statement, all full-time hourly employees will get a $300 bonus, while part-time and temporary employees will receive $150. Other employees such as managers, drivers and assistant managers will also be rewarded.
