Target To Close On Thanksgiving Day To Reduce Crowds Amid Pandemic

Target (TGT) said Monday it would close its doors on Thanksgiving Day as the retailer calls the 2020 holiday season “very different” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Target, which has remained open throughout the COVID-19 crisis, said this year is not a year for crowds, especially during the holiday season, which is why the company has decided to close for Thanksgiving Day.

Closing on Thanksgiving Day not only will keep crowds at bay inside Target stores, but it will allow the company’s employees, who have worked during the pandemic, to have a day off with their families.

To help ease shoppers into the new holiday schedule, Target said it will begin offering its lowest prices of the season, starting in October to cut down on crowds and allow shoppers to take advantage of its deals both in stores and online.

“The investments we’ve made in our business and our incredible team have enabled us to move with flexibility and speed to meet guests’ changing needs during this global pandemic,” Target CEO Brian Cornell, said in a statement.

“This year more than ever, a joyful holiday will be inseparable from a safe one, and we’re continuing to adjust our plans to deliver ease, value and the joy of the season in a way that only Target can,” he added.

Target joins Walmart in closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day. Walmart made the announcement last week after announcing that face masks would be required in all of its stores. Target will begin requiring face masks at all of its stores on Aug. 1.

Shares of Target were trading at $123.33 as of 10:52 a.m. EDT on Monday, down 37 cents or 0.3%