Thanksgiving Day Store Openings...Really?!

The announcements of retailers with plans to open on Thanksgiving Day just keep coming. We have a few thoughts about the disintegration of the sanctity of Thanksgiving Day. But first, some background.  

Every retailer is keenly aware of the slow-to-revive national and international economy. Currently, as we all are probably aware, the results for retailers are decidedly bifurcated.

• The deep-discount, low-cost operators are generally doing okay;
• the high-end luxury retailers are getting considerable publicity as they continue to out-perform the economy.   
• But where and why is the crunch?

The big picture looms up: mid-priced retailers (a very vague description, granted) are stepping all over each other.

There is an abundance of excess product available, a general lack of specialness, and with an all-time high of 23.1 square feet of retail space per capita (highest in the world, by far), the crunch on the mid-range retailers has become an ugly sight.

So, what does that have to do with Thanksgiving Day store openings? Our sense is that the retailers who have announced Thanksgiving Day openings are the most crunched.

They are seeking any potential advantage that they can. We don't blame them for it, but it is a sad and telling sign.

Moreover, they are chasing market share (a bit like chasing a mirage.) "If we aren't open, we will lose volume to our competitors."  But at what cost?

Our message to you won't be a surprise: Keep the perspective! How to do that?

Your retail operation should always be observing your surroundings and competition. But, never get caught up in the media hype or the herd mentality ("Everybody else will be open.")

Instead, keep your focus on your very best customer. Ask yourself, "Would they really care whether or not we are open on Thanksgiving?" (Our guess in most cases: Probably not.)

Meanwhile - sigh - will store openings on Christmas Day be next??