As the excitement around Black Friday grows each year, many retailers opt to start their deals earlier by opening their doors on Thanksgiving. However, this year some big name retailers are deciding to go against the grain by keeping their doors shut and allowing their employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.
T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods are all keeping their doors closed on Thanksgiving day as they launch their Bring Back the Holidays campaign, which focuses on bringing people together.
[RELATED: [WATCH] Higher Turkey Prices Gobbling Up Thanksgiving Budgets]
“There are few moments throughout the year when family and friends are in the same place at the same time, and we want people to put value on what really matters during the holidays,” said Gina Bollus, spokesperson for T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. “In our world, we offer thoughtful gifts at amazing prices every day so that you can cherish that precious time with your family and shop on your time, instead of rushing out for the hottest holiday deal.”
As part of their campaign, the entire T.J.Maxx family of stores will offer special holiday discounts until Dec. 4, where followers can enter to win by expressing on Twitter how these offers will help them or a loved one bring back the holidays using #BringBackHolidays and #Contest. From Nov. 16-20, the retailer stores offered 20 shoppers $2,000 traveling gift cards to help them get home to their families for the holidays. From Nov. 23-27, three families in need will receive a festive holiday makeover in their homes complete with lights and perfectly wrapped gifts, and for the last component of their social campaign taking place Nov. 30-Dec. 4, the retailers will send five winners special holiday deliveries filled with unique gifts.
In addition to T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods closing their doors, other retailers including H&M, Nordstrom, DSW, Sam’s Club, Costco, and Staples have agreed to remain closed on Thanksgiving. However, even with some retailers shutting their doors, an estimated 135.8 million Americans are expected to go shopping either in store or online between Thanksgiving Day and Sunday.
With the holidays measuring in as one of the most popular times to shop out of the year, African Americans have coined the phrase “buy black” in an effort to get more blacks to support the goods and services offered by black-owned businesses. Despite having a buying power that is estimated to reach $1.3 trillion in the next few years, reports show that blacks spend less money supporting black-owned businesses than any other racial group spends in investing in businesses owned by members of their group.
To get greater insight on which black-owned companies you can support this holiday season and year-round, entrepreneur Brain Williams has created an e-commerce hub that connects consumers with black businesses. To get a start on your “buy black” streak, visit his site at PurchaseBlack.com.