The closure of JCPenney Department Stores was confirmed in a hiring announcement, aligning with a growing trend among retailers to close doors on Thanksgiving due to the high costs of holiday pay and limited shopper engagement.
JCPenney Department Stores is set to shut down all its hundreds of stores on Thanksgiving, allowing thousands of employees to spend the holiday with their families
JCPenney Department Stores, which faced financial challenges since filing for bankruptcy, will keep its online store operational on Thanksgiving. The decision marks a departure from the company’s previous stance in 2015 and 2016 when it faced backlash for planning limited hours on Thanksgiving. Back then, an online petition urging JCPenney Department Stores to stay closed on the holiday gathered over 83,000 signatures, but the stores opened at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving despite the protest.
JCPenney Department Stores’ move aligns with competitors
Joining this year’s Thanksgiving closure trend, JCPenney Department Stores’ move aligns with competitors like Macy’s, known for hosting the Thanksgiving parade, and Walmart, the world’s largest employer. While Walmart will close all its stores on Thanksgiving, some critics argue that workers might still be required to work the night of Thanksgiving.
Some JCPenney Department Stores competitors, such as Old Navy, have opted to remain open. Major grocers are addressing the holiday by offering delivery services for complete Thanksgiving meals. JCPenney stores are set to reopen on November 24 with Black Friday deals.