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GameStop shuttering doors on Thanksgiving

GameStop joins Staples in closing down for the November holiday.

October 16, 2015

First it was Staples and now GameStop has decided not to open stores on the Thanksgiving holiday.

GameStop said it plans to make Black Friday shopping easier with week-long events full of deals and stores opening at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.

"This year GameStop will be offering bigger and better Black Friday deals than we have ever offered before. So enjoy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, and be sure to stop by one of our stores before and on Black Friday to get some great offers,” states a company announcement.

GameStop said the decision is part of the specialty retailer’s core values of "Protecting the Family" and doing the right thing to disrupt the emerging trend in the retail industry of taking away holidays from customers and associates.

"We believe strongly that our customers and associates should have the opportunity to spend the Thanksgiving holiday relaxing with family and friends, and not worrying with the stress of where to find the best shopping deals. We know this is in stark contrast to what many other retailers are doing, but we are taking a stance to protect family time during this important holiday," said Mike Buskey, executive vice president and president of U.S. stores.

The announcement comes on the heels of office retailer Staples making the same decision, citing it too wants employees to enjoy the holiday.

Staples, in a release, stated deals in stores will begin at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, and Staples.com deals will continue through Cyber Monday.

"We want our customers and associates to enjoy Thanksgiving their own way," said Demos Parneros, president, North American stores and online, Staples. "On Thanksgiving Day, customers can shop from home on Staples.com and then continue their shopping in stores starting at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. Whether our customers like the convenience of shopping online, in our stores or a combination of both, Staples will have amazing products at great prices throughout the holiday season."