Marketing

Target CEO on why stores continue to close on Thanksgiving

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November 15, 2023

Target CEO Brian Cornell declared Target stores would close on Thanksgiving four years ago and the operations move has remained in place ever since.

In 2020 the store closure decision was strongly spurred given the U.S. was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic — to not only keep consumers safe but employees as well.

The feedback from team members is the major reason the store closure continues, according to a blog post by Cornell regarding the decision.

"Retail teams tend to see the holidays as an energizing part of what we do. I know I and many others have happy memories of holidays spent in stores with our work families — and that sense of connectedness is something we definitely cultivate for our team. But we also know there's no substitute for the real thing, especially on a family-centered holiday like Thanksgiving. Which is why it's good to see other retailers coming around to the approach we've been following for years," he wrote.

The ability to keep stores closed is possible due to the Target team and the brand's strong business model.

"We've found new ways to help guests get shopping done at their convenience, from season-long deals to fast-and-easy fulfillment options. And we do an exceptional job meeting the demand during the busiest weeks in November and December, when so many of our guests turn out to shop," wrote Cornell, adding that Target's guests "won't have to miss a beat of their Black Friday week shopping."