Macy’s To Open On Thanksgiving Day This Year For First Time

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — For the first time ever, Macy’s will open most of its stores across the country on Thanksgiving Day this year.

Macy’s is known worldwide as the flagship name behind the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, but Macy’s stores have always been closed on Thanksgiving Day – in a tradition going back 155 years.

But the Cincinnati-based retailer announced Monday that this year, most of the chain’s 800 stores will open their doors at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

Macy’s said it is a “response to interest from customers who prefer to start their shopping early,” CBS Chicago reported.

A Macy’s spokeswoman said the flagship location at Herald Square will be open Thanksgiving Day, as will all stores in the five boroughs of New York City.

The move comes as the chain faces growing pressure from other stores. Over the past few years, rivals have gotten a jump on the official start of the holiday shopping season by opening their doors increasingly earlier on Thanksgiving.

Banana Republic, Sears, Kmart, Walmart and the GAP already open on Thanksgiving, CBS Chicago noted.

Macy’s said it began planning early to let its employees review available shifts throughout the holiday season and volunteer for their preferred shifts, including on Thanksgiving.

Once Macy’s opens its doors at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day the store will remain open for the next 26 hours — the following Friday at 10 p.m.