CNET:

Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, the retailer said in a blog post Monday, outlining its plans for the holiday season.

“There’s no question, the holiday season is going to be very different this year,” the post said, explaining that Target will offer its holiday deals throughout the season, starting in October.

“This year more than ever, a joyful holiday will be inseparable from a safe one, and we’re continuing to adjust our plans to deliver ease, value and the joy of the season in a way that only Target can,” CEO Brian Cornell said in the post.

This is a big, brave move by these retailers to make the decision to forgo the biggest sales weekend of the year (Dave corrected me and pointed out they are only closed on Thanksgiving Day. Too much wishful thinking on my part) in favour of customer safety. It’s only July so they could still change their minds though. It will be interesting to see if retailers like Best Buy and Apple follow suit.