Walmart Will Close All Stores on Thanksgiving, Cutting Black Friday Sale
In light of the pandemic, the company will also pay extra bonuses in August.
Walmart has decided to close all stores on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, this year. The big-box retailer, which has long started its Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving Day, will instead allow employees to enjoy the holiday at home. The company’s recently announced decision will extend to members-only warehouse retailer Sam’s Club, which Walmart owns.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Walmart will also pay employees extra $150 to $300 USD bonuses between in August. According to the company, “This is the third special bonus Walmart has given to associates in 2020, totaling $1.1 billion in bonuses so far this year, in addition to the regular incentive it provides to frontline associates on a quarterly basis.”
“Our associates have been working at an incredible pace, they’ve solved problems, and they’ve set an amazing example for others,” Walmart CEO John Furner said, adding that employees have “stepped up” during what has been a “trying year.”
It remains to be seen whether Walmart will shift its Black Friday deals online. In addition, the company hasn’t yet specified whether Thanksgiving Day closures will hold in years ahead.
