Retailers Open on Thanksgiving – The shames on us!

The facts are: some will want to go shopping; some will want to earn the extra money with holiday pay; and retailers are desperate for the extra money.

Based upon a survey by the Small Business Authority Market Sentiment Survey,

a monthly window into the concerns of independent business owners, 70% of business owners believe their sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday will remain unchanged from last year. When you factor in inflation, then you have a net loss in sales. The US economy is consumer based. So any additional earnings are sorely needed not just for retailers but for the economy in general.

I think Thanksgiving should be a day for family

at least at my house. I am rather blessed. My house became the go to house for the family years ago. So we have people come and stay and celebrate with us from all over. In addition to the spare beds in the bedrooms, we have several inflatable queen size beds and five recliners to accommodate everyone. And I can tell you, I’m looking forward to meeting the newest baby in the family.

My wife and I were talking about retailers being open the other day. I’m not sure how I feel about the retailers being open now. I had expressed my displeasure about them opening. But my wife pointed out to me that she and the other girls can go shopping while the men watch football. I hate to say it but she’s got a point. Women do seem to like to shop and shopping is a way they socialize.

Perhaps we could take a lesson from some Italian families I know.

They spend hours at the table and make the meal a true social event. They tell me it’s almost an all-day affair.

So, what it comes down to is choice.

As long as the employees are choosing to work because they want to earn the extra holiday money and as long as the shoppers are choosing to go because they want to, then who are we to say?

But then perhaps we men could make a difference

and put away the TV sets and forgo football for the day and spend more time with the women. Then perhaps, the women won’t want to go shopping. Like either is going to happen! The shame is on us.

So whatever you choose to do, have a great Thanksgiving.

GOD Bless you and yours.