BEST Buy has announced that all of its stores will be closed for 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day 2024, forcing shoppers to switch up their plans.
The electronics giant wants to give employees a much-needed break and its closure is now marking a return to a growing trend among major retailers.
The decision follows a decade in which retailers like Walmart and Target kicked off Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving itself, creating a shopping frenzy even before the holiday had officially ended.
But in recent years, that trend has reversed, with most retailers opting to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day since 2020.
Best Buy's closure is part of a broader industry movement to prioritize the well-being of employees and recognize the importance of family time during the holiday season.
Shoppers hoping to snag early Black Friday deals will need to adjust their plans, but they won't miss out entirely.
The electronics giant is expected to offer its biggest deals online, with options for free delivery and contactless curbside pickup, allowing customers to enjoy the convenience of shopping from home.
While in-store shopping will be off the table, Best Buy's extensive online offers are designed to keep the holiday spirit alive for deal hunters.
Customers are encouraged to take advantage of these online options to ensure they don't miss out on the tech and electronics savings that Best Buy is known for.
This move echoes similar decisions by other major retailers who have decided to prioritize employee well-being and adapt to shifting consumer behavior.
Many shoppers have become accustomed to online deals and contactless shopping methods, which spiked in popularity during the pandemic.
For those still planning their holiday shopping, it's important to note that Best Buy won't be the only store closing its doors for Thanksgiving 2024.
Other retailers, including Walmart and Target, have made similar announcements.
So while Best Buy's in-store locations will be dark on Thanksgiving, shoppers can still look forward to an abundance of Black Friday deals that will roll out shortly after the holiday -- both in-store and online.
The new rule has left shoppers fuming as they called the new policy "ridiculous."
"Best Buy return policy is 15 days?!" questioned one customer on X. "@BestBuy this is ridiculous.
"They won't even let me exchange it for a different color. Not shopping here anymore..."
While Best Buy's return policy only allows a 15-day window for a full refund, the retailer has other options that make it easier.
However, the other options come at a price.
When the electronics giant changed its refund policy, Best Buy pushed its three-tier membership program as an appealing alternative.
The My Best Buy basic plan is free, including 15 days for a refund and store credit past the two-week time frame.
They also have a My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total membership, which offers a 60-day return window on most products, among other benefits.