Big Lots offers incentives to store employees to work on Thanksgiving
Big Lots Inc. is bucking a popular industry trend by keeping its stores open all day on Thanksgiving.
The discount retailer's stores nationwide will be open Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a 50% discount on all toys, and a special $199.99 price on recliners. Big Lots will continue offering deals throughout Thanksgiving weekend.
Big Lots employees who volunteer to work a shift on Thanksgiving will receive holiday overtime pay. They also will receive a $50 gift card.
"We know many of our customers work over the holiday weekend and may appreciate getting an early jump on their holiday shopping on Thanksgiving Day," said Bruce Thorn, president and CEO of Big Lots. "So, we're offering some of our best deals on Thanksgiving and continuing with even more amazing deals throughout Black Friday weekend."
In addition to extended hours on Thanksgiving Day, Big Lots will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 26; from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27; and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m on Sunday Nov. 28. On Black Friday from 6 a.m. to noon, Big Lots rewards program members will receive an extra 15% off their entire purchase and $10 in “Big Bucks” coupons for every $100 spent, which can be used on their next purchase.
Big Lots is taking an opposite track to many other large retail chains that are keeping brick-and-mortar stores closed on Thanksgiving Day this year. Examples of retailers shuttering their stores for Turkey Day include Macy’s (with curbside pickup at select location), Lowe’s, Simon malls, REI, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Best Buy, Target and Walmart made their Thanksgiving store closure plans known as far back as spring 2021.
Big Lots is keeping stores open for Thanksgiving as it faces supply chain headwinds it expects to continue into fall and holiday, with the situation remaining “fluid.” The company’s response to the challenge includes Project Refresh, a multi-year program to upgrade approximately 800 stores not included in its previous remodel initiative.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots Inc. operates 1,421 stores in 47 states, as well as an e-commerce platform with capabilities including BOPIS, curbside pickup, Instacart, and same-day delivery.