Jo-Ann Stores bucks Thanksgiving Day sales trend

HUDSON, Ohio — While many retailers are boasting about opening on Thanksgiving Day night to give shoppers an early start on the Black Friday weekend,Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is going in a different direction and will stay closed for the holiday.

“Out of respect to our team members and their families, Jo-Ann will continue our tradition of not being open on Thanksgiving Day,” said Travis Smith, president and CEO of Jo-Ann Stores Inc. “Despite the growing trend of retailers opening their doors on Thanksgiving, Jo-Ann will operate according to the expressed values of our company and our team.”

This long-standing practice aligns with Jo-Ann customer opinions as well. In a recent Jo-Ann customer poll, when probed as to whether or not retailers should be open on Thanksgiving Day, 98% of respondents answered “No.” Overwhelmingly, customers viewed the holiday as family time, and applauded retailers that did not infringe upon this time, even in a down-trending economy, the company said.

Jo-Ann Stores said it will open its doors at 6 a.m. on Black Friday (Nov. 25).