Why Are Some Walmart Stores Not Closing Before Black Friday?

It could be the economy and concerns about jammed parking lots and frantic or angry customers waiting in line overnight for the usual Black Friday shopping hours. Eager Christmas shoppers waiting in the stores might start shopping early, even before Walmart's Black Friday prices hit the shelves.

At the very least, they are likely to buy something to eat or drink, all while waiting in the relative comfort of the store, instead of a rainy or even snowy parking lot or sidewalk. Fervent shoppers could come armed with Walmart's Black Friday ads.

Another consideration? There may be more deals this year than ever. Perhaps shoppers want to buy any leftover or extra $20 Walmart Thanksgiving Dinners and save them for Christmas, adding to their savings. Turkey dinners are just fine for Christmas.

On Black Friday, Walmart Offering Hundred of Toys for Ten Dollars

Is this why Walmart could be staying open for 24 Hours on Thanksgiving Day, unlike last year? With recession stressed and cash strapped Black Friday shoppers eager for a deal, this could be reason enough to come to Walmart early, even on Thanksgiving - and stay until the next morning.

However, it really isn't necessary to be at Walmart on Black Friday to grab these deals because prices will stay good through the holiday season. So if you want to avoid the crowds, keep that info in mind. Whether hot toys will sell out is another issue.

Bargains include such brand names as Barbie, My Little Pony, Play Doh, Hot Wheels, Nerf and more. Classic games include Monopoly, Battleship, Connect Four and Trouble. With bargains like this, customers might be able to buy a few extra toys to donate to needy families. So perhaps it is the lure of all those toys for eager tots to open on Christmas morning that is getting Walmart to stay open 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day.

Are Safety Concerns Behind Walmart's 24 Hour Thanksgiving and Black Friday Hours?

During last year's Black Friday rush, a Walmart employee was trampled to death. This year, Walmart isn't going to keep stores closed during Thanksgiving. They'll stay open 24 hours but start Black Friday sales at Walmart at 5 am. It remains to be seen whether this will reduce safety issues. Perhaps those looking for a bargain will go from eating Thanksgiving turkey to roaming the aisles of Walmart all night, waiting for that 5 am hour and the official Black Friday season to begin.

With the economy still in a slump (in spite of some forecasts noting that the recession is ending), perhaps employees and shoppers would be at more risk of a Black Friday panic if the doors stayed closed until 5 am. No one wants another death to occur.

Will Your Walmart be Open for 24 Hours on Thanksgiving and on Into Black Friday?

You can find that info easily enough. Simply check out your nearest Walmart location at the Walmart.com website. When I did this, I called a local Walmart store and was told of the one store in my area that would be open for 24 hours through Thanksgiving and Black Friday. You might want to check as well.

Sources:
Death Prompts Walmart to Change Black Friday Hours: WCAX.com: here
Walmart Announces 100 Toys for Just $10 to Kickoff Holiday Shopping: here
Thanksgiving Dinner for Twenty Dollars? Walmart Says Yes: here
Phone call to local Walmart stores, personal experience