Holiday Shopping - Literally Speaking

I just finished reading an article about a Target employee who is petitioning the retailer to cancel it's Thanksgiving night opening this year. At last count, there were roughly 100,000 signatures. If it comes my way, I will gladly sign it too.

Have we lost all sense of family and tradition? I mean, is it really going to make that big of a difference if Target (or any other retailer) waits until the morning of Black Friday to open the doors? Once the Christmas shopping season begins, the merchandise is going to move. So, is it really worth ruining the Thanksgiving holiday for the bulk of your employees? Christmas has already been hijacked by commercialism, isn't that enough?

Before anyone nails me to the wall, I know that are certain occupations that have to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. I happen to be in that category and I fully accept it. However, I don't think that a great deal on a plasma TV is so urgent that it has to be purchased at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night.

And if the doors are going to open at 10 pm, you know damned well  that people will start lining up by noon. This will exponentially add to the number of people who will be separated from their families on turkey day. And for what? To save a few bucks on the latest electronic gadget? Is it really worth it?

Adding salt to the wound for major retailer employees in the Baltimore area, the Ravens play on Thanksgiving night. I, along with countless others, am looking forward to winding down after a good dinner and watching the game with family and friends. I feel bad for the Target employees who will only get to see the game sneaking into the break room.

I know what you're going to say......."But Ken, people have to work in order for the NFL games to go on." Yeah, yeah, yeah, I hear you. But just like the mailman who trudges through rain and snow, football must go on.

Oops, I just realized that mailmen have off on holidays. Oh well, when did I ever let facts get in the way of a good story....

All I can say is, unless you happen to need a new TV to watch the game, stay away from the retailers on Thanksgiving!

kw