I will just add what I've heard to the mix. We were told to be prepared for 6 p.m. opening. What I find really horrible is the fact that it's already November 1st and the company (or at least my store) still hasn't confirmed the time. So I'm assuming 6 p.m. is going to be it. I've worked retail for more years than I care to remember. I know that this time of year, all bets are off and I should be thankful for a job, etc. But honestly, opening right at dinner time for some people? That's sad. They say they will try to give team members the schedule they like, but lets face it they're going to need a certain amount of team members at 6 p.m. and if not a lot volunteer, some will be forced. I've said this in the past and these past years have confirmed it, but eventually we will be open all day on Thanksgiving, just give them time. I also laugh at all the websites where people are up in arms and vow not to shop on Thanksgiving, but we all know the crowds will be there, lined up. Last year, all we seemed to do by opening up at 9 p.m. was move the crazy rush from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day before. Friday became like a normal Saturday for us. I asked an ETL was it worth it? What are we gaining by opening on Thursday. The only thing we could come up with was that until last year, we wouldn't make any money on Thursday, now whether good or bad, it's an extra day of sales. And the 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. closing for Christmas Eve is horrible as well. They've slowly taken so much away from team members, it would be nice to at least know they care about us with certain things, but I don't see it happening. Good luck with everyone's schedules this holiday season.
