SALT LAKE CITY -- Thanksgiving is traditionally about families sharing stories, watching football and eating a large meal.
While Black Friday has always been the shopping day with hot deals, retail stores are opening a day early – the day has been dubbed “Gray Thursday.”
“The consumer votes with their dollar,” said Elizabeth Mack, JC Penney store manager in West Valley City. “I’m personally not worried about a backlash. I think the time we’re opening, 8 p.m., it doesn’t go into that family time.”
Some stores opened early last year on the holiday. This year more businesses are following suit.
“It bothers me in the sense that we want our employees to be able to stay home with their families,” said Scott Hymus, CEO of R.C. Willey. “I think America will judge where we’re headed or not.”
