Sam’s Club, Dillard’s will not open Thanksgiving Day

Unlike parent company Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Bentonville-based Sam’s Club said it has no plans to open for business on Thanksgiving Day. Its top competitor Costco also opted to remain closed the entire day of Thanksgiving with both retailers noting that it’s a time for family.

Sam's Club also said it's decision to close again this year is based on member feedback. Spokeswoman Tara Raddohl said closing Thanksgiving Day and to keeping regular club hours on the day after Thanksgiving rather than open early was what members and management wanted. "As an alternative, members can kick off their Black Friday savings Thursday evening online at Samsclub.com with great brands at amazing prices," she notes.

Paul Latham, Costco spokesman said, "We’ve been closed on Thanksgiving Day since our inception and it will be the same this year."

Little Rock-based Dillard’s also vowed to remain closed on “Turkey Day,” saying “it’s a longstanding tradition of honoring of our customers’ and associates’ time with family.”

Macy’s, a competitor to Dillard’s, announced this year it will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Walmart will be open all day as part of a retail trend that began last year. Joining Wal-Mart there were several major retailers vowing to open to shoppers: Target, ToysRUs, Best Buy, Gap, J.C. Penney and Kohl’s.