Wow, Target is closed today

[Mel522]

Unfortunately there isn't a solution that will work for everyone. There are those who want to spend a very important religious holiday worshiping with their families, and there are those like me who are not religious and would rather have a different day off. I personally don't mind the stores being closed. It's slightly inconvenient for me, but I adjust and make it work.

The stores close because their customers dictate it. If they could make a good enough profit, they would open. There just aren't enough people who want to shop on Easter and Christmas at some stores to justify the expense of opening. Unlike Black Thursday/Friday where the stores are packed.

 

[teacherforhi]

To all the people who are saying that stores should be closed for all religions' special days if they are going to be closed for the Christian religious days. . .

Part of the beauty of our country is freedom of religion, and not freedom from religion. Whoever has the power within a company (e.g. owners, managers) can close on whatever days they want, as long as they are complying with the rules required of them by government entities.

A lot of people celebrate Easter in our country. In some ways, it's like Christmas. I bet a lot of people do egg hunts and the Easter bunny thing even though they aren't Christians. It makes sense that some places would be closed. I really wanted some In-N-Out Burger yesterday, but I wasn't annoyed to find them closed. I was happy for the employees that they got the day off. It's not my cross to bear (sorry - it fits!) if they are working someplace that happens to close on a day they would rather work. That was someone's choice when they chose the job. People are allowed to make choices, and we don't have to be offended FOR them.

Several places I'd like to go are closed every weekend just because they want to be closed on the weekends. Doesn't bother me. I don't like to work weekends, either.

If the owners/managers of a place are of a certain religion (be it Christianity, Judaism, Islamic, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Scientology, Moonie, or Church of the Poison Mind - you name it), they may choose to close on their special days. But even if they are not of any certain religion, they can still close on whatever days they want. Do I sometimes wish Hobby Lobby or Chick-fil-A were open on Sundays? Yeah. But then I'm glad when I remember that the people who chose to work there get that day off, since they probably sought work there because of what they see as a benefit.

I'm a Christian. But it wouldn't bother me if the powers-that-be at a store wanted to close on other religion's holy days. I'd just make do. I am much more bothered when stores show greed, such as I felt they were doing last year with opening early for Black Friday (or is it now Black Thursday??). Thanksgiving is everyone's holiday. Everyone can be thankful, whether it's to God or to other human beings.

The things we find to complain about. . . And I don't exclude myself. I complain too much, too. We have it great in this country.

I don't hear much of anyone complaining that Target (or any other store) was closed, it's that group of people who seem to think that because THEY celebrate a particular holiday, that no store should be allowed to be open. Or because they go to church on Sunday, no one else should be allowed to shop.

Every business owner should have the right to decide for themselves, without government interference, what days they will operate their business. That includes holidays. If you feel that strongly that no place of business should be open on a particular day, don't shop. If enough people feel that way, the businesses will close because they won't be making money.

 

[KristaTX]

I think the thing that bothers me is not that the stores have decided to close for Christian holidays as opposed to others, its the fact that the people who are vocal about stores being closed for Christian holidays don't seem to be vocal about stores being closed for any other non Christian religious holiday.
There seems to be the thought that Christians deserve their holidays off, but nobody else does, KWIM.

I don't know how much more can be said without violating DIS rules.

Maybe that's because it is in general Christians who are vocal about stores being closed for Christian holidays? That's just human nature in regards to just about anything - not just religious things. We as humans stand up for what we or our group would like. It doesn't mean we are against what someone else would like. Yes, there are definitely times when it is time to take a stand for others. But we'd wear ourselves out if we were constantly vocal about everything we ourselves believe in, let alone taking a stand for everything that everyone else on the planet wants. It is good to help when it is a genuine need, but we'd feel buried if we took offense at everything to the point of arguing about or fighting for it.

What you are doing is taking a stand for others. That isn't a bad thing, and is probably a good thing if you are including the Christians in the "all religious groups" whose rights you are willing to stand for. Maybe that is an important role you can fill - standing up for some of the religions or groups that are more of a minority in the U.S.

The fact that what you would like to see is not happening yet doesn't make Christians wrong for taking some kind of stand on their own behalf.

I don't think that enough Target employees are suffering from their lack of pay on Easter that we need to take a stand on it for our fellow human beings - something that we as Christians are definitely called to do. On the contrary, I think most of us are saying that we want people to be able to spend time with their families and friends, or just plain ol' have a day of rest. If some of the people are suffering from missing a day of work, they can always go to the food pantries or other charities that so many churches offer. As far as people not being able to shop that one day of the year - I don't buy that argument for one second. Other stores are open or you can plan ahead.

You have a valid point in saying that businesses should consider closing for some other religious holidays. Perhaps that is your burden to partially bear by contacting the stores and businesses on behalf of some of the other religions or groups. It sounds like it has been placed on your heart, as some would say.

 

[KristaTX]

I don't hear much of anyone complaining that Target (or any other store) was closed, it's that group of people who seem to think that because THEY celebrate a particular holiday, that no store should be allowed to be open. Or because they go to church on Sunday, no one else should be allowed to shop.

That is annoying if some people are trying to mandate that based on religion. But I don't know if most people are saying that, or if it's even tied to their religion. To me most people are just saying they miss the simpler, slower times of the old days. Not everyone misses that, though, as this thread has indicated.

Neither side is right and neither side is wrong. It's just a difference of opinion.

 

[ManyMinnie]

I think the thing that bothers me is not that the stores have decided to close for Christian holidays as opposed to others, its the fact that the people who are vocal about stores being closed for Christian holidays don't seem to be vocal about stores being closed for any other non Christian religious holiday.
There seems to be the thought that Christians deserve their holidays off, but nobody else does, KWIM.

I don't know how much more can be said without violating DIS rules.

 

[teacherforhi]

That is annoying if some people are trying to mandate that based on religion. But I don't know if most people are saying that, or if it's even tied to their religion. To me most people are just saying they miss the simpler, slower times of the old days. Not everyone misses that, though, as this thread has indicated.

Neither side is right and neither side is wrong. It's just a difference of opinion.

I believe it is wrong. You (in the general sense) should not get to dictate when I shop or go out to eat simply because you "miss the simpler, slower times". If you don't want to go out, then don't.

I went to the store yesterday. My family is out of town, I had nothing to do after eating an early dinner with my parents, so I went and picked up some things. I would never tell someone that they MUST go out on Easter instead do spending time with their family. So why is it that they think they should get to dictate what I do?

 

[luvmy3]

Maybe that's because it is in general Christians who are vocal about stores being closed for Christian holidays? That's just human nature in regards to just about anything - not just religious things. We as humans stand up for what we or our group would like. It doesn't mean we are against what someone else would like. Yes, there are definitely times when it is time to take a stand for others. But we'd wear ourselves out if we were constantly vocal about everything we ourselves believe in, let alone taking a stand for everything that everyone else on the planet wants. It is good to help when it is a genuine need, but we'd feel buried if we took offense at everything to the point of arguing about or fighting for it.


The fact that what you would like to see is not happening yet doesn't make Christians wrong for taking some kind of stand on their own behalf.

You may be right however I do find it a bit hypocritical for a Christian person to want stores closed on their holiday(s) because those days are important to them, yet have no problem running to Target on rosh Hashanah, etc.
Or when they want stores closed on Sunday because that is their day or worship, yet have no problem going out on Saturday, which IIRC is the Jewish day of worship.
I do think its wrong to expect everyone to "observe" your days when you aren't willing to give the same consideration to everyone elses. (that applies to people of all faiths)

 

[dsny1mom]

If malls and stores in general should be open 365 days a year, I feel it is reasonable to expect all goods and services to be available 365 days a year. Government agencies and the courts need to be open 365 along with law offices. Insurance agencies, repair shops and car dealerships 365. Utilities need to have repair people, installation people and their offices fully open and functioning. Those in the trades? 365, I should be able to get my deck built on Easter Sunday if others can hit the malls on that day. Offices of "any" kind need to function 365. If I want to get my hair cut or my nails done on Christmas then I should be able to. Why should anyone be forced to go to an expensive ER or immediate care center if they need to seek medical attention on New Years day? Open all the Dr. and Dentist offices 365. Bottom line is if it reasonable for malls to be open 365 it is reasonable for any and all venues to be open 365. Let's not leave out the education system either. No need for summers off as the typical family doesn't need their children at home to harvest the crops. Schools can be open 365 days a year too. If schools didn't close for breaks less review of what was previously taught would be necessary. Children would be better prepared to deal with a 365 society if they are taught the ropes from early on. Not saying that children should go to school 365 days a year but schools could be open 365 to give people the option of sending their kids when it is most convenient for them. Just think how many additional teachers could be employed!

If anyone wants off Christmas or Easter all they'd have to do is request that day off or a portion of that day off, right? If it's that easy for retail workers it should be just as easy for the rest of the work force.

And yes I am in the retail industry but I am in a position that I do not work nights, weekends or holidays so I have nothing personal at stake with my stores being open 365. BUT I do care about my store's employees and it disgusts me that they can not be home with their families and friends because people are only concerned with what they want to do on their time off and have no regard for the people out there in the trenches ringing up a 9.99 scarf because someone had nothing better to do then go to a mall on Easter Sunday or 4th of July or Thanksgiving night. So yeah, if retail workers are expected to be available 365 so should every other employed person in this country.

dsny1mom

 

[skater]

I think the thing that bothers me is not that the stores have decided to close for Christian holidays as opposed to others, its the fact that the people who are vocal about stores being closed for Christian holidays don't seem to be vocal about stores being closed for any other non Christian religious holiday.
There seems to be the thought that Christians deserve their holidays off, but nobody else does, KWIM.

I don't know how much more can be said without violating DIS rules.

I don't know of any Christians who think that other people don't deserve "their" holidays off .

 

[Fueledbycoffee]

Wow! Brownie Points for Target!

As an employee/hourly supervisor in a large retailer, I had to request to have the day off. Luckily, we have supervisors & associates who were willing to work so I did not have to.

I spent the day going to church, brunch & spending time with my family.

Can't speak for Target but honestly what I know from sales in the company I work for, I'm not sure Target necessary did it to be nice & respectful or if they did it because sales are so slow.

 

[skater]

You may be right however I do find it a bit hypocritical for a Christian person to want stores closed on their holiday(s) because those days are important to them, yet have no problem running to Target on rosh Hashanah, etc.
Or when they want stores closed on Sunday because that is their day or worship, yet have no problem going out on Saturday, which IIRC is the Jewish day of worship.
I do think its wrong to expect everyone to "observe" your days when you aren't willing to give the same consideration to everyone elses. (that applies to people of all faiths)

But why would I have a problem going out on Saturday? And why would a Jewish person have a problem going out on a Sunday? A Jewish holiday may not be on my radar, but that doesn't mean I don't respect it. And if a majority of people started celebrating a Jewish holiday, and major stores decided to close for it - I would be respectful of that. It doesn't mean I might not "run out" to whatever stores were open. Respectfully, I don't understand the hypocrisy in this.

 

[skater]

Another thought. I feel bad for people making minimum wage who are not able to take off on a religious holiday. If I'm a doctor, nurse, police officer, and I'm really needed on a holiday, its justifiable. To make under $60 for the sacrifice of giving up an extremely important holiday seems sad to me. And that's why I might feel a little happy that Target was closed on Easter.

 

[joviroxx]

If malls and stores in general should be open 365 days a year, I feel it is reasonable to expect all goods and services to be available 365 days a year. Government agencies and the courts need to be open 365 along with law offices. Insurance agencies, repair shops and car dealerships 365. Utilities need to have repair people, installation people and their offices fully open and functioning. Those in the trades? 365, I should be able to get my deck built on Easter Sunday if others can hit the malls on that day. Offices of "any" kind need to function 365. If I want to get my hair cut or my nails done on Christmas then I should be able to. Why should anyone be forced to go to an expensive ER or immediate care center if they need to seek medical attention on New Years day? Open all the Dr. and Dentist offices 365. Bottom line is if it reasonable for malls to be open 365 it is reasonable for any and all venues to be open 365. Let's not leave out the education system either. No need for summers off as the typical family doesn't need their children at home to harvest the crops. Schools can be open 365 days a year too. If schools didn't close for breaks less review of what was previously taught would be necessary. Children would be better prepared to deal with a 365 society if they are taught the ropes from early on. Not saying that children should go to school 365 days a year but schools could be open 365 to give people the option of sending their kids when it is most convenient for them. Just think how many additional teachers could be employed!

If anyone wants off Christmas or Easter all they'd have to do is request that day off or a portion of that day off, right? If it's that easy for retail workers it should be just as easy for the rest of the work force.

And yes I am in the retail industry but I am in a position that I do not work nights, weekends or holidays so I have nothing personal at stake with my stores being open 365. BUT I do care about my store's employees and it disgusts me that they can not be home with their families and friends because people are only concerned with what they want to do on their time off and have no regard for the people out there in the trenches ringing up a 9.99 scarf because someone had nothing better to do then go to a mall on Easter Sunday or 4th of July or Thanksgiving night. So yeah, if retail workers are expected to be available 365 so should every other employed person in this country.

dsny1mom

Are you comparing private enterprise to Government agencies? One is privately run, with private money, the other is a public entity run on tax dollars. A private company has the right to open and close as they see fit, Governments do not....

Now, I am a practicing Catholic and very politically conservative. I go to Mass every Sunday and observe all my Holy Days of Obligation. That said, I believe that its simple, if you don't like the way a company is run, don't support it, don't work there, don't shop from there. But we live in the most amazing country in the world where freedoms are fought for everyday. The idea that anyone can tell me not to open on a Sunday if I see fit, is ridiculous.

Stay home, enjoy with your family, ask for your days off, put yourself in positions where it won't be an issue, plan family time on different days, no one is stopping you. But be disgusted because someone chooses to make money? Or better yet, wants to work these shifts to make more money...? Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing.

And by the way, when you are enjoying your family day, make sure you don't watch tv, listen to a radio, catch a football game on Thanksgiving.... Why should those people work for your enjoyment?

 

[Planogirl]

I agree that religion should not mandate days off. However I am afraid that businesses will just continue to take advantage of workers and make it harder and harder for anyone to get a day off if they have their way. There was a time when people were practically worked to death and sometimes I think that our nation is headed back in that direction. All in the name of free enterprise.

I think that free enterprise is wonderful but I also believe in some worker protection too. As it is we have little.

 

[dsny1mom]

Are you comparing private enterprise to Government agencies? One is privately run, with private money, the other is a public entity run on tax dollars. A private company has the right to open and close as they see fit, Governments do not....

Now, I am a practicing Catholic and very politically conservative. I go to Mass every Sunday and observe all my Holy Days of Obligation. That said, I believe that its simple, if you don't like the way a company is run, don't support it, don't work there, don't shop from there. But we live in the most amazing country in the world where freedoms are fought for everyday. The idea that anyone can tell me not to open on a Sunday if I see fit, is ridiculous.

Stay home, enjoy with your family, ask for your days off, put yourself in positions where it won't be an issue, plan family time on different days, no one is stopping you. But be disgusted because someone chooses to make money? Or better yet, wants to work these shifts to make more money...? Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing.

And by the way, when you are enjoying your family day, make sure you don't watch tv, listen to a radio, catch a football game on Thanksgiving.... Why should those people work for your enjoyment?

I am not distinguishing between government and private industry I am saying open them all regardless if public or private. Why not?

If a mall is open for people's convenience then why shouldn't everything be open? If I want to get my drivers license renewed on a Sunday or on Memorial Day why shouldn't I be able to. I can buy a pair of pants on that day and that certainly isn't as important to me as getting my license renewed. No one should tell me I can't do what I want to do on my time off by not being open for my convenience, right?

I am speaking with my wallet and I no longer shop at Walmart, Old Navy, Ulta and a host of other retailers that continue to push the industry in a direction that I do not agree with. The company I work for protects their people the best they can. If it isn't written into our lease we do NOT open on holidays even if the mall is open. We value our employees. Gasp! We even have stores that are closed on Sundays! Oh the evil things we do to the public by denying some to shop our stores on a Sunday. Shame on us. LOL

TV crews, radio people, hotel worker, etc. went into their chosen industries knowing holidays are part of the work schedules. Retail workers did not. This whole opening on Thanksgiving day and Easter Sunday is somewhat new to the mainstream of retail.

If it's good for the goose then it is good for the gander. Open the malls, and the schools and everything else 365 and then you'd be a happy camper, right?

dsny1mom

 

[teacherforhi]

I am not distinguishing between government and private industry I am saying open them all regardless if public or private. Why not?

If a mall is open for people's convenience then why shouldn't everything be open? If I want to get my drivers license renewed on a Sunday or on Memorial Day why shouldn't I be able to. I can buy a pair of pants on that day and that certainly isn't as important to me as getting my license renewed. No one should tell me I can't do what I want to do on my time off by not being open for my convenience, right?

I am speaking with my wallet and I no longer shop at Walmart, Old Navy, Ulta and a host of other retailers that continue to push the industry in a direction that I do not agree with. The company I work for protects their people the best they can. If it isn't written into our lease we do NOT open on holidays even if the mall is open. We value our employees. Gasp! We even have stores that are closed on Sundays! Oh the evil things we do to the public by denying some to shop our stores on a Sunday. Shame on us. LOL

TV crews, radio people, hotel worker, etc. went into their chosen industries knowing holidays are part of the work schedules. Retail workers did not. This whole opening on Thanksgiving day and Easter Sunday is somewhat new to the mainstream of retail.

If it's good for the goose then it is good for the gander. Open the malls, and the schools and everything else 365 and then you'd be a happy camper, right?

dsny1mom

Goodness, dramatic much? The point here is that is that it should be up to the business owner to decide when the business is open, not up to a certain group of people who seem to want to force their beliefs on others. I have no problem with stores being closed on any particular day of the week or holiday. However, I very much oppose the government dictating what those days should be. I also have a problem with those that use their religion as an excuse to try and force stores to close on a particular day of the week.

And honestly, K Mart has been open on Thanksgiving for at least 20 years and no one seemed to care until Target and Wal Mart started doing it. It's not a new thing by any means.

 

[dsny1mom]

Goodness, dramatic much? The point here is that is that it should be up to the business owner to decide when the business is open, not up to a certain group of people who seem to want to force their beliefs on others. I have no problem with stores being closed on any particular day of the week or holiday. However, I very much oppose the government dictating what those days should be. I also have a problem with those that use their religion as an excuse to try and force stores to close on a particular day of the week.

And honestly, K Mart has been open on Thanksgiving for at least 20 years and no one seemed to care until Target and Wal Mart started doing it. It's not a new thing by any means.

My post had nothing to do with the religious aspect of the conversations. It had to do with the lack of concern for others for their own amusement. It isn't just the religious based holidays that are involved but ALL holidays. It rains on Labor Day so idiots head to the mall. If people weren't so dang self involved they wouldn't want malls open so others can enjoy the holiday too. Malls wouldn't even consider opening if idiots weren't flocking to them. Nope they are off so everything they want to do should be available for them to do. So why not even the playing field and make everything available to all 365 day and night?

If you are really opposed to government dictating when a business can be open you should be concerned about car dealerships. I don't know if it is a federal or a state law but in my state, and probably others, car dealerships are closed on Sundays by law.

I know K Mart has been open on Thanksgiving for a number of years. K Mart was originally the exception in the industry not the norm. I never shopped them to begin with so I didn't have a need to stop shopping their stores. It was the bottom feeders of the retail industry, like K Mart, that started the holiday openings. Most of them sell cheap junk at inflated prices and then have BIG sales on their cheap junk to give consumers the illusion that they are getting a great deal.


You call my response dramatic I call it equal opportunity for all. If some have the convenience of the goods and services they want 365 days a year why can't everyone have the same convenience for their desired goods or services? Teenagers function better later in the day and into the night time hours. So why shouldn't high schools be open in the evenings? Just think of how much more convenient it would be for some parents to have their teens in school from 3-9pm!

dsny1mom

 

[sookie]

I had to buy antibiotics for DD on Easter Sunday.
I'm thankful for antibiotics and I'm thankful that I had a place to buy them - the 24 hour CVS I had to drive out of my way to get to! It was next to a closed Target.
Yes, there is a true need for some retail places to be open on holidays.

 

[teacherforhi]

My post had nothing to do with the religious aspect of the conversations. It had to do with the lack of concern for others for their own amusement. It isn't just the religious based holidays that are involved but ALL holidays. It rains on Labor Day so idiots head to the mall. If people weren't so dang self involved they wouldn't want malls open so others can enjoy the holiday too. Malls wouldn't even consider opening if idiots weren't flocking to them. Nope they are off so everything they want to do should be available for them to do. So why not even the playing field and make everything available to all 365 day and night?

If you are really opposed to government dictating when a business can be open you should be concerned about car dealerships. I don't know if it is a federal or a state law but in my state, and probably others, car dealerships are closed on Sundays by law.

I know K Mart has been open on Thanksgiving for a number of years. K Mart was originally the exception in the industry not the norm. I never shopped them to begin with so I didn't have a need to stop shopping their stores. It was the bottom feeders of the retail industry, like K Mart, that started the holiday openings. Most of them sell cheap junk at inflated prices and then have BIG sales on their cheap junk to give consumers the illusion that they are getting a great deal.


You call my response dramatic I call it equal opportunity for all. If some have the convenience of the goods and services they want 365 days a year why can't everyone have the same convenience for their desired goods or services? Teenagers function better later in the day and into the night time hours. So why shouldn't high schools be open in the evenings? Just think of how much more convenient it would be for some parents to have their teens in school from 3-9pm!

dsny1mom

If a business owner wants to be open 24/7, I'm all for it. That's their decision to make. Heck, if there's a governmental department out there with the funds to be open 24/7, I'm all for that too. For the record, the county I work for does have an alternative high school for at-risk teens. Most of them are kids who need to work to support themselves and/or their families and then go to school afterward. So we're trying to meet individual needs as much as possible.

I know nothing about car dealerships. I really don't. I bought my last car on a Tuesday. However, I just checked for my state, and there doesn't seem to be any limitations. For those states that do have those laws, I continue my stance that's it's wrong for the government to dictate what hours a private business can operate.

 

[DawnM]

I have never heard that before. I had to look up my current states as we haven't gone car shopping here. Looks like we don't have that law here as several dealerships I looked up do have Sunday hours. THey aren't as long as other days, but they do open.

We moved here from CA and I know we didn't have those laws there. I just looked up the dealership where we purchased our last car and they too have limited Sunday hours but they are open.

Dawn

I don't know if it is a federal or a state law but in my state, and probably others, car dealerships are closed on Sundays by law.

dsny1mom