Shoppers Beware: Best Buy Confirms 24-Hour Closure Across All Locations

According to The Sun, Best Buy has announced that all of its stores will be closed for 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day 2024, prompting shoppers to rethink their holiday plans. This closure aims to provide employees with a much-needed break and is part of a broader trend among major retailers.

A Shift from Thanksgiving Shopping Frenzy

In recent years, retailers like Walmart and Target have traditionally kicked off Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving, creating a shopping frenzy before the holiday even ends. However, this trend has shifted since 2020, with many retailers opting to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day to prioritize employee well-being and family time during the holidays.

Emphasis on Online Shopping

While in-store shopping will be unavailable, Best Buy is expected to offer its biggest deals online, including options for free delivery and contactless curbside pickup. This approach allows customers to enjoy the convenience of shopping from home while still taking advantage of the electronics giant’s holiday savings.

Best Buy’s extensive online offers are designed to maintain the holiday spirit for deal hunters, ensuring they don’t miss out on the tech and electronics savings the retailer is known for.

Industry-Wide Movement

Best Buy’s decision to close on Thanksgiving Day reflects a broader industry movement that prioritizes employee welfare and adapts to shifting consumer behavior. Many shoppers have become accustomed to online deals and contactless shopping methods, a trend that surged during the pandemic.

Other major retailers, including Walmart and Target, have also announced closures for Thanksgiving 2024, indicating that this shift is becoming the norm.

Anticipation for Black Friday Deals

Though Best Buy’s physical stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, shoppers can still look forward to a plethora of Black Friday deals rolling out shortly after the holiday, both online and in-store.

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Customer Backlash Over Return Policy

The announcement comes amid backlash from customers regarding Best Buy’s new return policy. Earlier this year, the retailer shortened its return window from 30 days to just 15 days, leading to frustration among shoppers who feel the timeframe is too short.

Customers expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, with one user on X questioning, “Best Buy return policy is 15 days?! This is ridiculous.”

While the return policy allows for a full refund within 15 days, Best Buy has introduced alternative options through its tiered membership program.

Membership Options for Extended Returns

Best Buy’s membership program includes a free basic plan, which offers a 15-day return policy and store credit beyond the two-week timeframe. Additionally, the My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total memberships provide a more extended 60-day return window on most products, along with various other benefits.