Mall of America Will Close for Thanksgiving Day, Should Empire Mall Do the Same?

The management of the Mall of America, the nation's largest shopping mall, are taking a bold step and unprecedented step by closing their doors on Thanksgiving Day.

For the first time in 24 years the mega-mall will be totally dark on Turkey Day, including a shutdown of its amusement park and movie theaters. That means nearly 15,000 retail employees will enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Owners of the 520 individual stores have the option to remain open, but management says they haven't heard of any who plan to.

By making this move the Mall of America hopes to “bring that special magic back to Black Friday.” The doors will open the following morning, Black Friday, at 5:00 AM.

The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, will not follow suit and open it's door at 6:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.

Kirsten Schaffer, Director of Marketing says, "The Empire Mall will be open on Thursday, November 24 from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and will reopen on Friday, November 25 at 6:00 AM. Our retailers are not required to open, but the majority choose to do so."

Not everyone was hoping for this outcome.

"I hope The Empire Mall will follow Mall of America's decision to be closed on Thanksgiving Day." wrote one person on the Empire mall Facebook page. Another wrote, "Think about it, Empire.... do what's right."

Good move, Mall of America. Good move.

Source: The Minneapolis Star Tribune

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