13 Stores That Won't Open On Thanksgiving

A man enters a Costco Wholesale Corp. store in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Costco Wholesale Corp., the largest U.S. warehouse-club chain, posted fiscal third-quarter profit that missed analysts' estimates even as comparable sales gained 6 percent. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kmart, J.C. Penney, Toys R Us and Walmart are all opening their doors on Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn't mean everyone is asking workers to report for Black Friday duty a day early.

At least 13 large retailers have decided to remain closed on Thanksgiving. In various statements, the companies have cited the questionable benefits of opening on Thursday and the importance of preserving the holiday for employees and customers alike.

Some stores that do plan to open on the national holiday say that they are responding to customer demand and that fierce pressure from competitors necessitates their Thursday openings. Holiday shopping season is a key time for retailers, and stores are trying to boost sales by adding an extra day to the critical period.

Still, the so-called "War on Thanksgiving" has come up for criticism from those who want the holiday cordoned off from shopping and argue that workers need a day off. Others have questioned whether opening on Thanksgiving really helps boost holiday sales.

Bill Martin, the founder of ShopperTrak, a company that monitors shopping trends in malls, told MarketWatch that he questions whether opening on Thanksgiving really helps overall holiday sales at all. “Thursday is simply selling the stuff at the expense of Black Friday," Martin said.

So who has decided to shut their doors for the holiday? We decided to find out.

1. Costco

Opens at 9 a.m. on Black Friday.

In a statement, Costco spokeswoman Bev Akada told The Huffington Post:

“Our employees work especially hard during the holiday season and we simply believe that they deserve the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families. Nothing more complicated than that."

2. Marshalls

Most stores open at 7 a.m., and some open at 5 a.m., on Black Friday.

Colleen Beauregard, a TJX Companies spokeswoman, told HuffPost:

"We consider ourselves an associate-friendly company."

3. Barnes & Noble

Store hours vary on Black Friday.

The company posted on its

website

"We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 27 so that our booksellers can be with their family and friends."

4. GameStop

Opens at midnight on Black Friday.

Spokeswoman Jackie Smith told HuffPost in an email:

"We believe it’s the right decision not only for our employees, but also for our customers. Enjoy this time with your loved ones and we’ll see you on Black Friday."

5. T.J. Maxx

Most stores open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.

Colleen Beauregard, TJX Companies spokeswoman, told HuffPost in an email:

"We are pleased to give our Associates the time to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends."

6. Neiman Marcus

Opens at 8 a.m. on Black Friday.

Neiman Marcus spokeswoman Ginger Reeder told HuffPost:

"We hope our associates enjoy the time with family and friends."

7. Burlington Coat Factory

Black Friday hours vary by store.

A Burlington spokesperson

told ThinkProgress

“All Burlington locations will remain closed on Thanksgiving so that our associates and customers can spend the special holiday with their loved ones."