Forced to Close on Thanksgiving Day

On Christmas Day a few years ago, my mom realized she was out of candles for the dining room table. With guests coming for a Christmas feast, she started calling local stores to see who was open (after all, ambience is everything). We found one Walgreen’s in our city that was open, and luckily they had the candles. My mom was happy, but I felt guilty for supporting a store that opened on Christmas Day.

Good thing my parents don't live in Massachusetts. An article in today's Boston Globe talks about how many of the state's retailers are angry over the government's enforcement of blue laws, which prohibit businesses from opening on holidays, including Thanksgiving. Held over from the 17th century, the strictly enforced laws are a throwback to the state's Puritanical roots. Pharmacies and small grocers with three or less employees are exempt.

For most businesses, work will wind down for the week this afternoon as you and your employees head out to family feasts. But to not even have the choice of whether to open tomorrow has some Massachusetts business owners feeling less than thankful.

"The blue laws are antiquated and silly," said David Lannon, North Atlantic regional president for Whole Foods Market Inc., which has decided not to break the law by opening stores in Massachusetts tomorrow. "Customers want us to be open and people lead such busy lives that they'll shop when it's convenient."

Last year, Super 88, a local Asian grocery store, decided to defy the laws--and promptly drew attention from the police who shut down the store. Undeterred, Super 88 and electronics retailer CompUSA say they'll open their doors for a few hours again tomorrow.

Better grab your ice, dinner rolls (and candles) tonight if you live in Massachusetts. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at MyBusiness!