Blog Post #10 – “Holiday Creep” Sets in For 2014
Article of Discussion: “Costco, Publix Lead Charge As Stores Refuse To Open On Thanksgiving Day”
Date of Article: 4th November 2014
Clare O’Conner in the article of discussion this week discusses the annually increasing trend of large U.S retailers closing up shop for Thanksgiving in order to give their workers an opportunity to enjoy thanksgiving with their families. She relates this to the time period of “holiday creep” where products related to certain holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas appear on store shelves way earlier than anticipated.
This article brings up an interesting consideration for many business managers. At what point must we say enough is enough and take into consideration the interests of our workers? On one hand the phenomenon of “holiday creep” is irritable to many consumers and may put them off from purchasing that specific retailers product or visiting their stores. Furthermore by closing down for big holidays such as Thanksgiving managers would be limiting or entirely eliminating a Key Channel for their product as many individuals are eager to take early advantage of black Friday discounts. However in closing up for these holidays the firms keep their staff happy and maintain stability within the workforce which is essential for efficient production.
This may also bring up the consideration of business ethics; workers are human beings as well with families of their own who they would like to spend time with on these major holidays like any other human being. Is it right to take this opportunity away from workers to please a section of a business’ customer segments? Personally I feel that the idea of prematurely stocking goods complementary to larges holidays is a wonderful compromise as the good is still made available to consumers at a specific time while still pleasing consumers.
Cover Image Source: Ken Scarboro/KPCC