BJ’s Won’t Open on Thanksgiving

Bucking what it characterizes as an unfortunate retail trend, BJ’s Wholesale Club will not open its doors on Thanksgiving Day. Instead, the retailer is spreading its Black Friday deals across the week of Nov. 24-Dec. 1, and the clubs will be open on Black Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 a.m.

On Nov. 15, BJ’s will start distributing its Black Friday Savings Book to members in clubs, revealing the nearly 150 deals, which span the week. According to the company, members will find more than twice the deals this year than in 2012, with savings on such items as electronics, toys, jewelry and household goods.

“The BJ’s team has outdone itself this year, creating the best Black Friday lineup that I’ve seen in years, and I’m sure that the products will delight our members,” said Laura Sen, president and CEO of Westborough, Mass.-based BJ’s Wholesale Club, which operates 201 clubs and 114 gas stations. “While BJ’s offerings will bring many people into the clubs during the holiday season, we are pleased to offer Black Friday values throughout the Thanksgiving week. And I’m proud that BJ’s Clubs are, once again, closed on Thanksgiving, allowing our team members to enjoy the holiday. We always must balance what is best for our team members with our sales goals.”

For further savings, BJ’s will introduce its first-ever exclusive Facebook coupon program with the BJ’s Members Choice Campaign. As of Friday, Nov. 22, people will be able to vote each day for five days, choosing between two products. BJ’s will e-mail all voters a printable coupon for the winning item. The final day of voting will be Tuesday, Nov. 26. To take part, consumers can visit BJ’s Member's Choice tab on the retailer's Facebook page. All Members’ Choice coupons must be redeemed by Sunday, Dec. 1.