Holiday Shopping

Nebb

Apparently Toronto is putting through some kind of legislature to "allow" ALL stores to be open on holidays - currently only tourist areas are allowed to be open on holidays. http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100422/holiday_shopping_100422/20100422/?hub=TorontoNewHome (incase you are curious).

What do you think of this? Do you think its a good thing or a bad thing for stores to (pretty much have to) be open on holidays?

AlexiaANDRobert

Ew, I think that sucks.

If you want to be closed, whenever that may be, you should be able to.

ETA: That was without reading the article and just answering the questions.

Nebb

My take on it is that if they are "allowed" to be open, everyone will feel obligated to be because they will lose business to competition otherwise. Then, once it becomes normal in Toronto, its going to filter outwords to the point where everywhere is open everyday of the week. I think that is unfair to the employees who work in retail and cant enjoy holidays because they essentially have to work. I think its sad that people cant just enjoy holidays and go nuts being unable to go shopping one single day out of a month. I kind of "miss" (though I dont really remember it, I just like the idea of it) when places were closed on Sunday. I think it would be nice for a day off for everyone one day of the week.

AlexiaANDRobert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:55ace2f6-1c0e-4ffd-8469-76a14d03bedd">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]My take on it is that if they are "allowed" to be open, everyone will feel obligated to be because they will lose business to competition otherwise. Then, once it becomes normal in Toronto, its going to filter outwords to the point where everywhere is open everyday of the week. I think that is unfair to the employees who work in retail and cant enjoy holidays because they essentially have to work. I think its sad that people cant just enjoy holidays and go nuts being unable to go shopping one single day out of a month.<strong> I kind of "miss" (though I dont really remember it, I just like the idea of it) when places were closed on Sunday.</strong> I think it would be nice for a day off for everyone one day of the week.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

I was just going to post another reply about Chick Fil A.  They're closed on Sundays.  EVERY single Sunday they're closed.  And I kinda like it.  I mean, I tend to crave it on that day, but I like what it represents.

AlexiaANDRobert

Nebb, I think people are still replying to the tiered reception chick.

How is the new job?

shellydiane820

I don't like it.

This past year our Old Navy was open on Thanksgiving Day.  I don't think its right.  Some things are more important than money.  Besides that, they were not busy and they had the same promos running as Black Friday.  What's the point?  Let them stay home.

Nebb

I LOVE IT!! I absolutely love it, it seems really great here. Everyone is really nice, Im picking things up easily and im really happy. Its a bit tough getting used to a normal schedule again, but otherwise everything is golden.

alixzafiris

I think it's the dummest thing ever, as someone who worked retail for years.

I was under the impression that they had to be (with the exception of the Eatons Centre which is classed as being a tourist attraction) closed x amount of days a year by municipal law and that those days coincided with the Christian holidays because that's initially how the days were scheduled.

AlexiaANDRobert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:85019d62-837e-4145-b2d4-93de7c75fe62">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I LOVE IT!! I absolutely love it, it seems really great here. Everyone is really nice, Im picking things up easily and im really happy. Its a bit tough getting used to a normal schedule again, but otherwise everything is golden.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

YAY! :)  Yeah, your body will adjust to the times soon enough.  And you're keeping your energy levels up by working out anyway, you rock! YAY for you!

Nebb

I always have to wonder what is wrong with our society that they go so crazy over being able to shop - has anyone noticed that the malls/stores are always incredibly busy the day after a holiday. It seems like because people couldnt shop, they feel they desperately need to.

tenofcups4me

I'm shocked they were prohibited from being open to begin with. I'm all in favor for the law -- they can be open if they want; they don't have to if they don't want.

I DO remember when stores were closed on Sundays and what a major pain in the ass it was.

alixzafiris

Exactly! Dummest thing ever.

All I ever wanna do on Canada Day is hang out on lakeshore with some smuggled beers, a portable barbecue, music and friends. I can't imagine wasting a day with awesome people and fireworks to go wander around a mall. And I'm a freak for shopping.

AlexiaANDRobert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:76d9d143-bf4a-4bb8-b0f8-a14a344bde21">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I always have to wonder what is wrong with our society that they go so crazy over being able to shop - has anyone noticed that the malls/stores are always incredibly busy the day after a holiday. It seems like because people couldnt shop, they feel they desperately need to.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

It doesn't help that stores offer the "Lowest prices of the season"

I don't shop on those days.

I compared once and truly think they intentionally put out lower quality stuff.  I compared my clothes from Express one year and the shirts from Black Friday were not well made at all.  It could have been a coincidence, but it was enough for me.

angiebear11

Eh, I don't really know how I feel. Yes I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the holidays, but not everyone celebrates the same holidays and there are always going to be people who are willing to work.

Every retail job I've worked was open on the holidays, and I've worked some of them... so I just think it comes with the territory. 

My FI works in a state building that is required to be open 24/7. He has to work a lot of holidays and it sucks, but it's just what has to be done.

AlexiaANDRobert

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:2cfb1675-70c6-49bd-8780-651d77975324">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]Eh, I don't really know how I feel. Yes I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the holidays, but not everyone celebrates the same holidays and there are always going to be people who are willing to work. Every retail job I've worked was open on the holidays, and I've worked some of them... so I just think it comes with the territory.  My FI works in a state building that is required to be open 24/7. He has to work a lot of holidays and it sucks, but it's just what has to be done.
Posted by angiebear11[/QUOTE]

Yeah, but I feel it should be up to the individual companies to make those choices.

A friend was telling me how she had a Jewish boss/company owner and he was closed for the  Christian AND Jewish Holidays.  It was nice for HIM to make that choice.

alixzafiris

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:13e8264b-b973-4072-8ffb-b701698570d2">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Holiday Shopping : Yeah, but I feel it should be up to the individual companies to make those choices. A friend was telling me how she had a Jewish boss/company owner and he was closed for the  Christian AND Jewish Holidays.  It was nice for HIM to make that choice.
Posted by AlexiaANDRobert[/QUOTE]

The thing with following that plan though, is that people will find they're forced to stay open on holidays even if they don't want to if their competitors are open those days, especially smaller businesses. So in the end, it would not really be a choice at all for a lot of people.

iamjoesgurl

I would personally like working for a retail store that is closed on holidays.  I think I heard that there is pressure in some area in NJ to open retail establishments that are normally closed on Sundays.  I think that's too bad also because it is one day a week that workers can be assured that they will have time to spend with family every week.

aMrsin09

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:774cba2a-aed9-4a11-9a22-14ed9aa68f79">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm shocked they were prohibited from being open to begin with. I'm all in favor for the law -- they can be open if they want; they don't have to if they don't want. I DO remember when stores were closed on Sundays and what a major pain in the ass it was.
Posted by tenofcups4me[/QUOTE]


I'm going to second this.

Also, why should the Jewish and Muslim faiths be prohibited from leading thier lives just becuase it's Christmas Day.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

Where I live, things are open almost all the time. I kind of take it for granted.

When I was a cash handler (see post below) it was in a movie theater. We were open 365 days a year. We got time and a half on Thanksgiving and Christmas and they told us we should consider ourselves lucky for that.

When I was in Houston a few weeks ago, everything was closed on Good Friday. It was weird...

I do know in the US that offices are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. But retail doesn't have those restrictions. (There are also about 6 more federal holidays that government offices close on, most schools close on, and businesses can if they chose to. Then there are holidays that are only recognized in certain states. I seriously think the LA public library system gets 24 holidays a year. My mom got 22 when she worked for the government.)

shellydiane820

Its almost depressing anymore, when I worked retail it was always the same people coming in the store.  I'm not talking about when we get a new line in the "regular customers."  I'm talking about the people (who I believe have shopping addictions)  All they do is shop.  Almost every day.  I feel like our society, doesn't do anything but spend, spend, spend.

I feel like this would just be feeding the monster.

aMrsin09

In Western Australia they have what they call restricted trade to "protect the mom and pops".  Serious pain in the ass, because even the mom & pops close at 7, so if you need milk, diapers, medicine etc after 7 or on a Sat after 1 or on Sunday, you are SOL.

TheSun tells me they have normal trade hours where we'll be living. 

miss.jawright

 I have mostly lived in areas where most of the store are open late and on holidays. When I was working at Chili's I was single with no kids and I had to work every holiday but Christmas day and Thanksgiving  Day because we were always open. That did really suck. Especially working new years til midnight. Eww.

Then when i was in Australia the mall closed at 4pm everyday except Thursday when it stayed open until 9pm and on Sundays almost everything was closed. It made it a real hassle to ever shop after work, especially if you worked on Thursday nights.

I guess I would want something in between the two.

And Nebb, I am glad to hear you love the new job!

Nebb

I just dont see the problem in a store being closed - if you know the store is closing at a certain time or on a certain day, go ahead of time. I dont see why other people have to be responsible for someones disorganization with needing something last minute or what have you. It can be EXTREMELY difficult for retail workers to get holiday days off, which is a huge pain for them. I just dont see how people are so needy of material items that stores HAVE to be open 24/7/365 to cater to them.

goheels05

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:774cba2a-aed9-4a11-9a22-14ed9aa68f79">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm shocked they were prohibited from being open to begin with. I'm all in favor for the law -- they can be open if they want; they don't have to if they don't want.[/QUOTE]

Me too.  I won't start drawing free trade supply and demand curves, but in basic economic terms, less government intervention is a good thing for business.

Chick Fil A has been quite successful being closed on Sundays (Hobby Lobby, too), and they kind of use it as a selling point to build rapport with customers, so surely companies who decide to remain closed on holidays aren't necessarily doomed. 

Also, we don't all celebrate the same holidays.  I imagine people who don't subscribe to a particular religion are quite frustrated when they need something and nothing is open because of a holiday they don't believe in. 

tenofcups4me

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:a3877d1f-8c59-4acc-be8e-36ded72083a2">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I just dont see the problem in a store being closed - if you know the store is closing at a certain time or on a certain day, go ahead of time. Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

That can be  a lot easier to say than to do depending on the hours you work yourself.

A couple of years ago, DH and I went furniture shopping on a Sunday. Most of the stores were open. The ones that weren't? They didn't get our business because we bought at a place that was open. We weren't disorganized with our time. Sunday is the day that worked best for us. They chose to be closed. Fine. They also have to deal with the ramifications that they might not get the business. In either case, it was THEIR BUSINESS CHOICE.

Nebb

Im curious though that how many times the owners of the company make "THEIR BUSINESS CHOICE" to be open on holidays, do they actually work it? Its normally the employees, lower in rank, that have no say. Why do they not deserve to enjoy the holiday like everyone else because the owner wants to benefit?

aMrsin09

Not everyone works 9-5 M-F. The dry cleaners by my house was open from 5 AM-8 AM and 3 PM - 10PM.  Those were the hours they had customers.  Heck, in the DC area even if you do work 9-5 you don't get home until 6 or 7 because of traffic.  If my grocery store wasn't 24/7 365 they would have been closed down for lack of business.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:a3877d1f-8c59-4acc-be8e-36ded72083a2">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]I just dont see the problem in a store being closed - if you know the store is closing at a certain time or on a certain day, go ahead of time. I dont see why other people have to be responsible for someones disorganization with needing something last minute or what have you. It can be EXTREMELY difficult for retail workers to get holiday days off, which is a huge pain for them. I just dont see how people are so needy of material items that stores HAVE to be open 24/7/365 to cater to them.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

Yup, when I was working at the theater I couldn't fly home for Christmas to be with my family. They also have "black out dates" where you can't request vacation says, usually in the popular summer months and between Christmas and Thanksgiving. It really sucked. But it was also my choice to work there, rather than at a company where I could have taken a week off at Christmas, or one that was closed on Christmas day.

katiewhompus

When I was at Petsmart the only days we were closed were Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Since I was in charge of the animals I got to go in both of those days and take care of the furry ones. But since I technically got the day off (ha ha) they didn't give me an extra day off. Yes the extra overtime was nice, but working 6 days including the holiday was not.

For a story on craziness, once we had to evacuate due to bomb threat next door. A lady first started going off on my boss because he wouldn't let her shop (we were standing behind the police line), then she started going off on the police who wouldn't let her go shop. Seriously? You need dog food that badly?

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_holiday-shopping?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:144196e5-2733-4b1b-a192-a934a888be65Post:7469169d-2fe0-4dec-88da-6a4c2cd8756f">Re: Holiday Shopping</a>:
[QUOTE]When I was at Petsmart the only days we were closed were Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Since I was in charge of the animals I got to go in both of those days and take care of the furry ones. But since I technically got the day off (ha ha) they didn't give me an extra day off. Yes the extra overtime was nice, but working 6 days including the holiday was not. For a story on craziness, once we had to evacuate due to bomb threat next door. A lady first started going off on my boss because he wouldn't let her shop (we were standing behind the police line), then she started going off on the police who wouldn't let her go shop. Seriously? You need dog food that badly?
Posted by katiewhompus[/QUOTE]

Some guy got stabbed near my starbucks once. We got to close early. My car was parked behind the police line, but they let me get it because they were almost done. The guy lived. It was a continuation of a bar fight at a really sketchy place down the street and they caught most of it on the security camera.

katiewhompus

Sheesh.  Gotta love the police line