Corporate blackmail

lyndausvi · November 2014

chibiyui said:

lurkergirl said:

Waffle House is open 24/7/365. It's always super packed on holidays. In high school/early college, my friends and I would get together after our family celebrations, make ourselves hungry again, and go for a massive late night WaHo feast every Thanksgiving.

FI and have been on Xmas eve a few times, and we usually encounter an interesting (drunk) crowd that night. And of course we leave fabulous "Merry Christmas" tips.

People go to the movies on holidays. They go skiing, to Disneyland and Disney World, go hiking through National Parks, go to football, basketball or hockey games. Even the Smithsonian museums are only closed on Christmas day.

A lot of people do activities outside of the homes on holidays which require other people to work. It's the way it is. I'm not sure how you can do tell some businesses they are allowed to be open on holidays and others they can't? How can the gift shop at Disneyland be allowed to be open, but not a shop somewhere else?

I will not be shopping on Thanksgiving (rarely do that whole weekend anyway). I prefer to spend my day watching football. Which in itself requires people to work. The club is open for Thanksgiving so DH will be working. The club is closed on Dec 25th (the only holiday they are closed). We plan on going skiing. I'm sure we will hit up one of the restaurants/bars while we are there. Again, people will be working to take care of us, which we will be appreciative.
FWIW, I don't really like that movie theaters and many restaurants are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas day either, and I even try to make sure that I have gas so I don't need to stop for that on Christmas day. I understand that as our country becomes more secular (which I think is a good thing) Christmas and thanksgiving openingo for businesses of various sorts will become the norm. I'm just bitching cause I want to get drunk on thanksgiving instead of dragging my ass to work.

It is not just movies or restaurants. People already travel on holidays. They stay in hotels, they ski, go to the beach, hit up Disneyland. They go to football games (hello, parking attendants, beer and peanut guys are working, not just high paying football players). Even QVC is only off the air on xmas.

I get not wanting to work. I worked on every holiday for almost 20 years. DH still does work them. It sucks, but I do not see it changing. With more and more people moving away from family holidays are becoming less about staying in and enjoying the day with family. When I lived in the islands Thanksgiving and xmas were completely sold out. Completely packed with people who choose to do something else other than cooking a turkey at home.

For the record. I HATE shopping. Like I loathe shopping. I do not get why it's a hobby for some people. Certainly do not understand standing in line for hours for the perfect deal on a holiday. I would rather watch football. Which for some people would be the equivalent to hell for them.

themuffinman16 · November 2014

I prefer to go to the mall during a Zombie Apocalypse. I like to shop, but I hate the crowds.

huskypuppy14 · November 2014

I agree with Lynda. My sister works a part time job at a restaurant, and she always works Thanksgiving because it's easy money. Tons of people go out for Thanksgiving dinner/lunch because it's easier.

My husband has worked every Thanksgiving since I've known him (3+ years), and he's only had a few Thanksgivings off ever in his professional career. He works in the TV news business. The news always is on, and he always works Thursdays so unless he asks for it off, and he can get coverage, he has to work.

My inlaws are Jewish, so they get take out and go to the movies on Christmas. There are people that don't celebrate Christmas, and want to do things. My husband will probably have to work Christmas this year, unless he is able to get it off. But everyone wants it off, so it's hard. Before he met me, he always worked Christmas, because he was Jewish.

There are plenty of people that have to work on holidays, not just emergency personnel and retail workers.

LabLove86 · November 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

themuffinman16 said:

I have decided to boycott this mall for the holiday season, and shop at the other malls in the area. The other malls might not have as many stores or be as nice as the shops in the galleria, but to me, it's worth it, to make a point. Hopefully, there are enough people like me, who feel this way to make the Mall owners change their minds.

Unfortunately I don't think this will happen. Its a great thought and I don't think the mall should be open then - but the Galleria gets so much of its business from Canada - and Thanksgiving is not a holiday for them (not the same day it is for the US anyway) - that the people in our area who ARE boycotting won't be enough to outweigh the people that opt to shop there.

As it is - I really only go there for specific reasons now. I used to love going there to browse and hang with my friends (yeah - I sound like I'm 17 . . . . ) but now its so busy there that it isn't even really enjoyable for me anymore. I try to only go during the week in the middle of the day if at all possible.

ETA - I don't like that stores are open on Thanksgiving, and I think its shitty that the mall is fining stores. I hope we will have enough people in this area boycott - I just wouldn't be surprised if we don't.
Yep, and I bet the Canadians are sneaking shut back across the border and not declaring it to their customs agents in order to avoid paying the high taxes on those items. . . I tens they could buy in Canada but don't because of the taxes. Not judging, just assuming based on what my Canuck friends tell me!

This is EXACTLY what happens.

I have actually watched people rearrange their cars, and packages, and put bags of bought items in 'hidden' storage departments ect. to get away with paying as little at the boarder as possible.

LabLove86 · November 2014

huskypuppy14 said:

I agree with Lynda. My sister works a part time job at a restaurant, and she always works Thanksgiving because it's easy money. Tons of people go out for Thanksgiving dinner/lunch because it's easier.

My husband has worked every Thanksgiving since I've known him (3+ years), and he's only had a few Thanksgivings off ever in his professional career. He works in the TV news business. The news always is on, and he always works Thursdays so unless he asks for it off, and he can get coverage, he has to work.

My inlaws are Jewish, so they get take out and go to the movies on Christmas. There are people that don't celebrate Christmas, and want to do things. My husband will probably have to work Christmas this year, unless he is able to get it off. But everyone wants it off, so it's hard. Before he met me, he always worked Christmas, because he was Jewish.

There are plenty of people that have to work on holidays, not just emergency personnel and retail workers.

Honestly - I celebrate christmas (Well, I don't follow any religion - but I spend time with family and exchange presents on Christmas - so whatever you want to call that) and yet my family has gone to the movies on christmas day every year since my mom passed. This will be the 11th Christmas of doing this.

Reading this thread - I have realized that even though I don't like that retail stores are open on Thanksgiving - for my family to follow our tradition we rely on the movie theaters to be open. So really - its a hypocritical viewpoint . . . . . so I guess its time to start being a little more open minded about it.

I guess it wouldn't bother me if I knew that these people were able to go spend the holidays with their families if they want to. But if a business is open - there need to be employees to work there. . . ahh!

princessleia22 · November 2014

PrettyGirlLost said:

The past few years everyone is starting to be open on Thanksgiving and offering Black Friday deals a day early. . . why stop there? Just start the Christmas retail frenzy on November 1st ><

I was at my local mall 2 weeks ago and they already had Santa there.

holyguacamole79 · November 2014

@chibiyui‌ , I saw this and thought of you...29 Struggles Every Holiday Retail Worker Knows To Be True http://bzfd.it/1qHddZB

I worked retail during the holidays 3 years ago, so I get it.

chibiyui · November 2014

holyguacamole79 said:
@chibiyui‌ , I saw this and thought of you...29 Struggles Every Holiday Retail Worker Knows To Be True http://bzfd.it/1qHddZB

I worked retail during the holidays 3 years ago, so I get it.

That's pretty accurate.

Store managers caving to douche customers is the wooooorst.

Cookie Pusher · November 2014

I worked retail for almost a decade in and after college. Our store was picked as a regional demo store, so we would have to do all the holiday/seasonal set ups about a month before the rest of the stores so all the managers could come and see how it was supposed to be done/discuss possible changes. That meant we started Christmas set up at the end of August. It was dreadful. No one was interested in buying parkas and Christmas ornaments before Labor Day!

alpacalunch · November 2014

LabLove86 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

themuffinman16 said:

I have decided to boycott this mall for the holiday season, and shop at the other malls in the area. The other malls might not have as many stores or be as nice as the shops in the galleria, but to me, it's worth it, to make a point. Hopefully, there are enough people like me, who feel this way to make the Mall owners change their minds.

Unfortunately I don't think this will happen. Its a great thought and I don't think the mall should be open then - but the Galleria gets so much of its business from Canada - and Thanksgiving is not a holiday for them (not the same day it is for the US anyway) - that the people in our area who ARE boycotting won't be enough to outweigh the people that opt to shop there.

As it is - I really only go there for specific reasons now. I used to love going there to browse and hang with my friends (yeah - I sound like I'm 17 . . . . ) but now its so busy there that it isn't even really enjoyable for me anymore. I try to only go during the week in the middle of the day if at all possible.

ETA - I don't like that stores are open on Thanksgiving, and I think its shitty that the mall is fining stores. I hope we will have enough people in this area boycott - I just wouldn't be surprised if we don't.
Yep, and I bet the Canadians are sneaking shut back across the border and not declaring it to their customs agents in order to avoid paying the high taxes on those items. . . I tens they could buy in Canada but don't because of the taxes. Not judging, just assuming based on what my Canuck friends tell me!

This is EXACTLY what happens.

I have actually watched people rearrange their cars, and packages, and put bags of bought items in 'hidden' storage departments ect. to get away with paying as little at the boarder as possible.

This goes both ways, thankyouverymuch. No one likes paying duties at the border! My aunt used to come up from Iowa and buy allergy meds that we had OTC and salt & vinegar chips, and hide it all under clothes in her suitcase. And really, there are so many people that don't get holidays off for whatever reason, I'm not sure why retail would be different. Would I want to work? No, but I understand it.

emmaaa · November 2014

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

chibiyui · November 2014

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

emmaaa · November 2014

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

arrippa · November 2014

In high school, I worked for a movie theater. That theater was open 365 days a year. As employees, it goes by seniority, but each employee got to request one holiday off (either Christmas or Thanksgiving). I would switch yearly between having Thanksgiving or Christmas off.

chibiyui · November 2014

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

Girl, you know that's not an option for many retail workers. The complaining will stop in a couple years as it becomes normal and common place, but retail tends to be the bottom of the chain for many jobs, pay and societal respect wise. It's not like a cashier for 20 years with just a high school diploma is going to go down the block and get a non-service industry job.

emmaaa · November 2014

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

Girl, you know that's not an option for many retail workers. The complaining will stop in a couple years as it becomes normal and common place, but retail tends to be the bottom of the chain for many jobs, pay and societal respect wise. It's not like a cashier for 20 years with just a high school diploma is going to go down the block and get a non-service industry job.

I know it isn't easy but quitting is always an option. Finding another job is hard though, I get that. It drives me crazy that people are complaining and protesting because they have to work the job they accepted when I KNOW many people who can't find a job.

And I hate to say this and I am really not trying to sound cold and heartless, but if someone wants a job that is not service industry based or minimum wage, they should need to have non-service industry and minimum wage skills.

chibiyui · November 2014

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

Girl, you know that's not an option for many retail workers. The complaining will stop in a couple years as it becomes normal and common place, but retail tends to be the bottom of the chain for many jobs, pay and societal respect wise. It's not like a cashier for 20 years with just a high school diploma is going to go down the block and get a non-service industry job.

I know it isn't easy but quitting is always an option. Finding another job is hard though, I get that. It drives me crazy that people are complaining and protesting because they have to work the job they accepted when I KNOW many people who can't find a job.

And I hate to say this and I am really not trying to sound cold and heartless, but if someone wants a job that is not service industry based or minimum wage, they should need to have non-service industry and minimum wage skills.

Quitting isn't an option for many people, and quitting without having a job lined up would be financial ruin for many as well. I don't know a single person who hasn't at some point complained about their job, should they all quit as well? It's one thing if someone is chronically complaining about their job, but gripes about shit like hours and commutes are pretty fucking universal.

vegasbride2015 · November 2014

LabLove86 said:

PrettyGirlLost said:

themuffinman16 said:

I have decided to boycott this mall for the holiday season, and shop at the other malls in the area. The other malls might not have as many stores or be as nice as the shops in the galleria, but to me, it's worth it, to make a point. Hopefully, there are enough people like me, who feel this way to make the Mall owners change their minds.

Unfortunately I don't think this will happen. Its a great thought and I don't think the mall should be open then - but the Galleria gets so much of its business from Canada - and Thanksgiving is not a holiday for them (not the same day it is for the US anyway) - that the people in our area who ARE boycotting won't be enough to outweigh the people that opt to shop there.

As it is - I really only go there for specific reasons now. I used to love going there to browse and hang with my friends (yeah - I sound like I'm 17 . . . . ) but now its so busy there that it isn't even really enjoyable for me anymore. I try to only go during the week in the middle of the day if at all possible.

ETA - I don't like that stores are open on Thanksgiving, and I think its shitty that the mall is fining stores. I hope we will have enough people in this area boycott - I just wouldn't be surprised if we don't.
Yep, and I bet the Canadians are sneaking shut back across the border and not declaring it to their customs agents in order to avoid paying the high taxes on those items. . . I tens they could buy in Canada but don't because of the taxes. Not judging, just assuming based on what my Canuck friends tell me!

This is EXACTLY what happens.

I have actually watched people rearrange their cars, and packages, and put bags of bought items in 'hidden' storage departments ect. to get away with paying as little at the boarder as possible.

I live near the Canadian border, and this is factual. I am dreading the holiday season with the traffic. I pretty much order all of my gifts on Amazon, but am going to likely make some gifts this year.

emmaaa · November 2014

chopping the thread tree

Quitting isn't an option for many people, and quitting without having a job lined up would be financial ruin for many as well. I don't know a single person who hasn't at some point complained about their job, should they all quit as well? It's one thing if someone is chronically complaining about their job, but gripes about shit like hours and commutes are pretty fucking universal.

It is an option if people are that upset about something to complain nationally about it. I honestly would never quit a job without having another one lined up, I agree. And I agree that people can not afford to always quit. But I do think we should all be grateful for the job we have and if they are that upset about it, give the job to someone who will be thankful to have that job.

Like I said a few posts back, if theses store owners are genuinely concerned that their employees are working on the holidays, then they should eat the cost and give them the day off. the fact that most of them are not doing this just shows me that money means more to them than their employees.

PrettyGirlLost · November 2014

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

And this is what is just asinine to me. This is the madness that needs to stop. Black Friday deals should be limited to Black Friday only.

I mean, I read an article last week that people somewhere were already camping out outside stores for the T-Day and Black Friday deals. They are camping out 3 weeks in advance? JFC!

hellosweetie1015 · November 2014

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

chibiyui said:

emmaaa said:

I worked retail through college and waited tables.

The retail stores I worked in opened at 11 pm and people were outraged at that. Oh well, I did it. I knew that signing up for the job.

The restaurant I worked at was open Thanksgiving and only closed on Christmas. I always requested a year off in advance for those days.

FI works on a golf course. The only day they get off is Christmas. People want to play golf all day, every day. He knows that's what his job entails.

My dad works third shift. he works Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Easter every year. He works as the supervisor for the computer room of a major hospital. Again, he knows the deal, he has to work.

As much as I hate that places are open and people are taken away from their families on those days, that's the way it is. I don't shop on the holidays. I MAY go black Friday at 10 am, by then a lot of people are gone. Like Lynda said, many people work on the holidays, not just retail workers. Especially those in the hospitality and tourism industry. they have to be open every day.

I'm under the impression that when someone applies for a retail job, emergency responder job, hospitality job, and etc. they know what that entails. Why complain?

I don't know what the stores' contract says for this particular mall but it may be in their lease/contract that they have to be open if the mall is open, and if they aren't they will be fined. That's nothing new. If it were so upsetting to these store owners, they would just pay the fine and let their employees have the day off.

To be fair to the retail worker outrage, these are all fairly new developments. When I applied originally for a job, all department stores were closed on Thanksgiving. Hell, when I got out of college 5 years ago, my store was the only one in the area aside from Wal-mart that was open on Thanksgiving. All other department stores and the like were closed. Last year was the first year my mall was open on Thanksgiving. And the mall stipulated that any store open on Thanksgiving HAD to stay open through Black Friday 10 pm. I understand that it's in their contract that stores have to be open when the mall is, but come on, most stores are in the mall for 5+ years. Part of the reason there is a backlash is because it's new. For many employees it wasn't part of the job going in.

I agree that Thanksgiving openings are part of the times and will only become more common, and that yes, it is hypocritical to be upset about Sears being open and not care about say, the local movie theater being open. But it's not fair to say retail workers knew that coming in, because it's changed.

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

Girl, you know that's not an option for many retail workers. The complaining will stop in a couple years as it becomes normal and common place, but retail tends to be the bottom of the chain for many jobs, pay and societal respect wise. It's not like a cashier for 20 years with just a high school diploma is going to go down the block and get a non-service industry job.

I know it isn't easy but quitting is always an option. Finding another job is hard though, I get that. It drives me crazy that people are complaining and protesting because they have to work the job they accepted when I KNOW many people who can't find a job.

And I hate to say this and I am really not trying to sound cold and heartless, but if someone wants a job that is not service industry based or minimum wage, they should need to have non-service industry and minimum wage skills.

Quitting isn't an option for many people, and quitting without having a job lined up would be financial ruin for many as well. I don't know a single person who hasn't at some point complained about their job, should they all quit as well? It's one thing if someone is chronically complaining about their job, but gripes about shit like hours and commutes are pretty fucking universal.

...just to put this out there - there are MANY people (myself and my FI included) who have college degrees and are/were in the service industry. It has less and less to do with skills, and more to do with the fact that there simply aren't jobs in our fields. And while my preferred field is relatively unimportant to daily life, FI's isn't. Childcare is not a necessity (really, it's not - it's a luxury for a lot of people), but food science is - he spent four years learning how to ensure that the stuff you put into your mouth doesn't kill you with salmonella and E. Coli and listeria and all sorts of OTHER fantastically disgusting crawlies.

ETA to finish a thought.

emmaaa · November 2014

hellosweetie1015 said:

Quitting isn't an option for many people, and quitting without having a job lined up would be financial ruin for many as well. I don't know a single person who hasn't at some point complained about their job, should they all quit as well? It's one thing if someone is chronically complaining about their job, but gripes about shit like hours and commutes are pretty fucking universal.

...just to put this out there - there are MANY people (myself and my FI included) who have college degrees and are/were in the service industry. It has less and less to do with skills, and more to do with the fact that there simply aren't jobs in our fields. And while my preferred field is relatively unimportant to daily life, FI's isn't. Childcare is not a necessity (really, it's not - it's a luxury for a lot of people), but food science is - he spent four years learning how to ensure that the stuff you put into your mouth doesn't kill you with salmonella and E. Coli and listeria and all sorts of OTHER fantastically disgusting crawlies.

ETA to finish a thought.

You're right and so is @chibiyui that the jobs aren't there. I'm not blind to that. And FTR my degree is also in the service/hospitality/recreation industry which is open every day of the year. I just lucked out to get a job with the government.

PrettyGirlLost said:

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

And this is what is just asinine to me. This is the madness that needs to stop. Black Friday deals should be limited to Black Friday only.

I mean, I read an article last week that people somewhere were already camping out outside stores for the T-Day and Black Friday deals. They are camping out 3 weeks in advance? JFC!

YES! I saw that. There were some ladies camping out at Best Buy.

chibiyui · November 2014

emmaaa said:

hellosweetie1015 said:

Quitting isn't an option for many people, and quitting without having a job lined up would be financial ruin for many as well. I don't know a single person who hasn't at some point complained about their job, should they all quit as well? It's one thing if someone is chronically complaining about their job, but gripes about shit like hours and commutes are pretty fucking universal.

...just to put this out there - there are MANY people (myself and my FI included) who have college degrees and are/were in the service industry. It has less and less to do with skills, and more to do with the fact that there simply aren't jobs in our fields. And while my preferred field is relatively unimportant to daily life, FI's isn't. Childcare is not a necessity (really, it's not - it's a luxury for a lot of people), but food science is - he spent four years learning how to ensure that the stuff you put into your mouth doesn't kill you with salmonella and E. Coli and listeria and all sorts of OTHER fantastically disgusting crawlies.

ETA to finish a thought.

You're right and so is @chibiyui that the jobs aren't there. I'm not blind to that. And FTR my degree is also in the service/hospitality/recreation industry which is open every day of the year. I just lucked out to get a job with the government.

PrettyGirlLost said:

I get that it has changed but it has also been a pattern that sores are opening earlier and earlier each year. The first year I worked retail, we were supposed to open at midnight. There were so many people there at 10:30 pm, the mall officials were scared a riot or something would happen so they opened at 11:00 pm. The next year they opened at 10:00 pm. the next year they opened at 9:00 pm.

It really sucks, I get that. I've been there and I am so thankful that I am fortunate enough to know that I'll have all major holidays off. But now it is part of the job. If they don't like like it, then find a different job. I know that is harsh but there are many people looking for a job that wold be willing to work on Thanksgiving to be able to pay their bills.

And FTR, I am completely against them being open on Holidays but if people want the country to become more secular, this is what will happen. (And yes, I'm aware Thanksgiving is not a religous holiday).

And this is what is just asinine to me. This is the madness that needs to stop. Black Friday deals should be limited to Black Friday only.

I mean, I read an article last week that people somewhere were already camping out outside stores for the T-Day and Black Friday deals. They are camping out 3 weeks in advance? JFC!

YES! I saw that. There were some ladies camping out at Best Buy.

The funny thing is, there aren't that many sales this year that are that much better on Black Friday then normal......

Shit I'm old. Get off my fucking lawn as well.

Maggie0829 · November 2014

What I don't understand is why the need to be able to buy a robe or a toy at 3am on Black Friday morning. Couldn't you buy the same damn thing at 8am? I get why stores are open on Thanksgiving, even if I don't like it. But what I don't understand is the whole being open all night thing. Are the deals really that good? Personally I would rather spend a bit more on an item then have to go out in the dead of night with the crazy crowds to buy a present at a discounted rate.

esstee33 · November 2014

Maggie0829 said:

What I don't understand is why the need to be able to buy a robe or a toy at 3am on Black Friday morning. Couldn't you buy the same damn thing at 8am? I get why stores are open on Thanksgiving, even if I don't like it. But what I don't understand is the whole being open all night thing. Are the deals really that good? Personally I would rather spend a bit more on an item then have to go out in the dead of night with the crazy crowds to buy a present at a discounted rate.

A lot of stores have specials for certain 2 or 3 hour periods when they open on Thanksgiving day like this. So it very well could be cheaper at 3am than 8am.

Maggie0829 · November 2014

esstee33 said:

Maggie0829 said:

What I don't understand is why the need to be able to buy a robe or a toy at 3am on Black Friday morning. Couldn't you buy the same damn thing at 8am? I get why stores are open on Thanksgiving, even if I don't like it. But what I don't understand is the whole being open all night thing. Are the deals really that good? Personally I would rather spend a bit more on an item then have to go out in the dead of night with the crazy crowds to buy a present at a discounted rate.

A lot of stores have specials for certain 2 or 3 hour periods when they open on Thanksgiving day like this. So it very well could be cheaper at 3am than 8am.

Yeah and a lot of those amazing specials have a very limited number of items available. Like, you can get 70% off a 60 inch flat screen but the store only has 5 available. So is the off chance that you may be one of those people to get one of the 5 flat screens worth going out at 3am and fighting the crowds?

ETA: And why can't stores have those amazing deals during day time hours? Why the need to have them at 3am? Oh right, there is no point.

pegasuskat · November 2014

DD worked at Forever 21 last year during the holidays and she told me the stores that didn't follow the extended holiday hours were fined. I had never heard of it before then, but seems like its the norm. for the mall's to have a contract like this.

Corporate blackmail

Re: Corporate blackmail

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