<p>But they’re competing with other big stores that have chosen to be open. There are products that many people prefer to see/touch before they buy because of high cost, shipping costs, or whatever. </p>
<p>The problem is that once one or two big stores do it, the others “have” to do it. Again, families don’t have an infinite Xmas budget. Once they’ve spent their money at X, Y, Z stores, it’s not available for A, B, C stores. Stores know that. So, they want to be the X, Y or Z stores…and let A, B, and C stores bottom line take the hit. </p>
<p>Like it was posted earlier…we all could predict this when Black Friday stores started opening at 4am, 3am…and then midnight. It was easy to guess that the stores would start opening on Tday evening…or be open all day Tday. </p>
<p>It’s not like we can pass a law stating that stores can’t open. lol</p>
<p>My work clothes are business casual with a labcoat. So, I often duck into Ross, Marshall’s etc to see what I might find as separates. Recently I have found some wonderful tops. But if I am seriously shopping for a particular occasion I would find myself at Macy’s, Lord and Taylor, etc.</p>
<p>I am sure that is also true for police and firemen, for airline workers, other transit (local bus, trains), for those in other hospitality (hotels, restaurants), for those in health care (hospitals(, those left on college campuses (limited food services is open), etc. Working on holidays is part of many industries. >>>>>>>>>></p>
<p>I’ve worked a gazillion holidays and weekends as a hospital pharmacist. It is what it is. We have folks to care for and to do our best for them, day and day out.</p>
<p>However, to condemn a store who is making a decision for “profit” isn’t fair either. These corporations are employing tens of thousands of people. The success of those stores keeps paychecks coming for those many, many families. >>>>>>>></p>
<p>Wouldn’t it be lovely if those big box stores would shares their billions in profits and give the employees ONE paid holiday off?</p>
<p>I realize that “profit” can be a nasty word on cc, but think about it for a nano-second. More profit = more taxes paid to state and local governments, not to mention the IRS.</p>
<p>Businesses have the right to use whatever legal ways they can to pay less taxes…just like people can.</p>
<p>If gov’ts don’t like it, they can close the loop-hole. As mentioned, the feds have closed that hole…some states haven’t. In those states Wal-mart is paying less state taxes. Those states could close the loop hole if they wanted.</p>
<p>But keep in mind, that having lots of employees is a big tax generator for gov’ts. All those folks with paychecks are paying taxes…fed taxes, FICA, state taxes, property taxes, gas taxes, and so forth.</p>
<p>mom2, you are right–and of course businesses can and will take advantage of the way laws are written to maximize their profits and minimize their tax obligations.</p>
<p>Where some of us have an issue is with corporations that take advantage not just of tax laws but their workers as well. Some of those noted above don’t treat their employees well any day of the year and in fact shift the burden of their low wages and poor (or nonexistent) healthcare coverage to taxpayers. I am generally not a fan of boycotts but I, as others, have taken notice of companies that choose to respect their employees and pay them fairly versus those that don’t. It’s just as easy for many of us to patronize businesses whose values are more in line with our own.</p>
<p>With all the extra holiday shopping hours now, maybe some Christmas carol lyrics should be updated. Maybe instead of “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” go with “Taze guns zapping in the shopping mall…”</p>
<p>Although, there is a sign-up sheet, they call for all employees since the demand is so high to be able to handle all of the customers. </p>
<p>Stores opening up for profit isn’t a bad thing. Man, if I was a business owner, I’d want to rake it in on Black Friday! A single store (I’m talking clothing a stores) can get at least $150K on that one day. Now, imagine if you’re a corporation and have thousands upon thousands of stores in the US. Money, on top of money, on top of money. Of course the question that comes up is: When is enough, enough? When do the rewards gained plateau?</p>
<p>
This would be nice to see. I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers are higher than ideal. </p>
<p>I know stores have checkout policies to discourage resellers.</p>
<p>These are part-time, entry level jobs, guys. These companies also all have office buildings full of executives that get paid much better and some of them probably have a day off on Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>When is enough, enough is a tough question. When is enough for you personally? Don’t you take every possible tax break? This is such an odd thing to get worked up about. And pointless. People will work. And people will shop. I’ve done both and it was fine both years. I was happy for the money and I was pleased with the doorbuster deals.</p>
<p>But keep in mind, that having lots of employees is a big tax generator for gov’ts. All those folks with paychecks are paying taxes…fed taxes, FICA, state taxes, property taxes, gas taxes, and so forth. </p>
<p>Right? Would it be better if they had no jobs?</p>
<p>* I am generally not a fan of boycotts but I, as others, have taken notice of companies that choose to respect their employees and pay them fairly versus those that don’t. It’s just as easy for many of us to patronize businesses whose values are more in line with our own.*</p>
<p>and that’s super. that’s what you should do if something bothers you. </p>
<p>I don’t think anyone is saying that any person should shop at any particular store. If Company X’s policies offend you, then by all means, shop at Company Y’s store. </p>
<p>that said, we do need to keep in mind that many of these stores are simply hiring unskilled people who really can’t demand a higher salary no matter where they’re employed. </p>
<p>I don’t know many businesses, even smaller Mom & Pop operations that “fairly” pay all their unskilled employees (good salaries, bennies, etc). Heck, some have family members working for free or for cash below minimum wage.</p>
<p>*Quote:
Wouldn’t it be lovely if those big box stores would shares their billions in profits and give the employees ONE paid holiday off?
*</p>
<p>Do you mean their full-time employees? If so, don’t they get Christmas paid?</p>
<p>My point about opening solely for profit was in direct opposition to the fact that doctors, etc are needed for saving and protecting lives. </p>
<p>I have no issue with profit in general. I have an issue with comparing working just to make profit with comparing to those who NEED to work in order to save lives. THAT I have a problem with- the idea that in some strange universe they are comparable.</p>