manny major grocery chains will be closed this Thanksgiving, a practice rooted in decades-old Massachusetts laws. Star Market, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and Trader joe’s are among the stores shuttering their doors on the holiday, leaving residents with limited options for last-minute Thanksgiving needs.
These closures aren’t a recent decision; they stem from Massachusetts’ “blue laws,” originally enacted in the 19th century to promote religious observance and limit commerce on Sundays and certain holidays. While the laws have been significantly relaxed over time, a prohibition on retail sales on Thanksgiving remains in affect for many businesses, particularly larger grocery stores. The impact is felt by consumers accustomed to convenience and by the local economy, as online shopping increasingly captures consumer spending. “Increasingly, the consumer is deciding with their feet and dollars right through their smartphone,” said Truman Dickerson, a reporter covering the story for The Boston Globe.
The blue laws create a disparity, though, as smaller convenience stores and farm stands are permitted to operate on Thanksgiving. This has occasionally sparked debate among competitors, though the issue has become less contentious in recent years due to shifting consumer habits. “That raises some consternation of some of their competitors, why they can be open and others can’t,” explained Dickerson.”But again, it hasn’t been as controversial in recent years as it used to be as of, frankly, changing consumer patterns.”
The tradition of grocery store closures on Thanksgiving reflects a broader tension between convenience, economic activity, and past regulations in Massachusetts.While some advocate for modernizing the blue laws to align with contemporary shopping behaviors, others maintain the importance of preserving a day for family and community, free from the pressures of commercialism.
