Why Are Grocery Stores Closed Thanksgiving? Blue Laws Explained

Centuries-Old “Blue Laws” keep Many Massachusetts Stores Closed This Thanksgiving

Massachusetts residents planning a last-minute Thanksgiving grocery run will find many familiar stores shuttered, a result of archaic laws dating back to Colonial times. A series of regulations, known as “blue laws,” continue to restrict retail operations on Thanksgiving, despite decades of efforts to modernize them.

These blue laws aren’t a recent invention. According to a leading voice in the state’s retail sector, they “go way, way back,” originating over 400 years ago. Originally intended to ensure church attendance on Sundays and the observance of the Sabbath, these laws have proven remarkably resilient.

While many restrictions have been lifted over the years, Thanksgiving and Christmas have remained largely untouched. A representative from the Massachusetts Retailers Association explained on wednesday that there simply isn’t significant pressure to change the status quo. “There’s not a whole lot of pressure from our members, from the stores, to be open,” they stated. “The retail industry really hasn’t made it a priority to change the law.”

Did you know? – Massachusetts’ blue laws originated in the 17th century, aiming to promote religious observance. They initially prohibited any work, including shopping, on Sundays.

The last major rollback of these laws occurred in 1994, when Massachusetts voters approved a ballot initiative allowing stores to open on sunday mornings and on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. subsequent attempts to expand retail hours on other holidays have stalled in the state Legislature. This year, a bill was introduced by State Representative David Linsky of Natick to permit alcohol sales on Thanksgiving, but it has yet to be considered for a vote.

Interestingly, the lack of momentum for change isn’t driven by consumer demand, but rather by a shift in how consumers shop. The rise of online shopping, particularly accelerated during the pandemic, has diminished the need for brick-and-mortar stores to be open on holidays. “Increasingly, the consumer is deciding with their feet and dollars right through their smartphone,” one analyst noted. This trend poses a challenge to local retailers, as online purchases don’t provide the same level of local economic investment as traditional retail.

Pro tip: – If you need a last-minute item, smaller convenience stores and farm stands are typically open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.Plan accordingly!

Several major grocery chains have confirmed their Thanksgiving closures, including Star market, Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. Though,smaller convenience stores and farm stands will remain open,creating a disparity that some competitors have noted. While this difference has occasionally sparked debate, it hasn’t become a major point of contention in recent years due to evolving consumer habits.

The enduring legacy of these centuries-old laws highlights a unique aspect of Massachusetts culture, where tradition and a changing retail landscape continue to intersect.

Reader question: – Do you think Massachusetts should modernize its blue laws further, or is preserving tradition more important? Share your thoughts!