Walmart to close U.S. stores on Thanksgiving

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced this week its U.S. stores will close for the American Thanksgiving holiday, putting an end to its tradition of kicking off Black Friday sales on that evening. “We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up,” John Furner, CEO and President of Walmart U.S., said in a statement. “We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones.” Furner told employees that the idea came from the supervisor of one of the retailer’s Texas stores. At the same time, Walmart also announced it will pay out another round of pandemic bonuses, ranging from $150 to $300, to employees in August.