Over the last decade or so, probably due to the increase in people buying gifts online, it seems like Black Friday shopping has started earlier and earlier.  In fact, for a number of years, stores in many areas have began opening on Thanksgiving.

But, these days, many stores are bucking that trend.  They're staying closed to allow their employees to enjoy the holiday with their families.

On top of that, in Maine, we have "blue laws" that prevent larger retail stores from opening on certain days of the year, like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

According to Best Black Friday the management of these stores have chosen for them to be closed on Thanksgiving:

- A. C. Moore

-Barnes & Noble

-Hobby Lobby

-Home Depot

-Home Goods




-TJ Maxx


Additionally, these Maine stores will likely be closed because of Maine's "blue laws", which prevent larger stores from being open on certain holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas):

-Best Buy


-Large Grocery Stores




-Sam's Club





But, if you really need to shop on that day, don't take our word for it, give the store a call.

And, don't forget, you can always shop at LL Bean.  They were grandfathered when the laws went into effect in the 1960s.  They never close!  It's a Maine tradition and you can't mess with tradition.

Other exceptions to the laws include pharmacies, restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theaters, sporting events, concerts, and other amusement businesses.

Read more about Maine's "blue laws" HERE