Stores Already Announcing They’ll Be Closed Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is more than a month away, but more than three dozen retailers have already announced they'll be closed and employees will be staying at home to enjoy turkey with their families this year.

Walmart CEO John Furner announced this week its stores will be closed again this year on Thanksgiving Day, for the fourth consecutive year.

"Thanksgiving is such a special day during a very busy season.  We want you to spend that day at home with family and loved ones," Furner said in a video message to employees.

In the past, major retailers like Walmart and Target were open on Thanksgiving, giving them a chance to jump start their Black Friday deals.  A lot changed, thanks to the pandemic, and stores decided to remain closed.

Other retailers announcing they'll be closed for Thanksgiving this year include:

If you forgot something as you're preparing your Thanksgiving dinner, no need to worry.  Several grocery stores have already announced they'll be open, some with limited hours, on Thanksgiving.

Grocery and Drug Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day:

Check stores for special Thanksgiving holiday hours.

For more local news, click here.

The United States may be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but that doesn't mean there isn't financial strain throughout the country. Thankfully, Augusta isn't one of the most expensive places to live, but with rising inflation, it's hard not to feel some financial stress. And of course, the financial burden can be easier, depending on your job.  Stacker did the research and uncovered the lowest paying jobs in Augusta. We'll take a look at the top 10 below.

During their research, Stacker found what we already somewhat knew... the middle class is shrinking. As of 2021, they discovered around half of adults lived in a middle-income household.  That's a pretty significant drop from 61% back in the 1970s.

Now, that change in percentage isn't all bad.  Some of those middle-class adults have risen into a higher income bracket.  But, of course, some went the other direction.  The percentage of low-income households in 2021 rose to 29%, compared to 25% in 1971.

With income levels, you have to also look at wages.  From research, it seems the income for the rich grew 69% with higher bumps in wages.  Low incomes grew by just 45%.

Overall, Stacker looked at the difference between the highest and the lowest paying jobs.  And the results are astounding.  You've got a wide range... from around $28,000 for entertainment attendants to over $251,000 for physicians.

And I'm sure this won't be extremely surprising... but the lowest paying jobs tend to be in food and recreation - think fast food, pools, amusement parks, etc.

Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Stacker put together a list of the 50 lowest paying jobs in Augusta.  These are ranked by their median annual pay as of May 2022.  (Jobs without annual compensation figures available were excluded.)

It's really sad that those who take care of our children are among the lowest paid workers in the area.  But many childcare workers know this, and they aren't in it for the money.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $22,040
- Median hourly wage: $10.59
- Total employment: 890 people (3.92 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

This one isn't extremely surprising.  When I think of fast food workers, I often think of younger people using it as a part-time jobs while in school, or really anyone in general using it for additional income.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $21,620
- Median hourly wage: $10.39
- Total employment: 6,180 people (27.28 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

Similar to fast food workers, this one isn't extremely surprising.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $21,590
- Median hourly wage: $10.38
- Total employment: 500 people (2.19 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

While it doesn't detail which job this includes, we can only imagine it includes workers at places like arcades, putt putt golf, amusement parks, etc.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $21,240
- Median hourly wage: $10.21
- Total employment: 450 people (1.97 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

I think of this as another part time job for most people.  Something teens and college students often do to earn a little cash.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $21,170
- Median hourly wage: $10.18
- Total employment: 590 people (2.59 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

Honestly, a bit surprised by this.  But this is a job where the person often receive tips in addition to their hourly pay, which isn't accounted for in this study.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $21,110
- Median hourly wage: $10.15
- Total employment: 50 people (0.21 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

Another job that relies heavily (if not primarily) on tips.  As a former server, I know they don't make much at all.  But this also depends on what type of restaurant too.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $20,850
- Median hourly wage: $10.02
- Total employment: 3,420 people (15.08 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

It's sad that people who are meant to protect and save us are among some of the lowest paid workers.  Especially when these type of jobs often require certain certifications.

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $20,790
- Median hourly wage: $10.00
- Total employment: 140 people (0.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

Not quite sure what type of driver Stacker is referring to, but possibly rideshare drivers or delivery?

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $20,190
- Median hourly wage: $9.71
- Total employment: 600 people (2.64 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)

And the lowest paying job goes to those in our entertainment venues and museums.  Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers are making less than $10 an hour! But perhaps the job itself makes it worth it?

According to Stacker:

- Median annual wage: $20,060
- Median hourly wage: $9.64
- Total employment: 110 people (0.47 of every 1,000 jobs in the area)