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Shoppers react to announcement Layton Hills Mall will close for Thanksgiving

Posted at 6:47 PM, Oct 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-13 20:47:40-04

LAYTON, Utah -- As Thanksgiving approaches, more retailers and malls are saying: Stay home and enjoy the day. On Wednesday, Layton Hills Mall announced they'll be closed too.

Mall of America made headlines earlier this year when they announced they would be closed for Thanksgiving.

“I think it's a really good idea,” said Mark Francis, a father who works for the Air Force.

And now Layton Hills Mall is following suit.

“I totally respect Layton Hills Mall for doing that,” Francis said.

Francis is a civilian employee for the Air Force and spends a lot of his time overseas. He says his family time is precious.

“...disappointed in all of the big chains being open on Thanksgiving and taking that time away from family," he said.

But there’s change in the air. The Layton Hills Mall isn’t the only one that will be closed on Thanksgiving. Nationwide, T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, GameStop, Marshalls and Sam’s Clubs will all be closed too.

“It’s just the right thing to do!” said Linda Kelly, general manager at Layton Hills Mall.

Linda Kelley says the decision came about by popular demand, “...after interviewing customers, tenants, national retailers."

The response?

“Well I don't think the mall should be open," shopper Judy Roundy said. "Everyone should have a chance to have their Thanksgiving, and they shouldn't have to work."

Rebecca Burgess, another shopper, also weighed in.

“I mean, I think it’s a good idea," she said. "A lot of people want to be home with their families on that day."

In fact, everyone Fox 13 News spoke with on Thursday, from retailers to customers, we're in support.

“Now people have the opportunity to be with the families all day long, all through the evening, and enjoy the day and then have that Black Friday experience the next morning - which is what we're going for,” Kelley said.

But the mall has yet to hear if all the department stores will close for the day.

"Some of the department stores may be open on Thanksgiving," Kelley said. "That’s their decision as long as they have an exterior entrance, but the mall itself, all the mall tenants inside, and the doors into the mall will be closed."

Francis said he hopes to see more stores take such a stance.

“I think other people should follow suit for sure,” Francis said.

Because for many families, it's not just a day, it's the day.

“Because they're all so busy so we insist that we get together at least Thanksgiving or Christmas,” Roundy said.

Francis said family time is an important goal.

“It means everything," he said. "These days there are not a whole lot of times you get to spend with your family, and Thanksgiving is one of those huge holidays."

The Layton Hills Mall will be opening on Black Friday at 6 a.m.