Walmart’s decision to close on Thanksgiving, give bonuses will pay off and catch on, expert says | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Walmart’s decision to close on Thanksgiving, give bonuses will pay off and catch on, expert says Walmart’s decision to close on Thanksgiving, give bonuses will pay off and catch on, expert says Published: July 21, 2020 Author: Shannon Roddel ND Experts James Otteson John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics Walmart Walmart announced July 21 that it would close all stores on Thanksgiving Day this year for the first time in 30 years, ending a tradition of kicking off in-store, door-buster Black Friday sales on the holiday. The world’s largest retailer also announced it would pay a third round of bonuses to U.S. employees in August. James Otteson James Otteson, the John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, believes Walmart’s decision will pay off and that other companies will follow its lead. "The ultimate purpose of a company is to create value in the world, and successful companies know that means cultivating a culture of both gratitude and respect,” said Otteson, who specializes in the philosophy and morality of business. “Walmart's decision to close on Thanksgiving and give bonuses to its employees will ultimately pay great dividends in the form of appreciation from its employees.” Last year, Walmart launched its door-buster sales at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, attracting huge crowds to its stores. Sam's Club will also remain closed on Thanksgiving, as it has in the past. "We know this has been a trying year, and our associates have stepped up. We hope they will enjoy a special Thanksgiving Day at home with their loved ones," said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. He also announced Walmart will spend some $428 million on special bonuses for its employees for working through the pandemic. “Some may wonder whether this is a good use of Walmart’s resources, but I suspect it will also pay dividends for its shareholders,” Otteson predicted, “because customers, who care about how the companies they patronize treat their workers, will likely respond favorably. It's a great decision, and I applaud Walmart for leading by example."   Contact: James Otteson, jotteson@nd.edu Posted In: Faculty and Staff Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 04, 2022 NIH awards $4 million grant to psychologists researching suicide prevention September 09, 2022 Karrie Koesel to testify before Congressional-Executive Commission on China August 18, 2022 Two faculty win NEH grants to research history of red hair, philosophy of revelation August 16, 2022 NSF names Center for Computer-Assisted Synthesis a Phase II Center for Chemical Innovation August 15, 2022 Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., on Russian atrocities against clergy in Ukraine For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn