Dan Brecher
Counsel
212-286-0747 dbrecher@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
Every year, it seems that Black Friday deals start earlier and earlier. While some welcome the opportunity to get a jump on their holiday shopping, critics contend that it robs workers of time with their families on the Thanksgiving holiday. In New Jersey, lawmakers could consider a bill that would restrict Black Friday from further creeping into Thursday, now calling it Black Thursday. State Sen. Richard Codey recently announced that he plans to propose legislation that would ban stores from opening before 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. According to Sen. Codey, the measure is intended to protect low-income workers who are often forced to work the holiday shift.
“The increased pressure among these stores to open earlier and stay open later cuts into their holiday or eliminates it altogether for the store workers,” he said. “They are put in position to either work on Thanksgiving or risk losing their jobs. This would allow them to be with their families and to give thanks, as other families do.”
Several states, including Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island, have laws that prohibit big box retailers from opening earlier than midnight on Thanksgiving. In New Jersey, Bergen County has a long-standing municipal ordinance that restricts store hours on Sundays. So-called “blue laws” were once prevalent across the country. Dating back centuries, they can be traced back to the colonial usage of the word “blue” meaning “rigidly moral.”
The legislation may be looked at by New Jersey businesses as a step backwards that could dramatically hurt holiday sales, which depend greatly on Black Friday shoppers. If the stores are forced to close, they argue, shoppers will likely travel out-of-state or make online purchases. “In recent years there has been a demand to open on Thanksgiving,” said John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association. “The demand is there.“
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Author: Jesse M. Dimitro
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
Author: Ronald S. Bienstock
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
Author: Patrick T. Conlon
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Could Black Thursday Be Banned in New Jersey?
Author: Dan Brecher
Every year, it seems that Black Friday deals start earlier and earlier. While some welcome the opportunity to get a jump on their holiday shopping, critics contend that it robs workers of time with their families on the Thanksgiving holiday. In New Jersey, lawmakers could consider a bill that would restrict Black Friday from further creeping into Thursday, now calling it Black Thursday. State Sen. Richard Codey recently announced that he plans to propose legislation that would ban stores from opening before 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. According to Sen. Codey, the measure is intended to protect low-income workers who are often forced to work the holiday shift.
“The increased pressure among these stores to open earlier and stay open later cuts into their holiday or eliminates it altogether for the store workers,” he said. “They are put in position to either work on Thanksgiving or risk losing their jobs. This would allow them to be with their families and to give thanks, as other families do.”
Several states, including Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island, have laws that prohibit big box retailers from opening earlier than midnight on Thanksgiving. In New Jersey, Bergen County has a long-standing municipal ordinance that restricts store hours on Sundays. So-called “blue laws” were once prevalent across the country. Dating back centuries, they can be traced back to the colonial usage of the word “blue” meaning “rigidly moral.”
The legislation may be looked at by New Jersey businesses as a step backwards that could dramatically hurt holiday sales, which depend greatly on Black Friday shoppers. If the stores are forced to close, they argue, shoppers will likely travel out-of-state or make online purchases. “In recent years there has been a demand to open on Thanksgiving,” said John Holub, president of the New Jersey Retail Merchants Association. “The demand is there.“