32 NJ Toys ‘R’ Us stores will open on Thanksgiving at dinnertime

Wayne-based Toys 'R' US will open its stores nationwide at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving — once again drawing the ire of those who say retailers should give employees more time with their families.

The schedule for most stores is the same as last year: 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving through 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 — or "Black Friday." The store said it will be offering "awesome doorbusters and savings on the season's most sought-after toys."

"Each year, we carefully evaluate customer feedback and consumer insights to determine how we can best help those customers eager to get a jumpstart on crossing off items on their gift lists," Joe Venezia, senior vice president of store operations said in an announcement from the company. "We are excited to welcome shoppers into our stores, providing big savings and expert services as the holiday shopping season officially begins."

Toys "R" Us has 32 New Jersey locations. The store in Paramus will be open on Thanksgiving from 5 to 11 p.m. and reopen Friday at 7 a.m. Stores in Watchung will open on Thanksgiving from 5 to 9 p.m., then reopen Friday from midnight through 11 p.m.

With the schedule, Toys 'R' Us joins several other New Jersey retailers in opening on Thanksgiving. More than 2,500 people have already signed a Change.org petition urging the Deptford Mall's senior property manager to keep the mall closed on the holiday. The mall will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, at a time when many families are gathering for dinner.

Meanwhile, some major retailers, such as REI, have announced their refusal to open their doors on Black Friday. REI, a co-op and outdoor retailer, sent a letter to its 5.5 million employees announcing plans to close its doors on Black Friday at all 143 of its retail locations, headquarters and two distribution centers.

"Instead of reporting to work, the co-op is paying its 12,000 employees so they can do what they love most – be outside. Starting today, the co-op is inviting the nation to join in by choosing to #OptOutside to reconnect with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday," the company said in a press release.

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