Law prohibits big-box stores to open in Maine on Thanksgiving Day

Shoppers hoping to get an early jump on their Christmas shopping on Thanksgiving Day will have to wait until Friday -- at least in Maine.

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Maine is one of three states -- Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the other two -- that has a law on the books preventing big-box stores from being open on turkey day, WMTW reported.

According to the Retail Association of Maine, stores in Maine that exceed 5,000 square feet are not allowed to be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. The statute requires stores like Target, Walmart and Home Depot to remain closed. The big-box store exception is L.L. Bean, which uses the exemption that "establishments primarily selling boats, boating equipment, sporting equipment, souvenirs and novelties" can remain open.

Pharmacies, gasoline stations and theaters are also allowed to remain open, according to the Retail Association of Maine.

Lawmakers have tried to repeal the law, but the latest attempt was vetoed by Gov. Paul LePage in 2017.

Maine's largest mall, the Maine Mall, will open its doors Friday at 6 a.m., WTMW reported.

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