Here’s Why You Can’t Shop On Thanksgiving In Maine

Once again retailers tantalize us with promises of Thanksgiving Day shopping, but sit back down and remember that in Maine we just don't do that.

Maine is one of three states that still enforces "blue laws" that prevent stores of a certain size from opening on Thanksgiving. Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the other two states. Similarly, Maine was the last state to finally let residents shop at the mall on Sundays.

There are many exemptions to Maine's "blue laws," which have religious roots. Stores with fewer than five employees or those with less than 5,000 feet of retail space are allowed to remain open, For instance, convenience stores are allowed to remain open while larger grocery stores are not.

On the upside, we are glad that means most Maine residents who want to will be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families. It is also true that stores including Kohl's,
JC Penney, Toys R Us and most others will be opening at 12:01 a.m.on Friday.