Target will no longer open their retail outlets on Thanksgiving Day, making permanent what was initially a pandemic-related move for distributing single-day foot traffic over an extended weekend shopping event. In view of COVID-19 restrictions, retailers last year were forced to start the holiday promotions earlier so that crowds would not gather for last-minute deals on the day. Based on retail sales reports, this year’s holiday shopping has begun earlier than usual. “What started as a temporary measure driven by the pandemic is now our new standard—one that recognizes our ability to deliver on our guests’ holiday wishes both within and well beyond store hours,” Target CEO Brian Cornell wrote in a note to employees, according to The Associated Press. “You don’t have to wonder whether this is the last Thanksgiving you’ll spend with family and friends for a while, because Thanksgiving store hours are one thing we won’t ‘get …