CBL Properties will close the common areas at Hamilton Place and Northgate malls in Chattanooga for Thanksgiving Day.
The shopping center company said it plans to open those malls and others in its nationwide portfolio at 6 a.m. the following day, Black Friday, Nov. 23. It's the third consecutive year CBL has closed its mall common areas on Thanksgiving Day.
But, department stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and retailers with exterior mall entrances will have the option to open their stores on Thanksgiving, according to CBL. Access to mall common areas will be restricted until 6 a.m. on Friday. Patrons should check their local center's website for more specific information.
"Thanksgiving and Black Friday are two great American traditions," said Stephen Lebovitz, chief executive officer of Chattanooga-based CBL Properties. "By continuing the practice of closing our centers on Thanksgiving this year, we are ensuring our customers and employees have the opportunity to celebrate to the fullest – spending Thanksgiving with family and friends and then waking up early to spend Black Friday with us."
He said the support CBL received over the last two years from customers and retailers has been overwhelming.
"It is based on this feedback that we made the decision to close yet again this year," Lebovitz said.
On Black Friday, he said CBL properties are "full of energy and shoppers."
"We look forward to creating that festive atmosphere again this year through a variety of Black Friday doorbusters, exclusive deals and events," Lebovitz said.