Is shopping on Christmas Day the next retail push?

cbsnews.com ^ | Dec. 14, 2015 | Aimee Picchi/

[PROCON]

It was once anathema to think of shopping on Thanksgiving Day, but now that's become almost commonplace with the likes of Walmart (WMT) and Macy's (M) opening their doors on the holiday.

What's next? Christmas Day? Actually, yes, according to consulting company LoyaltyOne.

"It's inevitable," said LoyaltyOne managing partner Dennis Armbruster, who predicts that retailers will start opening on Christmas Day within three years. "What Christmas means to some is just changing, and a lot of families don't necessarily celebrate on Christmas Day because of extended family dynamics. Consumers are also highly used to getting what they want, when they want it."

While no major retailers currently open their doors on Christmas Day, there has been slight change in the retail environment over the past few decades given that some grocery stores and convenience stores are now often open for limited hours on the holiday. That shift, and the proliferation of Black Friday sales starting on Thanksgiving, may make consumers more receptive to the idea.

[Jvette]

I work for a major retailer who opened early on Thanksgiving this year. I predicted several weeks ago that next year they would open on Christmas day for returns, exchanges and gift card shoppers. My guess would be about 5PM and there will be specials just like those on Black Friday.

The only question I have is which retailer will announce first?