FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Many major retailers are staying closed this Thanksgiving.

A marketing professor at Ball State says it’s all about boosting morale.

“Over the past few years, we’ve heard a great deal of moaning and groaning by employees who have to come into work while their family is at home, enjoying Thanksgiving,” said Founding Director of Ball State’s HH Gregg Center for Professional Selling Ramon Avila.

Several stores have decided to close their doors on Thanksgiving Day, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Nordstrom, REI, Menards and Staples. You can see a full list of stores that will be closed on Thursday on the Black Friday’s website.  

Avila said the workers who get Thursday off get a boost before Black Friday.

“Many employees feel overworked and stressed,” he said. “With the economy in much better shape, these same workers may be facing larger crowds this year than in the past.”

The National Retail Federation’s anticipates that November and December sales will increase 3.6 percent from last year.