Local malls and stores are gearing up for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, the official kick off of the holiday shopping season, although movement to discourage consumerism on the holiday weekend seems to be gaining some steam, with several local groups participating in the 20th annual Buy Nothing Winter Coat Exchange.

Warwick Mall opens at 12:01 a.m. on Black Friday, November 25. While JCPenney and Macy’s will open on Thanksgiving Day in other states, they will not be open in Rhode Island.

“The essence of Christmas is rooted in the joy of giving,” said Mary Beth West, JCPenney’s chief customer and marketing officer. Macy’s, will offer special deals on cashmere sweaters and women’s boots, as well as small appliances like slow cookers and waffle irons.

“We know our customers enjoy getting a head start in finding the perfect gift and they consider Black Friday one of the most important shopping times of the year,” said Tim Baxter, Macy’s chief merchandising officer.

Down the road in the former Rhode Island Mall, Walmart, Kohl’s and Sears will open at midnight and 12:30 a.m., respectively, and the new Burlington at 7 a.m.

Garden City Center in Cranston is closed for Thanksgiving. L.L. Bean plans to open on Friday at 6 a.m., while the center itself will open at 7 a.m.  Breaking with the retail tradition of Friday doorbuster sales, FatFace, the new lifestyle and accessory store that recently opened will instead make a donation to the Potter League animal shelter, according to Heather Bonham, the store manager.

REI, the outdoor outfitter co-op in Chapel View, is taking a different approach. In a statement, REI CEO Jerry Stritzke said, “This year, REI will shut down on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday because, fundamentally, we believe that being outside makes us our best selves – healthier and happier, physically and mentally. But as a nation we’re still spending over 90 percent of our lives indoors and it’s a trend we need to tackle.” REI is sponsoring the #optoutside campaign and encouraging people to tweet photos of an outdoor adventure.

Meanwhile, there’s a swing to help those who can’t afford to buy.

Progressive activist Greg Garrett hosts the 20th annual Buy Nothing Day Winter Coat Exchange on November 25. The event started when Garrett wanted to do something of value to the community while highlighting the damage consumerism does to communities and the environment. While the primary event is on the south lawn of the State House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. YMCA, churches and community organizations statewide will host satellite events.

In Warwick, the Woodbury Union Church, 58 Beach Avenue in Conimicut Village, will collect and give away coats from 10 a.m. to noon on November 25.

“This is the fourth year Woodbury has held the event,” said Jane Tarring, who is coordinating the event at the church. “Last year, the church received more than 220 items, and 50 visitors of all ages took advantage of what we had to offer with a great deal of gratitude.”  Tarring said they contacted the local shelters, EBC Center and Crossroads, as well as Friends Way and the bereavement center near the church to let people know they have coats. Remaining items will be donated to social service agencies.  

The Kent County YMCA, 900 Centerville Road, and the Cranston YMCA, 1225 Park Avenue, will collect and distribute coats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Cranston YMCA will give out coats on Friday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby. Andrea Champagne, the Cranston YMCA Welcome Center Director said, “We usually collect about 75 coats and we also have some scarves, hats, gloves, etc. that people can select as well. Members and people in the community are currently dropping off coats in all sizes for those in need in our community. It is a lovely event!”