Thanksgiving has increasingly become a day in which workers in retail and service sectors receive a long-awaited break. Most of the nation’s large retail chains have opted for full closures
With Thanksgiving Day approaching on Thursday, November 27, millions of Americans are preparing for one of the country’s most cherished holidays — and that includes planning ahead for last-minute grocery runs, forgotten ingredients, and early Black Friday deals. But before heading out, shoppers should know that many major retailers will keep their doors shut this year, while others will operate under significantly reduced hours.
Thanksgiving has increasingly become a day in which workers in retail and service sectors receive a long-awaited break. Most of the nation’s large retail chains have opted for full closures, though a handful of essential stores and discount chains will remain open for limited hours.
Major Retailers Staying Closed This Thanksgiving
Most national brands have once again chosen to pause in-person operations in observance of the holiday. Their decision reflects a broader industry trend: shifting from marathon in-store sales to extended online promotions that begin days before Thanksgiving.
According to national retail reporting, the following chains will not open their physical locations on Thanksgiving Day:
- Target
- Walmart
- Costco
- Best Buy
- Aldi
- JCPenney
- Nordstrom
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Burlington
- REI
- Belk
- IKEA
- Office Depot / OfficeMax
- PetSmart / Petco
- Ace Hardware (most independently owned stores will be closed)
- Sephora, though individual locations may vary based on mall schedules
Although physical stores will be dark, online shopping remains fully available, with most of these companies promoting early Black Friday deals exclusively through their websites.
Stores That Will Stay Open — With Modified Hours
While many chains go dark, several retailers will continue operating on Thanksgiving, primarily pharmacies, convenience chains, and discount stores serving travelers or families needing last-minute items.
Based on national reports, these businesses plan to open with reduced or special hours:
- Bass Pro Shops: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Big Lots: 7 a.m. to midnight
- CVS: Most locations open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (hours may vary)
- Dollar General: Hours vary by store
- Dollar Tree: Typically 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Family Dollar: Generally 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Giant Eagle: Open for limited hours; pharmacies remain closed
- Harris Teeter: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., pharmacies closed
- Kroger: Open until 4 p.m.
- Ralphs: Open until 10 p.m., pharmacies closed
- Safeway: Schedule varies by location
- Walgreens: Most retail stores closed, but 24-hour pharmacies stay open for essential services
- Whole Foods: Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in most markets
Consumers are strongly encouraged to check local store locators, as schedules can vary widely across states and metro areas.
Why Retail Policies Continue to Shift
The nationwide move toward Thanksgiving closures began before the pandemic and accelerated in recent years as major retailers emphasized online shopping and employee well-being. With e-commerce now dominating the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, there is less pressure for in-store doorbusters on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, early forecasts suggest strong online traffic leading into Black Friday, with retailers spreading promotions across several days to avoid overwhelming crowds and supply-chain bottlenecks.
A Holiday Rooted in Tradition — and Travel
Thanksgiving remains one of the most traveled holidays in the U.S. The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects more than 81 million people to journey at least 50 miles from home, a record-level figure driven by family gatherings and the long holiday weekend.
The celebration traces its origins back to 1621, when English settlers in Plymouth shared a harvest meal with members of the Wampanoag tribe. Today, households across the country recreate the tradition with turkey, seasonal vegetables, pies, and regional dishes that vary from state to state.
Looking Ahead to the Next Federal Holidays
Following Thanksgiving, Americans will observe Christmas Day on December 25, marking the last federal holiday of the year. As 2026 begins, the calendar will reset with a new cycle of eleven federal holidays, starting with New Year’s Day on January 1.