Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and with it comes the traditional question of which stores will be open for last-minute needs on November 27, 2025. For the sixth consecutive year, major retailers like Target and Walmart have announced they will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. This decision, which began as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now become a permanent policy for these retail giants.

Why the Closures?

The decision by Target and Walmart to close on Thanksgiving reflects a broader shift in retail strategy. With the rise of online shopping and the desire to provide employees with quality time with their families, these companies have opted to forgo the traditional "Brown Thursday" rush. Target CEO Brian Cornell stated in 2021 that Thanksgiving store hours are "one thing we won't 'get back to' when the pandemic finally subsides". Walmart CEO John Furner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their associates would be able to spend the holiday with loved ones.

Which Stores Will Be Open?

Despite the closures of major retailers, many stores will still be open on Thanksgiving Day, particularly grocery stores and pharmacies. These stores often operate on reduced hours, so it's essential to check local listings before heading out. Here's a look at some of the stores expected to be open:

• Grocery Stores: Many grocery chains will be open, often with reduced hours. These include:

  • Acme
  • Albertsons
  • Amazon Fresh (limited hours, opening at 8 a.m.)
  • Food Lion (closing early, some locations may vary)
  • Giant Eagle (closing early, pharmacies closed)
  • Harris Teeter (closing early, pharmacies closed)
  • Kroger (reduced hours, check local store)
  • Meijer (6 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Safeway
  • Sprouts Farmers Market (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
  • Wegmans (closing early, check local store)
  • Whole Foods (reduced hours, check local store)

• Drug Stores:

  • CVS (hours vary by location)
  • Walgreens (24-hour locations remain open, others may be closed)

• Other Retail:

  • 7-Eleven (hours vary by location)
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Big Lots
  • Dollar General (hours vary by location)
  • Dollar Tree (typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Family Dollar (hours vary by location)
  • Starbucks (hours vary by location)

Stores Remaining Closed:

Many major retailers will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. These include:

• Aldi
• Barnes & Noble
• Bath & Body Works
• Best Buy
• BJ's Wholesale Club
• Costco
• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Hobby Lobby
• Home Depot
• HomeGoods
• Kohl's
• Lidl
• Marshalls
• Nordstrom
• Petco
• PetSmart
• Publix
• REI
• Sam's Club
• Target
• TJ Maxx
• Trader Joe's
• Walmart

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's wise to plan ahead and confirm the hours of your local stores. Whether you need a last-minute ingredient or simply want to avoid the crowds, knowing which stores are open and closed will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day.