Thanksgiving, is a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and of course, the unofficial kick-off to the holiday shopping season.
While many stores traditionally open their doors on Thanksgiving Day to accommodate eager shoppers, the trend has shifted in recent years, with more retailers opting to close on the holiday to give their employees a well-deserved break.
This year, the Thanksgiving shopping landscape is a bit more diverse, with some stores choosing to remain open and others opting to close.
For those who find themselves needing to make last-minute purchases or simply prefer to shop on Thanksgiving, here’s a roundup of major retailers and their holiday store hours:
Stores Open on Thanksgiving:
- CVS Pharmacy: Most CVS locations will be open on Thanksgiving, with varying hours depending on the store. It’s advisable to check your local store’s hours in advance.
- Rite Aid: Rite Aid pharmacies will also be open on Thanksgiving, with most locations operating from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Walgreens: Walgreens stores will be open on Thanksgiving, with most locations operating from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s: These outdoor sporting goods stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
- Albertsons: Most Albertsons locations will be open on Thanksgiving but with reduced hours. It’s recommended to contact your local store for specific hours.
- The Fresh Market: The Fresh Market grocery stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
Stores Closed on Thanksgiving:
- Target: Target has announced that all of its stores will be closed on Thanksgiving this year.
- Walmart: Walmart has also made the decision to close all of its stores on Thanksgiving.
- Macy’s: Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will open early on Black Friday at 5 a.m.
- JCPenney: JCPenney will also be closed on Thanksgiving, with stores opening at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Kohl’s: Kohl’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Best Buy: Best Buy will be closed on Thanksgiving, with stores opening at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Home Depot: Home Depot will be closed on Thanksgiving, with stores opening at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Costco: Costco will be closed on Thanksgiving and will open at 9 a.m. on Black Friday.
- Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club will be closed on Thanksgiving and will open at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.
Remember, store hours may vary by location, so it’s always best to check with your local store for specific information. And if you’re looking to avoid the crowds altogether, consider shopping online or waiting until Black Friday or Cyber Monday for the biggest discounts.
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving
- Applebee’s
- Bob Evans
- Boston Market
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Buca di Beppo
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny’s
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
- Golden Corral
- Hometown Buffet
- IHOP
- McDonald’s
- Morton’s The Steakhouse
- Outback Steakhouse
- Red Lobster
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- SONIC Drive-In
- TGI Fridays
- Wendy’s.
In addition to these chain restaurants, there are many local restaurants that will also be open on Thanksgiving. It is always a good idea to call ahead to check the hours of operation for your local restaurants.
Tips for Dining Out on Thanksgiving:
- Make reservations early: Many restaurants fill up quickly on Thanksgiving Day.
- Be prepared to wait: Even if you have reservations, you may still have to wait for a table.
- Be patient with the staff: Restaurants are often understaffed on Thanksgiving Day, so be patient with the staff.
- Tip generously: The staff is working hard on Thanksgiving Day, so be sure to tip generously.
- With a little planning, you can enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without having to cook a thing.
