38 Major Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025: The Updated List

38 Major Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025

Planning for holiday shopping? Thanksgiving Day 2025 sees many of America’s top retailers continuing the post-pandemic trend of closing their doors, giving employees the day off to spend with their families. Below is the definitive, updated list of 38 national stores and businesses that will be closed on Thanksgiving Day this year. Shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead and check for Black Friday opening times, as many stores will reopen early the following morning.

Why Are More Stores Closing on Thanksgiving?

The practice of closing stores on Thanksgiving, which accelerated in 2020, reflects a broader shift in retail. Companies cite reasons such as:

• Employee appreciation: Offering staff a guaranteed day off for the holiday.
• Family values: Encouraging employees and customers alike to spend quality time at home.
• Changing shopping habits: An increase in online shopping and earlier holiday deals has reduced the need for in-person Thanksgiving sales.
• Operational challenges: Managing crowds and logistics for a single day is often less efficient than hosting extended Black Friday or Cyber Week events.

List of Stores Closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025

Here is the authoritative list of major stores and retailers that will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025. Note that opening hours for Black Friday vary by location, so always confirm with your local store for precise timings.

Highlights on Major Retailers’ Thanksgiving Closures

• Walmart: Once known for major crowds, will keep all locations closed on Thanksgiving Day, thanking employees for their dedication.
• Best Buy: Closed on Thanksgiving, but expect competitive Black Friday deals beginning early online and in-store.
• Target: Marking its fourth year, Target will be closed on Thanksgiving 2025, having led the way in closing stores for the holiday since 2020.
• Kohl’s: Closed, continuing its recent tradition of letting employees spend the holiday at home.
• Lowe’s & Home Depot: Both home improvement giants will remain closed, so plan your hardware needs before the holiday.
• Sam’s Club: Mirrors its parent, Walmart, and stays closed.
• JCPenney: Closed for Thanksgiving, reopening early on Black Friday.
• Hobby Lobby, Burlington, Under Armour, La-Z-Boy: Each will grant employees a holiday break, reopening after Thanksgiving.

The closure of these store giants on Thanksgiving underscores an industry-wide move to prioritize people over profits—at least for one day per year.

What Do Thanksgiving Closures Mean for Shoppers?

Here’s how these closures affect your holiday shopping plans:

• Thanksgiving Day: Most major retailers will be dark, so your only in-person options will be convenience stores, some grocery chains, and pharmacy retailers.
• Black Friday: Anticipate early-morning openings (as early as 5 a.m. for some stores) and continued significant online deals. Many stores will announce their Black Friday plans in early November.
• Online Shopping: Online deals and curbside pickup options remain available for most retailers even when physical stores are closed.

Stores That Will Be Open on Thanksgiving

For essential items or last-minute needs, several convenience stores, pharmacies, and select grocery stores remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Examples in past years have included:

• 7-Eleven
• Acme Markets
• Albertsons
• Bass Pro Shops
• Big Lots
• Cabela’s
• CVS
• Dollar General
• Family Dollar
• Safeway
• Walgreens
• Wegmans

Always confirm with your local store, as hours may be limited or vary by region. For an updated list of stores open on Thanksgiving, check retailer websites.

Tips for Black Friday Planning

Since the pandemic, retailers have extended Black Friday sale periods, making day-of rushes less critical. Helpful suggestions for optimizing your Black Friday 2025 shopping:

• Shop online: Many discounts go live online before Black Friday and continue through Cyber Monday.
• Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers.
• Compare deals and make lists in advance to avoid impulse buys.
• Check retailers’ Black Friday store hours; some open as early as midnight the day after Thanksgiving.
• Observe store safety guidelines, as crowd control measures may still apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Thanksgiving Store Closures

Why are so many stores closing on Thanksgiving Day now?

Many retailers found that closing on Thanksgiving improves morale and work-life balance for employees, while shifting sales to extended Black Friday and online promotions.

Will any major grocery or pharmacy chains be open?

Yes, several chains like Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, and select supermarket branches will remain open for essential shopping, often with reduced hours. Always check local listings.

Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving Day 2025?

No. Walmart announced that all stores nationwide will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025, continuing a policy started in 2020.

Can I still shop online on Thanksgiving?

Absolutely. Nearly all major retailers keep their online stores open throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, often launching early Black Friday deals.

When do most stores reopen for Black Friday?

Most stores reopen very early on Friday morning—sometimes as early as 5 a.m., but opening times vary, so check individual store announcements.

How Employee Well-Being Influences Holiday Schedules

The ongoing trend of keeping retail stores closed during the Thanksgiving holiday is largely tied to improved workplace culture. Companies state that giving employees the day off:

• Enhances work-life balance and loyalty.
• Reduces seasonal burnout.
• Builds a positive brand reputation among both staff and shoppers.

Black Friday 2025: What to Expect

As stores reopen their doors on Black Friday, shoppers can anticipate deeply discounted merchandise, doorbuster deals, and promotional events. However, stores are increasingly spreading deals throughout November and into Cyber Week, reducing the single-day rush. Many retailers offer:

• Online-exclusive deals and curbside pickup.
• Early-bird promotions starting days or even weeks before Black Friday.
• Contactless payment and pickup options for added safety and convenience.

Strategies for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Shopping

• Plan ahead: Make lists of essentials so you’re not scrambling for forgotten items on the holiday.
• Confirm hours: Always check your local store hours, as exceptions exist based on location and franchise.
• Leverage technology: Use apps to find the best deals and stay alerted to flash sales or restocks.
• Shop local: Many independent small businesses are also closed, but some offer special holiday promotions either side of Thanksgiving.

Final Tips for Holiday Shoppers

• Don’t wait until the last minute for essential grocery or household purchases.
• Take advantage of early access and online shopping to spread out your purchases.
• Respect store closing policies and holiday hours—retail workers appreciate the break.
• Stay flexible: Shipping delays and inventory shortages may affect certain items, so plan for alternatives just in case.

Related: Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025

While retail shopping may be on pause, many restaurants will open their doors for dine-in and takeout on Thanksgiving. Check ahead for hours and reservation requirements, as demand is often high for holiday meals out.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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