What Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a beloved American holiday when people give thanks, get together with family, and eat big meals. Still, in the middle of all the fun, it’s not unusual to find out you’re missing an important ingredient or need to make a quick trip to get more. At times like this, the question comes up: What stores are open on Thanksgiving?

This detailed guide will tell you which grocery, retail, and convenience stores are open on Thanksgiving, what their normal hours are, and how to shop smart so that your holiday plans go smoothly.

1. What You Need to Know About Thanksgiving Store Hours

Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, but not all stores close. Many big stores have decided to stay closed for the holiday in the last few years so that their workers can enjoy it. But grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores, which are important businesses, usually stay open for shorter hours.

Most open places are open from early morning to mid-afternoon, so it’s important to plan ahead. Before you go, it’s always a good idea to check the hours of your local store on their website or Google listing.

2. Grocery stores are open on Thanksgiving.

Need something for dinner that you forgot? Many grocery stores stay open on Thanksgiving, but their hours are usually limited.

a. Albertsons

Most Albertsons stores open early and close around 3 p.m. They’re a good choice for getting things at the last minute.

b. Safeway

Most Safeway stores are open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may vary by area, so be sure to check before you go.

c. Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods is open on Thanksgiving morning until around 2 or 3 p.m., which is great for people who need organic or specialty items.

d. Kroger

Most Kroger stores are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and other necessities.

e. Food Lion

Food Lion stores are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days, so customers can pick up holiday essentials they forgot.

f. Giant Food

A lot of Giant stores are open on Thanksgiving Day until 2 p.m., making it easy to get groceries and deli items.

3. Drug and convenience stores are open on Thanksgiving.

These stores are the best place to go for quick runs, over-the-counter drugs, or snacks:

a. CVS Pharmacy

Most CVS stores are open, and some are even open 24 hours a day. However, pharmacy counters may close earlier.

b. Walgreens

Many Walgreens stores are open 24 hours a day, and they are open on Thanksgiving.

c. Rite Aid

Most Rite Aid stores are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is a great time to get personal care items or other necessities.

d. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is a reliable place to get snacks, drinks, and quick groceries any time of day because it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

e. Circle K

Circle K stores are open all day and sell gas and other useful items for people and families on the go.

4. Stores open on Thanksgiving

A few big stores are still open on Thanksgiving for people who need to do some early holiday shopping or get some basic goods.

a. Big Lots

Big Lots is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and has sales on holiday decorations, furniture, and home goods.

b. Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is usually open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., which is great for people who like the outdoors and adventure.

c. Dollar General

Dollar General stores are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. most of the time. They sell cheap food, snacks, and other items.

d. Old Navy

Some Old Navy stores open on Thanksgiving night for Black Friday sales that start early. Hours differ by area.

5. Gas stations and places to stay while traveling

Most gas stations and travel centers are open all day if you’re going to see family or friends.

On Thanksgiving, brands like Shell, Chevron, BP, Pilot, and Love’s Travel Stops are open as usual. This means that people who are driving can fill up their tanks and eat along the way.

6. Big stores were closed on Thanksgiving

More and more businesses are now closed on Thanksgiving so that their employees can spend time with their families. Here are some well-known businesses that usually stay closed:

• Walmart
• Target
• Costco
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• The Sam’s Club
• Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods

Most of these stores open early on Black Friday morning with huge sales and doorbuster deals.

7. Tips for Shopping on Thanksgiving

A little planning can help you save time and stress if you plan to shop on Thanksgiving:

• Check Local Hours Early : Hours of operation vary greatly by location.
• Shop in the early morning; most stores close by 3 p.m.
• Make a list so you don’t forget anything or buy things you don’t need.
• Be polite and patient; keep in mind that workers are on a holiday shift.
• Think about shopping online. A lot of stores start their Black Friday sales online on Thanksgiving Day.

 Questions that are often asked (FAQs)

1. Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving Day?

Walmart is still closed on Thanksgiving Day. It opens again early on Black Friday morning for sales.

2. Are grocery stores open on Thanksgiving Day?

Yes. To help people who need to buy things at the last minute, grocery stores like Safeway, Albertsons, Kroger, and Whole Foods usually have limited hours.

3. Which stores are open all day on Thanksgiving?

On Thanksgiving, 7-Eleven and some CVS and Walgreens stores are open all day.

4. Is Target open on Thanksgiving Day?

No. Target is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but they start offering Black Friday deals online that night.

5. Do gas stations stay open on Thanksgiving Day?

Yes, most gas stations and travel centers, like Shell, Circle K, and Pilot, are open all day.

6. Do stores stay open on Thanksgiving?

Most malls stay closed on Thanksgiving, but they open early on Black Friday for longer hours and big sales.

7. Is it okay to shop online on Thanksgiving?

Yes, for sure. Most big stores start their online sales on Thanksgiving Day, so you can shop from home without having to deal with crowds.

In Conclusion

If you know what stores are open on Thanksgiving, you can handle any shopping emergencies that come up at the last minute, like getting ingredients you forgot or grabbing quick necessities. More and more big stores are closing so their employees can celebrate, but grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores are still open for your needs.

Before you leave, always check the hours of local stores online, plan your trip in advance, and be nice to the people who have to work on the holiday. A little planning ahead of time will make sure your Thanksgiving goes smoothly and without stress, whether you’re getting ready for dinner or going to see family.