Knowing which stores are open and which are closed on Thanksgiving Day is key if you're planning a big dinner, need a forgotten ingredient, or are looking to get a head start on holiday shopping. Each year, more businesses choose to close on Thanksgiving so their employees can spend time with their families. Although some companies had already implemented it long ago, the vast majority adopted it as a result of the pandemic. Others operate with reduced hours. And a few do maintain limited services for those who need last-minute shopping.

Most stores close on Thanksgiving

The most popular chains in the country will be closed.

Walmart announced that it will not open on Thursday and will resume operations on Friday at 6 a.m. local time. Target will also keep all its stores closed on Thanksgiving Day. Best Buy will follow suit and will not be open to the public that day.

Supermarkets and grocery stores such as Publix, Trader Joe's, and Aldi will also be closed on Thursday.

Costco and Sam's Club, two of the most popular wholesalers in the country, will also not open on the holiday.

This is important to keep in mind if you were hoping to stock up in large quantities. Macy's will also be closed on Thursday, although it is preparing to welcome shoppers early Friday. JCPenney has already confirmed it will be closed on Thanksgiving and will open at 5 a.m. the following day. Nordstrom will remain closed, but has announced extended hours for Black Friday weekend. Kohl's will not operate on Thursday and will resume normal business on Friday. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods will also be closed, following corporate policy of giving employees the day off. Home improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe's will be closed all day Thursday. Ace Hardware, despite being independently owned, also anticipates that most of its stores will not be open on Thanksgiving.

Petco and PetSmart pet stores will be closed on Thursday. Tractor Supply Company will do the same.

REI will maintain its initiative of closing on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday, inviting its employees and customers to enjoy the outdoors.

Those that are open: exceptions and special hours

Although most retailers are taking a break, there are exceptions. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday. They are among the few large stores offering continuous service during the holiday.

Kroger will be one of the chains that will be open, although it will reduce its hours. Most of its stores will close at 4 pm. Pharmacies within the chain will remain closed. This includes sister brands such as Ralphs, Smith's, Fry's, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, and more. Whole Foods will also be open with limited hours, from 7 am to 1 pm, except in Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, where all branches will be closed. Thanksgiving is one of those dates that the vast majority of companies, regardless of the industry they operate in, don't lose sight of, as this holiday is one of the most important of the year to spend with family, and even to give thanks for having a job, income, and sales. You may also be interested in:

Whole Foods will also be open with limited hours, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., except in Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, where all branches will be closed.

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that the vast majority of companies, regardless of their industry, recognize as one of the most important of the year to spend with family, and even to give thanks for having a job, income, and sales.

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