Thanksgiving is traditionally a time where people gather together to enjoy the company of family, friends, and other loved ones. However, that doesn’t mean there’s never a need to head to a store. Whether you forget a critical item for your Thanksgiving dinner or simply have the day off and want to handle errands, you may be wondering, “What retail stores are open/closed on Thanksgiving 2021?” If that’s the case, here’s what you need to know.
Retails Stores That Open on Thanksgiving
Just a few years ago, retail stores being open on Thanksgiving was increasingly the norm. Many chains wanted to get a jump on the Black Friday shopping surge, leading them to open their doors to customers on Thanksgiving Day.
While some stores do remain open for the holiday, the pandemic led some that used to welcome shoppers on Thanksgiving to close instead. As a result, there can be a little confusion about which retail stores are actually open for Thanksgiving in 2021.
If you want to shop on Thursday, November 25, 2021, here are some of the stores that will be open:
- ACME
- Albertsons
- Bass Pro Shops
- Big Lots
- Cabela’s
- CVS
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Giant
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Michaels
- Old Navy
- Ralphs
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
- Starbucks
- Stop & Shop
- Vons
- Walgreens
- Wegmans
- Whole Foods
It’s important to note that many of the stores above will operate on modified holiday schedules. You’ll want to check with your nearest location to confirm their Thanksgiving hours. This list also isn’t all-inclusive, so there may be other stores that are open.
Further, there can be exceptions, even with some of the chains listed above. For example, stores in smaller towns may choose to close because there wouldn’t be enough customer interest. Additionally, concerns of COVID-19 may lead to some last-minute changes if a particular area sees infection rates rise suddenly.
Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that some non-chain stores may open on Thanksgiving. There isn’t a law requiring businesses to close, so it’s often at the owner’s discretion. While many small businesses will opt to close, some may balk at that trend. As a result, you may want to speak with local small businesses to see if they’ll be open if you’re hoping to shop there on the holiday.
Retail Stores That Close on Thanksgiving
An increasing number of stores are choosing not to open on Thanksgiving. One more recent addition to this list is Walmart, a retail giant that once readily welcomed shoppers during the holiday. The pandemic led to a change in their approach, prompting Walmart to give employees the day off.
However, many other stores traditionally close on Thanksgiving. They shut down to ensure employees could spend the day with loved ones instead.
Here is a look at some of the stores that will close on November 25, 2021:
- Academy Sports
- Aldi
- Ashley Furniture
- Barnes & Noble
- Bed, Bath and Beyond
- Belk
- Best Buy
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Bloomingdale’s
- Burlington Coat Factory
- Calvin Klein
- Costco
- Crate and Barrel
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Forever 21
- Home Depot
- HomeGoods
- C. Penny’s
- Kohl’s
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Publix
- REI
- Sam’s Club
- Sur La Table
- Target
- TJ Maxx
- T-Mobile
- Trader Joe’s
- White House Black Market
- Walmart
It’s also important to point out that Simon Malls will close for the holiday. While department stores with their own entrances do have the option of opening, you won’t have access to any other stores in the malls on the holiday.
Additionally, like the list of retail stores that are open, the list of stores that’ll close isn’t all-inclusive either. Other stores may choose to shut their doors for the holiday, as well.
Finally, many small businesses will likely close. However, whether they do so is at the owner’s discretion. As a result, you may want to check directly with your preferred small business if you are hoping to shop there on the holiday.
Before the pandemic, were you used to shopping on Thanksgiving? Now that fewer stores open on the holiday, do you find that more problematic? Do you wish that more stores were open, or are you understanding about why they’re closed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read More:
- Save Money with These Frugal Thanksgiving Menu Ideas
- What Is the 2022 Walmart Holiday Schedule?
- Target Holiday Schedule 2021 and Store Hours
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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