You're standing in the kitchen. The turkey is basically glistening, but you realize you've completely forgotten the heavy cream for the mashed potatoes. Panic sets in. We’ve all been there. You grab your keys, ready to sprint to the nearest store, but then you remember: it's Thursday. It’s Thanksgiving.
Honestly, the retail landscape on Thanksgiving has changed dramatically over the last few years. Remember when every big-box store opened at 6 p.m. to kick off Black Friday early? Those days are mostly dead. Now, finding what shops are open on Thanksgiving is less about finding a TV deal and more about survival—specifically, finding that one missing ingredient or a pack of batteries.
The Big Names Staying Home
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Most of the giants are staying closed. Since 2020, there's been a massive shift in corporate culture. Companies like Walmart and Target realized that staying closed doesn't actually hurt their bottom line as much as they feared. Plus, it makes them look like the "good guys" for giving employees a day off.
If you’re hoping to browse the aisles of Walmart, Target, or Costco, you’re out of luck. They are strictly closed. No exceptions. This isn't just a 2025 or 2026 thing; Target actually made their closure permanent back in 2021. They aren't going back. You can also cross Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and The Home Depot off your list. They’ll be back at 6 a.m. on Friday, but on Thursday, the lights are off.
Grocery Stores: Your Best Bet for Last-Minute Saves
If you've burnt the rolls, you aren't totally screwed. Most grocery stores actually stay open for at least part of the day, though "reduced hours" is the name of the game. You'll want to aim for the morning. Most of these places close by 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. so their staff can get home for their own dinners.
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The "Open Early, Close Mid-Day" Crew
Kroger is usually a reliable standby. Most Kroger-owned banners—which includes Ralphs, Smith’s, King Soopers, and Fry’s—typically open at their normal time but shut down by late afternoon. Whole Foods Market is another winner, though they often close around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. depending on the location.
Meijer is a bit of an outlier. They often stay open significantly longer than other grocers, sometimes until 5 p.m. If you're in the South, Food Lion is usually open until 3 p.m.
The "Reduced Hours" List:
- Albertsons / Safeway: Most are open, but they usually close by 4 p.m.
- Wegmans: Expect them to lock up around 4 p.m.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Generally open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Stop & Shop: Typically open, but check your local branch as they vary wildly.
- Vons: Usually open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Don't even bother with Trader Joe’s, Publix, or Aldi. They are famously closed on Thanksgiving. They take the holiday very seriously. Honestly, Publix closing is basically a regional law in the South at this point.
The "Essential" Retailers (Pharmacies and Convenience)
If it's an emergency—like you need Tylenol or just a really overpriced gallon of milk—the "big three" pharmacies and gas stations are your literal lifesavers.
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CVS and Walgreens are usually open. However, there’s a catch. Just because the store is open doesn’t mean the pharmacy counter is. Many CVS locations stay open 24 hours (if they were already 24-hour stores), but the actual pharmacy staff might leave at 2 p.m. Walgreens has started closing many of their non-24-hour locations recently, so you've gotta check the app first. Rite Aid follows a similar pattern—front of store is likely open, pharmacy is a coin toss.
And then there's the convenience store royalty. 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, and Sheetz. They are almost always open 24/7. If you need a bag of ice or a weirdly specific snack at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, this is where you’re going.
The Weird Exceptions
Believe it or not, some retail stores that aren't grocery stores do stay open. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are legendary for being open on Thanksgiving, usually from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Why? Maybe people like buying fishing lures while the turkey rests.
Big Lots and Dollar General also tend to stay open. Dollar General is actually one of the most reliable places to find on Thanksgiving Day because they treat it like a normal business day for most of the morning and afternoon.
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Regional Differences Matter
It’s important to remember that where you live changes everything. In states like Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, "Blue Laws" actually prohibit most large retailers from opening on Thanksgiving. In those states, your local mom-and-pop convenience store is literally your only option.
Why the shift happened
It’s not just about "employee well-being," though that's the PR spin. The truth is that online shopping killed the need for the "Thanksgiving doorbuster." When people can buy a $200 TV from their phone while eating pumpkin pie, there's no reason for a store to pay for electricity and security to manage a crowd. The "Cyber 5" (the days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday) saw record online spending in 2025, reaching over $44 billion. The money is moving online, so the physical shops are staying shut.
Actionable Next Steps for a Stress-Free Day
If you want to survive the holiday without a 40-minute drive to a closed storefront, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Apps, Not Google: Google Maps is notorious for having "estimated" holiday hours that are flat-out wrong. Use the specific store's app (like the Kroger or CVS app) for real-time updates.
- The "2 PM Rule": If you need something from a grocery store, assume they close at 2 p.m. Even if the sign says 4 p.m., the selection will be picked over by noon.
- Pharmacy First: If you need a prescription filled, do it by Wednesday. Even "open" pharmacies often have closed counters on the actual holiday.
- Gas Stations are the Secret Weapon: Most people forget that modern gas stations carry butter, eggs, milk, and even some baking supplies. They’re more expensive, but they’re open.
By following this guide, you won't be the person crying in the parking lot of a dark Walmart. Plan for the morning rush or accept that the gas station's selection of snacks is your new dinner side dish.