10 Major Stores Closed on Thanksgiving This Year: Walmart, Costco, and More

It's almost inevitable that you'll need to buy a last-minute item on a day most stores are closed. On Thanksgiving, those items tend to be related to hosting: a set of batteries for a speaker, a pan for a last-minute side dish, or a pack of toilet paper. (Hey, it's the most essential things that often fall through the cracks!) In the past, retailers would often host Black Friday sales that started on Thursday, right in time for some post-turkey shopping. But in more recent years, stores now plan to give the day off to employees, staying shuttered completely. Read on to discover 10 of the big-name retailers that are closed on Thanksgiving in 2023.

RELATED: Walmart Is Changing Store Hours Across the Country.

For the first time in its history, Walgreens is closing most of its stores and pharmacies on Thanksgiving, Reuters reported. In a company press release, the drugstore chain explained that the decision was made "to give time back to its workforce."

"We have consistently heard from our team members—who are the face of Walgreens—that time off is a meaningful way for us to demonstrate we value them," Tracey D. Brown, executive vice president, president of Walgreens retail, and chief customer officer, said in a press release. "We heard them, are committed to listening to their feedback and are dedicated to doing what is right for them. We hope they can enjoy the holiday and spend time with their loved ones."

However, almost all of the 700 Walgreens 24-hour locations will be open on the holiday "to help meet the healthcare needs of our customers," the company said in the release.

RELATED: CVS and Walgreens Strikes Are Leaving Pharmacies Empty.

Kohl's is closed on Thanksgiving, the retailer announced in a press release this month. However, like so many other retailers, Black Friday will be buzzing when stores open on Friday, Nov. 24, at 5 a.m. local time.

Macy's will also shutter stores for Thanksgiving, according to the department store's website. At most Macy's locations, you can start shopping on Black Friday at 6 a.m. sharp—just be sure to double-check and see if your local store has different hours.

Lowe's stores are also shutting down for Turkey Day, according to a company press release.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

"As part of the company's longstanding tradition, Lowe's stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day to give customers and associates time to spend and celebrate with their loved ones," the release reads.

However, if you prefer to shop online, you can browse "exclusive Thanksgiving deals" on Lowes.com, the company said.

RELATED: Shoppers Are Abandoning Lowe's, New Data Reveals—Here's Why.

For the fourth year in a row, Best Buy will remain closed on Thanksgiving, a change started in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the retailer will open its Black Friday sales a week ahead of time, kicking off deals today, Nov. 17.

The retailer has also been running its Black Friday Early Access Sale for My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total loyalty program members since Oct. 27, according to Chain Store Age. If you're committed to scoring your new TV or gaming system ahead of the rush, keep in mind you can shop deals via Best Buy's website on Thanksgiving Day.

Costco is closed for just seven days each year—and Thanksgiving is one of them. So, you'll want to make sure you load up on a jumbo-sized box of stuffing and fall-themed plate and napkin bundles before it closes on Wednesday night.

Costco will start its early Black Friday Savings sale on Nov. 13, with a Black Friday Weekend Savings sale from Nov. 24 to 27. And if you shop Costco.com on Thanksgiving Day and spend $500, you'll get $50 off at checkout on qualifying items.

RELATED: 5 Big Changes Costco Is Making This Fall and How They'll Affect You.

Home Depot will be shuttered on Thanksgiving, but it's offering Black Friday savings for the entire month of November. For the best discounts on top products, you'll want to wait for the main sale, which starts online on Thanksgiving Day, according to The Krazy Coupon Lady. The store will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.

Target is another retailer that began closing on Thanksgiving in 2020, and it will continue the tradition this year and in the future, according to a Nov. 8 press release.

"It's hard to believe nearly four years have passed since we last opened our stores on Thanksgiving," Target CEO Brian Connell said in the release. "Staying closed for the first time on Thanksgiving Day 2020 helped us take care of our team and guests during the pandemic. But once I heard from team members how much they appreciated that time with their families, it was an easy decision to make the policy permanent, and our store teams have had that time off ever since."

Connell stressed that "guests won't have to miss a beat of their Black Friday week shopping" even with the Thanksgiving closure—and it's staying true to that promise. Target's website has already posted major Black Friday deals on electronics, toys, kitchen products, and cleaning supplies.

RELATED: Shoppers Are Abandoning Target, CEO Says—Here's Why.

Make sure you stock up on your favorite lipstick and toiletries before Thanksgiving Day. Ulta is yet another retailer that began closing its doors in 2020, with that tradition continuing. According to the company's website, all Ulta Beauty locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day but are "always open online or in the app."

They open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday with up to 40 percent off favorite products.

The nation's largest retailer is also shuttering for Thanksgiving, which has been its policy since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am delighted to share that, once again, we will be closing our stores for Thanksgiving this year," John Furner, executive vice president and CEO of Walmart U.S., said in a video addressing Walmart associates. "Thanksgiving is such a special day during a very busy season, and we want you to spend that day at home with family and loved ones, whether it's eating a great meal, watching some football, or whatever your traditions are."

Sam's Club, the warehouse club chain owned by Walmart, is also closed on Thanksgiving, per the company website.

When you're ready to shop Black Friday deals, Walmart will be open bright and early at 5 a.m. that Friday, while Sam's Club will open at 10 a.m., CNET reported.

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