Where Americans Can Shop (or Not) on Thanksgiving 2025
As families across the U.S. gather for Thanksgiving celebrations on Thursday, November 27, 2025, most major retailers have chosen to close their doors — giving employees time with loved ones before the wave of shopping kicks off on Black Friday the next day. But not all businesses are shutting down. For those scrambling at the last minute for ingredients, Thanksgiving supplies, or quick snacks, a handful of grocery chains and convenience stores will remain open — although often with limited hours.
Grocery chains like Kroger (and its associated banners such as Ralphs, Smith’s, Fry’s, etc.), Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, Sprouts Farmers Market, and certain stores under Albertsons/Safeway will open — typically in the morning and closing by early or mid-afternoon.
At the same time, grocery-focused chains like Aldi and Trader Joe's — along with big-box leaders like Walmart, Target, Costco and Best Buy — will remain closed for the full day. Many of their pharmacies, too, will remain off-duty.
So for essential grocery shopping, early-closing supermarkets like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Wegmans may still be the best bet. For everything else — electronics, apparel, department-store items — expect a full pause until Black Friday.
Other Stores, Pharmacies & Discount Outlets: Mixed Availability
Not all open stores are groceries. Some discount and convenience stores, along with many pharmacies, plan to stay open to serve shoppers who need last-minute items or basic essentials. Stores like Dollar General, Big Lots, and similar discount-chain stores are among those likely to remain accessible on Thanksgiving.
Drugstores such as CVS Pharmacy are expected to open — though hours may be shorter than usual and some pharmacy services may not be available.
That said, many other retailers — from home-improvement chains to department-store names — will shut up shop. Retailers inside malls and large venues are generally closed, signaling a collective pause in big-ticket shopping on Thanksgiving Day.
Restaurants, Fast Food & Services: Unpredictable — Call Ahead
For those wanting to go out or order food, the situation is varied. Some fast-food and quick-service restaurants are open; others remain closed or run limited hours. Chains like Burger King and Dunkin' reportedly plan to operate for at least part of the day, but hours vary by location — so it’s wise to check local store listings or apps before heading out.
Meanwhile, shipping and delivery services are largely paused. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend regular retail and mail services, offering only limited “Priority Mail Express” shipments for emergencies.
Because of this, many Americans are using Thanksgiving Day to regroup — take a break from shopping, enjoy time with family, and wait for Black Friday deals to kick in.
Why So Many Stores Still Shut — And Why Some Open
There are two main reasons for this split. First, many large retailers choose to close on Thanksgiving so their employees can spend time with family, acknowledging that the previous decades’ push to open stores on the holiday sparked backlash. Second, for stores that do open, it’s often the essential-goods retailers — groceries, pharmacies, discount chains — that stay open, because they serve last-minute needs (food, prescriptions, basic supplies) rather than big-ticket purchases.
Ultimately, for consumers, the result is a mixed holiday landscape: convenience for essentials if your local grocery or discount store is open — but patience required if you’re waiting for major deals or want to shop big-box retailers.
Final Thought
If you’re shopping today (Thanksgiving Day) in 2025, think essentials — groceries, household basics, or quick convenience items — and expect limited hours. For big sales, larger purchases or extended choices, Black Friday remains the main event. Before heading out, it’s smart to check your local store’s hours online or via their app, since holiday schedules often vary depending on region.
