Which Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving? What to Expect From Walmart and Kroger

Journey Tribune – Thanksgiving is approaching quickly, and with it comes the familiar scramble to double-check whether you truly have everything you need for the holiday meal: the turkey, the sides, the spices, the broth, and—of course—the pumpkin pie ingredients that somehow always disappear from the pantry. For many families, there’s almost always one forgotten item, whether it’s a missing can of cream of mushroom soup for the green bean casserole or an overlooked bag of potatoes needed for mashing.

However, before rushing out to the store on Thanksgiving Day, shoppers in Tennessee and across the country should be aware that many major grocery and retail chains will be closed. Some of the most familiar stores—including leading big-box retailers—will close their doors for the holiday, while others will operate under shortened hours.

Here’s a comprehensive look at which grocery and retail stores are open or closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025, why the holiday is observed on a Thursday, and how mail delivery and banking schedules will be affected.

Why Thanksgiving Falls on a Thursday

Thanksgiving is consistently celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and in 2025, that date lands on November 27. Though it feels like an age-old tradition, the Thursday designation has existed for less than a century.

The earliest variations of the Thanksgiving date trace back to the late 18th century. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, as a national day of thanksgiving at the request of the first Federal Congress. Over time, individual states marked the holiday on different dates, creating a patchwork of observances.

It wasn’t until December 26, 1941, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a congressional resolution officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the national holiday. Since then, Thanksgiving has become one of the 11 federally recognized holidays in the United States.

Grocery Stores: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Thanksgiving

Holiday grocery runs can be a make-or-break moment in holiday meal prep, but shoppers should be prepared for limited options. Here’s what to expect:

• Walmart: Closed
• Kroger: Stores open at 7 a.m. and close around 3 p.m., though hours may vary by location.
• Target: Closed
• Costco: Closed
• Sam’s Club: Closed
• Food Lion: Stores will close early at 3 p.m.
• Publix: Closed
• Whole Foods: Open with limited hours, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Trader Joe’s: Closed
• Aldi: Closed
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Customers should still verify hours at their local store, as some regions may adjust schedules based on staffing and demand.

Retail Stores: Most Will Close in Observance of the Holiday

Thanksgiving marks one of the rare days of the year when a large portion of major retail chains shut their doors entirely. Unlike the early 2000s and 2010s—when some stores opened early to jump-start Black Friday crowds—most have reversed course and now give employees the full day off.

Here’s a breakdown of major retailers:

• Best Buy: Closed
• JCPenney: Closed
• Nordstrom: Closed
• Home Depot: Closed
• Lowe’s: Closed
• Ace Hardware: Most stores closed; locations are independently operated, so hours may vary.
• Burlington: Closed
• Belk: Closed
• Sephora: Hours vary by location and mall regulations; customers should check the store locator for specifics.
• Office Depot & OfficeMax: Closed
• PetSmart: Closed
• Petco: Closed

These closures mean that shoppers looking to get a jump on holiday deals will need to wait until Black Friday or check online for early Cyber Week promotions.

Mail and Delivery Services on Thanksgiving

Whether you’re waiting for a package or planning to ship one, expect nearly all services to be paused for the holiday:

• USPS: All post offices will be closed. Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered.
• UPS: Most UPS operations will pause. UPS Express Critical will remain available, but Ground, Air, International, and Forwarding services will not.
• FedEx: Regular U.S. and international package services will be suspended. FedEx Custom Critical is the only service operating.

Normal mail and delivery schedules resume the following day.

Are Banks Open on Thanksgiving?

Banks across the country will be closed, as Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. Many Tennessee state-chartered banks may also observe closures on Friday, November 28, extending the holiday weekend.

As families gather across Tennessee and beyond, knowing which businesses remain open can help avoid last-minute stress. Whether preparing the perfect holiday meal or planning weekend shopping, understanding Thanksgiving Day closures ensures smoother celebrations—and fewer frantic grocery trips.