As Thanksgiving Day approaches on Thursday, November 27, 2025, American households are busy planning their festive menus. For those who discover missing ingredients at the last moment, knowing which grocery stores remain operational becomes crucial. While several major chains will keep their doors open, many will operate with reduced hours, and some of the nation's largest retailers will completely shut down for the holiday.
Stores Open on Thanksgiving Day 2025
If you find yourself in need of last-minute cooking essentials, several grocery chains will welcome customers on Thanksgiving Day. However, most locations will close earlier than usual, so verifying local store timings is strongly recommended.
Multiple Kroger-owned stores will maintain operations with reduced hours. These include popular brands such as:
- Baker's
- City Market
- Dillons
- Food 4 Less
- Foods Co
- Fred Meyer
- Fry's
- Gerbes
- Jay C Food Store
- King Soopers
- Kroger
- Mariano's
- Metro Market
- Pay-Less
- Pick'n Save
- QFC
- Ralphs
- Ruler
- Smith's
Other significant retailers confirming their Thanksgiving schedules include Meijer, which will operate from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Whole Foods, open between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Food Lion stores will also remain accessible but will conclude services at 3 p.m.
Major Retailers Closing for Thanksgiving 2025
In a gesture allowing employees to celebrate with their families, numerous prominent US retailers will remain closed throughout Thanksgiving Day 2025. According to USA Today, this comprehensive list includes retail giants such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale Club, Publix, Trader Joe's, Aldi, and Lidl.
Shoppers who typically depend on these stores for their Thanksgiving needs must plan their purchases in advance to avoid any last-minute emergencies. The widespread closures reflect a growing trend among major retailers to prioritize family time during the holiday season.
Planning Your Thanksgiving Shopping
With the mixed operational schedules across different grocery chains, advance planning becomes essential for a stress-free Thanksgiving celebration. Shoppers should confirm specific store hours in their local area, as some franchise locations might deviate from corporate announcements.
The contrasting approaches between stores that remain open and those that close completely highlight different corporate philosophies regarding holiday operations. While some prioritize customer convenience for last-minute needs, others emphasize employee welfare during family-oriented holidays.
As Thanksgiving turkey costs see a decline this year, according to recent reports, careful planning of both menu and shopping schedule can ensure a memorable and hassle-free holiday feast for families across the United States.
