Americans planning to squeeze in some last-minute shopping on Thanksgiving Daymay be in for a surprise. Several of the country’s largest retailers are preparing to keep their doors closed on Thursday, November 26, 2026, leaving shoppers with fewer options for groceries, electronics, home improvement supplies, and holiday gifts.
While some companies have officially confirmed their closures, others are expected to follow their established Thanksgiving schedules. In total, 38 major retail chains appear on holiday closure lists, although not every company has finalized or publicly announced its 2026 hours.
For shoppers hosting Thanksgiving dinner or preparing for Black Friday, knowing which stores will be closed could prevent a frustrating wasted trip.
Walmart and Target Confirm Thanksgiving Closures
Walmart has officially announced that its U.S. stores will close on Thanksgiving Day.
In an October 7, 2026, announcement, the retail giant said employees would again receive Thanksgiving and Christmas Day off from regular store operations.
The decision continues a tradition Walmart established in 2020, when it stopped opening its stores on Thanksgiving.
Customers who need groceries, decorations, or household essentials should shop in person before Thursday.
Target has also confirmed its holiday plans. The company made Thanksgiving closures a permanent policy in 2021 and has maintained that commitment.
All stores will close on November 26 and reopen at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday, November 27.
Walmart’s Black Friday shopping event will also bring special promotions to physical stores beginning at 6 a.m. local time.
Costco and Best Buy Will Keep Their Doors Shut
Warehouse shoppers should also prepare for a day without Costco.
The membership-based retailer has confirmed that its warehouses will close on November 26, continuing its longstanding holiday practice.
Costco’s official holiday savings page specifically identifies Thanksgiving Day as a closure date, although selected online promotions will remain available.
Best Buy has made a similar announcement.
The electronics retailer confirmed that physical stores will close on Thanksgiving, but shoppers can continue browsing deals through its website and mobile app.
This arrangement allows customers to explore discounts on televisions, computers, appliances, and other electronics without visiting a store.
However, online purchases should not be confused with immediate pickup availability. Customers should check the available collection or delivery dates before placing orders.
Home Depot and Lowe’s Join the Holiday Closures
Anyone planning a home improvement project during Thanksgiving should buy supplies in advance.
Home Depot has officially listed November 26 as a companywide store closure.
Its published holiday calendar also confirms that stores will reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday, November 27.
Lowe’s has similarly announced that its locations will remain closed so employees can spend the holiday with their families.
Despite the closures, both companies are still promoting seasonal shopping opportunities.
Lowe’s announced several weeks of Black Friday discounts, including holiday offers on appliances, tools, decorations, and home improvement merchandise.
Customers can still access selected online-only promotions on Thanksgiving.
Department Stores Are Expected to Close as Well
Thanksgiving shoppers who enjoy browsing department stores may also need to change their plans.
Kohl’s has confirmed its Thanksgiving closure for 2026, joining other major chains that no longer open on the holiday.
Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Burlington are also expected to close, based on their previous holiday schedules.
For years, Thanksgiving evening shopping was associated with the beginning of Black Friday sales.
However, the growing popularity of online shopping and early holiday promotions has reduced the need to visit stores on Thanksgiving itself.
Many retailers now begin advertising Black Friday offers days or even weeks before the traditional shopping event.
That gives customers more opportunities to compare prices without interrupting their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Nevertheless, shoppers should confirm their nearest store’s hours because some retailers have not yet issued final 2026 announcements.
Clothing and Beauty Stores Could Also Be Unavailable
Customers looking for new outfits, footwear, or beauty products should also plan.
T.J. Maxx, Under Armor, Ulta Beauty, Foot Locker, and DSW are among the retailers expected to suspend or limit Thanksgiving Day shopping.
While these chains have historically closed many locations for the holiday, exceptions may apply.
For example, previous holiday schedules have included limited evening openings at certain DSW locations.
Some Foot Locker stores may also operate differently depending on their location.
These variations make it especially important to check each store’s schedule.
Shopping malls may have their own operating arrangements, which do not necessarily guarantee that every retailer inside will open.
Grocery Stores and Warehouse Clubs Are Joining the List
Perhaps the most important closures for Thanksgiving hosts involve grocery stores.
Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Publix are expected to remain closed on November 26, following their established holiday practices.
Warehouse retailers Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club are also expected to observe the holiday.
That means customers should purchase turkeys, potatoes, vegetables, desserts, beverages, and other Thanksgiving essentials before the holiday begins.
Running out of a key ingredient on Thanksgiving morning can be especially frustrating when familiar grocery stores are closed.
However, not every supermarket closes completely.
Some other grocery chains have historically operated reduced holiday hours, although schedules can vary widely by location.
Customers should not assume their nearest grocery store will keep normal Thursday hours.
Furniture, Pet Stores and Specialty Retailers Are Affected
The holiday closures extend beyond traditional department stores and supermarkets.
IKEA, Crate & Barrel, The Container Store, World Market, La-Z-Boy, and Menards are among the home-related retailers expected to close.
Specialty businesses, including Staples, Guitar Center, Hobby Lobby, Sur La Table, and Barnes & Noble, also appear on Thanksgiving closure lists.
Pet owners should pay attention, too.
PetSmart is expected to close, while most Petco locations are also expected to remain closed. However, individual exceptions may apply.
Sporting goods and gaming retailers, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, REI, and GameStop, are also expected to close for Thanksgiving.
For anyone traveling or preparing for holiday gatherings, purchasing essential supplies beforehand is the simplest way to avoid inconvenience.
Black Friday Shopping Returns November 27
Although Thanksgiving will bring widespread retail closures, shoppers will not have to wait long for in-store holiday deals.
Black Friday falls on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Several major retailers have already announced their reopening schedules.
Target plans to open at 6 a.m. local time, while Home Depot will also welcome customers beginning at 6 a.m.
Walmart has scheduled the in-store portion of its Black Friday Deals event to begin at 6 a.m. local time.
Kohl’s has announced a 5 a.m. opening.
Other retailers are expected to publish or update their holiday hours as Thanksgiving approaches.
For customers who prefer avoiding crowded stores, online shopping provides another option. Many major retailers will keep their websites open during Thanksgiving, even when their physical locations are closed.
What Shoppers Should Do Before Thanksgiving
Widespread closures make early planning especially important for households preparing large family meals.
Customers should try to complete major grocery purchases by Wednesday, November 25.
People expecting guests may also want to purchase additional household supplies, pet food, batteries, and other essentials ahead of time.
Holiday gift shoppers can compare online prices before Black Friday to spot worthwhile discounts.
Most importantly, customers should verify operating hours through official retailer websites or store locators.
A national closure announcement generally provides reliable guidance, but individual store services and pickup arrangements may differ.
Thanksgiving Day has increasingly become a holiday when many major American retailers prioritize keeping their physical stores closed.
For employees, these policies can mean more time away from work. For customers, they require a little additional preparation.
With more than 30 major chains expected to close on November 26, the message for Thanksgiving shoppers is simple: finish essential errands early, check local hours, and save the big shopping trips for Black Friday.
