Attention! Here’s the List of Stores Closed on Thanksgiving 2023

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special time for coming together with loved ones, filled with laughter and shared moments. Yet, it also signals the eve of the renowned Black Friday sales. As the excitement builds for post-midnight shopping, it’s worth noting that not all stores partake in the Thanksgiving Day rush. For those who cherish family moments and opt for a more relaxed celebration, it’s better to be acquainted with a list of stores choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving—a thoughtful consideration amidst the holiday hustle. This article explores the major retailers that have chosen to keep their doors shut on Thanksgiving Day 2023, allowing employees to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.

Changes in the Retail Landscape

The retail landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past few years. For nearly a decade, major retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Macy’s sparked both shopper interest and controversy by opening their doors on Thanksgiving. This trend, which began in 2011 with midnight openings, saw retailers attempting to outdo each other by starting their Black Friday deals earlier each year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in this trend, with virtually all major retailers choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.

In the years 2021 and 2022, major retailers continued this pattern, choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving and instead focusing on Black Friday deals. Now, as we approach Thanksgiving 2023, many major retail stores are still embracing the trend of staying closed on the holiday.

Why are Stores Closing on Thanksgiving?

The decision to close stores on Thanksgiving Day has multiple reasons. One significant factor is the shift in shopping habits, with more consumers opting for online shopping, making it less critical for retailers to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day to attract customers.

Another critical factor is the move towards a more employee-centric approach. Retailers now recognize the importance of allowing their employees to spend time with their families on major holidays.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the retail industry. With the challenges like staffing shortages and overworked employees, calling workers in on a major national holiday would have been a poor move.

Related Article: Psychology of Black Friday Shopping and Strategies to Resist Temptation

Stores Closed on Thanksgiving 2023:

Stores Closed on Thanksgiving 2023

As of now, several major retailers have announced their plans to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day 2023. While the list continues to grow, the following retailers have confirmed their decision:

1. Best Buy

Best Buy has announced that it will remain closed on Thanksgiving in 2023, with the electronics retailer opening its doors at 6 am on Black Friday instead.

2. Costco

Costco will remain closed on Thanksgiving, as the warehouse club has always observed closed on major holidays.

3. Home Depot

Home Depot will stay closed on Thanksgiving Day and resume operations at 6 am on Black Friday.

4. Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods has confirmed that it will stay closed on Thanksgiving.

5. JCPenney

JCPenney will remain closed on Thanksgiving, with plans to reopen its doors at 5 am on Black Friday.

6. Kohl’s

Kohl’s will remain closed on Thanksgiving, with plans to open bright and early at 5 am, on Black Friday.

7. Lowe’s

Lowe’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 6 am on Black Friday.

8. Macy’s

Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen on Black Friday at 6 am.

9. BJ’s 

BJ’s wholesale club will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will open on the eve of Black Friday. 

10. Petco

Petco stores will be closed for Thanksgiving, reopening at 8 am on Black Friday.

11. PetSmart

PetSmart will be closed on Thanksgiving, reopening at 7 am on Black Friday.

12. Target

Target will be closed on Thanksgiving and reopen at 6 am on Black Friday with blockbuster deals. Learn about Target’s 2023 deals here.

13. Walmart

Walmart will be closed for the fourth consecutive year on Thanksgiving and reopen at 6 am on Black Friday with blockbuster deals.

14. Walgreens 

Walgreens will be closed this Thanksgiving for the first time in its history.

15. TJ Maxx 

TJ Maxx will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will resume operations at 7 am on Black Friday.

These are just a few retailers that have confirmed their Thanksgiving closure. As the holiday approaches, more retailers are likely to join this list.

Also Read: Top Black Friday Shopping Tips 2023 To Keep Your Spending in Check


While these retailers have chosen to close their doors on Thanksgiving, they will still offer Black Friday deals online. So, even if you can’t shop in-store on Thanksgiving, you can still snag some great deals from the comfort of your home.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!