Target Shuts Down All 1,956 Stores for Thanksgiving Day: What Shoppers Need to Know
Target has officially announced that all of its 1,956 stores will be closed for a full day to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, which falls on November 28. The decision is part of the company’s commitment to allowing employees the day off to spend with their families.
A Shift in Holiday Practices
This year marks the fifth consecutive time that Target will close its doors on Thanksgiving. In a statement from last November, Target declared its intention to permanently close all locations on the holiday unless otherwise specified.
CEO Brian Cornell emphasized the importance of this decision, reflecting on how the policy began. He noted, “It’s hard to believe nearly four years have passed since we last opened our stores on Thanksgiving.” Cornell explained that the closure initiated in 2020 was intended to support both employees and customers during the pandemic. Feedback from team members highlighted the value of spending the holiday with family, making the choice to maintain this policy straightforward.
Prioritizing Family Time
Cornell praised the hard work of Target employees, stating, “I and many others have happy memories of holidays spent in stores with our work families. But we also know there’s no substitute for the real thing, especially on a family-centered holiday like Thanksgiving.” He expressed pride in Target’s ability to meet customer needs during the holiday season without needing to open stores on Thanksgiving.
Other Retailers’ Holiday Hours
While Target has made its holiday hours clear, many other retailers have not yet announced their Thanksgiving plans. Last year, Walmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Costco were among those that chose to remain closed for the holiday.
Trader Joe’s has a long-standing tradition of closing on Thanksgiving, having done so for over 30 years. Other retailers, such as Aldi, Best Buy, and JCPenney, also closed their doors last year to celebrate the occasion.
Walgreens opted to close most of its stores for Thanksgiving, although its 24-hour locations remained open. Meanwhile, Kroger, Albertsons, and Whole Foods have indicated that store hours may vary by location.
Last-Minute Shopping Options
For shoppers needing last-minute groceries on Thanksgiving Day, Dollar General and Big Lots stores will be available. As Thanksgiving approaches, customers are encouraged to plan ahead and adjust their shopping schedules accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
