The Grocery Chains That Will Definitely Close On Thanksgiving 2023

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings families together to feast and enjoy each other's company. Every year, tables across the United States are laden with platters of giant turkeys, casserole trays, delicious pumpkin pies, and many other traditional dishes associated with the holiday. It's no wonder that many people begin their Thanksgiving prep well in advance — sometimes up to several weeks before the big day.

However, we are human, and it's easy to forget an important ingredient or two when you're out shopping, only to remember it on Thanksgiving Day when most stores are closed. To help make your last-minute shopping as efficient as possible, we've prepared a list featuring some of the most popular grocery store chains in the country that will be closed (or partially closed) on Thanksgiving Day.

Please note that Thanksgiving operating hours may vary due to local laws and regulations. If you plan to visit stores with limited hours, you might want to call your closest location to verify.

Walmart is a multinational retail giant headquartered in the United States. It serves as a major shopping destination for millions of Americans, offering over 1,000 Thanksgiving-related food items for purchase both online and in stores. Although the chain used to remain open on Thanksgiving, it has been closing its stores on Thanksgiving Day since 2020. This year is no different, with CEO John Furner announcing via a LinkedIn video that all Walmart locations will be closed this Thanksgiving.

Costco is distinctly known for its commitment to providing high-quality items at competitive prices, often in bulk quantities. It is also well-known for its numerous sampling stations where members can snack on bits of products while shopping. For Thanksgiving, the company is offering fully assembled meals available for preorder.

However, according to its website, all Costco stores across the United States will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Publix is a prominent American supermarket chain renowned for its customer service and deli subs, which have attracted a dedicated following. With locations primarily in the Southeastern United States, Publix offers a service allowing shoppers to assemble their entire holiday meal through its website.

A customer service representative told Food Republic that all Publix stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Well-known for its branding and expansive retail stores, Target offers everything from groceries to flat-screen televisions. For Thanksgiving, Target is fully stocked with all types of home decor to add some festive atmosphere to your celebration.

Since closing for Thanksgiving in 2020 in response to the pandemic, Target has continued its policy of keeping its stores closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Hy-Vee is an employee-owned company that operates a diverse range of stores, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies across the Midwest. Their stores offer premade Thanksgiving meals that can serve up to 12 people.

According to the company's website, all stores will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Southeastern Grocers operates a diverse portfolio of supermarket chains, including Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más, and Harveys Supermarket.

"All Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to give associates a well-deserved day of rest with friends and family as a thank you for their diligent work and compassion displayed for their communities this year. All stores will close at normal closing time Wednesday, Nov. 22 and re-open for regular business hours Friday, Nov. 24," a spokesperson told Food Republic.

Trader Joe's carries a variety of unique Thanksgiving-related products, such as its turkey stuffing seasoned potato chips and Everything But The Leftovers seasoning blend. Make sure to do your shopping prior to Turkey Day, because a spokesperson told Food Republic that all Trader Joe's locations will be closed for Thanksgiving.

Aldi offers a unique shopping experience characterized by a no-frills approach that results in huge savings for its customers. Visiting Aldi for your Thanksgiving shopping is a great way to combat inflation, but you must do so ahead of the holiday. 

According to the company website, all Aldi stores across the United States will be closed on Thanksgiving.

H-E-B is an American supermarket chain primarily serving Texas and Mexico that offers complete Thanksgiving feasts ready for curbside delivery.

According to the store's website, H-E-B will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon), except for the pharmacy and home delivery departments, which will be closed. Curbside pickup will be available from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Albertsons is an American grocery retail group that operates across the United States.

"A majority of Albertsons Companies' banner stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Vons and Tom Thumb will be open on Thanksgiving Day, with most stores having adjusted hours ... We recommend that customers check with their local store and pharmacy before visiting on Thanksgiving Day," a spokesperson told Food Republic.

Whole Foods Market is an American supermarket chain specializing in natural and organic products. Known for its upscale shopping environment, the chain offers fully prepared Thanksgiving meals through its catering service.

According to its website, many Whole Foods stores will be open on Thanksgiving but will operate on modified hours. Customers are advised to check with their local stores for specific hours of operation.

ShopRite is an American supermarket cooperative with over 300 stores, primarily in the northeastern United States. For Thanksgiving, the chain is offering a free turkey or ham to customers who spend a certain amount before Thanksgiving Day.

"As many of our stores are family owned and operated, we encourage customers to check with their local stores to confirm hours of operation as they may vary by location," a spokesperson told Food Republic.

The grocery chain Food Lion will be open with limited hours this Thanksgiving, according to a company statement. Most stores will close at 3 p.m., though select locations in Virginia will stay open until 4 p.m.