Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 27, is a time when many stores and restaurants close their doors to allow employees to spend the holiday with their loved ones. However, for those last-minute emergencies or needs, a select number of grocery stores and retail chains opt to remain open on Thanksgiving Day.
When it comes to holiday shopping convenience, several popular grocery chains have announced their plans for Thanksgiving Day. While major stores like Aldi and Costco will be closed on the holiday, others like Food Lion are stepping up to support customers. Food Lion stores are scheduled to open on Thanksgiving Day, with most locations operating from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., although it's wise to confirm the exact hours with your local store.
Kroger, a well-known supermarket chain, disclosed that its family of stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day but will close early. This includes various well-known names like Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Ralphs, and Smith’s Food and Drug. Meijer, another grocery store chain, plans to operate from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to cater to shoppers' needs during the holiday season.
On the flip side, some retail giants like Target and Walmart will shut their doors on Thanksgiving Day to allow their employees time to be with their families. Similarly, Trader Joe's and Costco have also confirmed they will be closed for the holiday.
Organic and health-focused grocery store chain Whole Foods will have reduce hours on Thanksgiving, with many locations operating from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's worth noting that several stores have extended their hours leading up to the holiday to assist customers in their Thanksgiving preparations.
Wegmans, a beloved grocery store, revealed that it will maintain its operations until 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. However, customers are advised to double-check their local store's hours as they may vary from the standard holiday schedule.
Moving to local stores, the Wooster area has its list of both open and closed establishments for Thanksgiving Day. Buehler’s Fresh Foods, a local favorite, will be closed on the holiday. On the other hand, Kroger locations in Wooster will remain open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with pharmacies closed. CVS is expected to be open with regular or reduced hours, while Walgreens will have its stores closed with the exception of the 24-hour pharmacy at 3034 Cleveland Rd.
Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Kohl’s, and Best Buy will all be closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, certain fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin' are likely to operate on limited or reduced hours to cater to customers on the go.
For those looking to dine out on Thanksgiving, options like Cracker Barrel and Bob Evans will be serving Thanksgiving meals for those who prefer not to cook at home. Several local favorites in the Wooster area will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day, providing their employees a well-deserved break.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it's essential for shoppers and diners to be aware of which stores and restaurants will be open or closed to plan their holiday activities accordingly. Whether you need to grab that forgotten ingredient or enjoy a meal out, knowing what's available can help make your Thanksgiving a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
