As the holiday season approaches, many shoppers wonder, "Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving?" While this has historically been a point of curiosity, the tradition in recent years has been evolving. Walmart has been known to adjust its operating hours during the Thanksgiving holiday, often opening later in the day to accommodate both employees and shoppers who wish to start their holiday weekend festivities or seek out Black Friday deals.
In 2025, Walmart's decision to open or close on Thanksgiving is driven by a combination of factors, including employee satisfaction, customer demand, and competitive market strategies. Over the past few years, the retail giant has faced criticism for requiring employees to work on Thanksgiving, leading some stores to experiment with earlier closures on the holiday itself. This move was welcomed by employees who could spend more time with their families, but it also led to some confusion and dissatisfaction among customers who were accustomed to shopping at Walmart on Thanksgiving Day.
In response to these pressures, Walmart has begun to shift its strategy. In 2023, the company announced that it would close all of its stores on Thanksgiving, aiming to provide employees with a well-deserved break. This announcement was met with praise from employees and consumer advocacy groups, who highlighted the importance of family time and work-life balance. The decision also aligned with broader industry trends, as other major retailers like Target and Best Buy followed suit, closing their doors on Thanksgiving and opening early on Black Friday instead.
This year, there have been no official statements from Walmart regarding their Thanksgiving hours. There is a possibility that Walmart may continue the trend of closing on Thanksgiving, but it remains to be seen whether this will become a permanent policy. Given the evolving nature of retail and the increasing focus on employee well-being, it is plausible that Walmart will continue to prioritize employee satisfaction, potentially maintaining their 2023 policy in 2025 as well. It is advisable for customers to check Walmart's official website or contact their local store for the most up-to-date information on Thanksgiving hours and Black Friday deals.
