- Stores like Walmart and Best Buy will be closing their doors on Thanksgiving again this year.
- The retailers cited wanting customers and employees to spend the day with their families instead.
With the holiday season drawing near, many leading retail stores have announced they will be closing their doors on Thanksgiving Day.
Some shoppers may be disappointed about missing out on some early Black Friday sales, but a growing number of retailers seem to be putting their employees first during the holiday this year.
The trend for companies to close on the holiday was spurred by the pandemic. In 2020, Walmart was the first major retailer to make the call to close up shop. The following year, Target followed suit, announcing it would be closed on Thanksgiving for good. Many other chain retailers are now jumping in on what seems to be the end of the line for Black Friday starting a day early.
Here's a list of retailers that have decided to stay closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Walmart
Walmart CEO John Furner announced Wednesday that for the third year in a row, the stores won't be open on Thanksgiving. The company first made the decision to stay closed after they received backlash from customers who were outraged that employees were not being paid extra for working on the holiday.
Furner said those practices have become outdated. "It's a thing of the past," he said on the TODAY show. "We'll be closed again on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, all of our associates will be able to spend time with their loved ones this year."
Target
In 2021, the popular big-box store announced it would be closing all of its store locations on Thanksgiving every year moving forward.
The company's now permanent policy for the holiday was originally brought on by pandemic regulations to try to minimize large crowds in stores. While a small number of employees still work on Thanksgiving Day to keep things operating smoothly, they all receive holiday pay, according to Target.
Apple
Apple stores located in the US will be closed this Thanksgiving, according to a company spokesperson.
Customers will be able to resume their usual shopping habits the following day on Black Friday when Apple stores across the country will be open.
Best Buy
Best Buy will be closed on Thanksgiving, just like in 2020 and 2021, the company said in a press statement in October.
For customers worried about missing out on any big holiday sales, Best Buy encourages shoppers to shop online or on the Best Buy app.
Trader Joe's
This Turkey Day, Trader Joe's will not be opening its doors to any last-minute shoppers, a spokesperson from the company told Insider.
However, this hasn't always been the case for the widely beloved grocery store. For decades, the chain required employees to come to work on Thanksgiving.
Aldi
If customers are planning to stock up on Thanksgiving meal essentials, they had better prepare to stop by their local Aldi the day before.
The German-owned company will not be open this Thanksgiving as well as on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, according to the Aldi website.
Costco
Shoppers who are thinking about getting ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner from Costco will need to plan ahead this year.
According to the company's website, Costco stores will not be open on Thanksgiving Day.
BJ's
The member-only warehouse club BJ's will be closed on Thanksgiving but will open back up at 7 a.m. on Black Friday, according to its website.
BJ's locations will also be closed on Christmas and New Year's day this year.
Sam's Club
The Walmart-owned retail warehouse chain Sam's Club will not be opening on Thanksgiving as well as most other major holidays, according to the company website.
Those looking to do some holiday grocery shopping should consider stopping by their local Sam's Club in advance of the holiday.
Bath & Body Works
Shoppers looking to stock up on some holiday goodies from Bath & Body Works should plan ahead this November,
All store locations will be closed on Thanksgiving this year, a company spokesperson confirmed to Insider.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom will not be opening its doors for business this Thanksgiving, according to Forbes.
The department store chain will be rolling out deals on apparel in stores and online in time for Black Friday.
JCPenny
All JCPenney department stores will be closed for the third consecutive year, although customers will still be able to make purchases on the retailer's website.
"Customers and associates can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families without missing out on any savings," the company said in a statement earlier this month.
Kohl's
Kohl's announced it will be closing all stores on Thanksgiving once again.
Its stores will be opening back up the following day for Black Friday. "Last year, Kohl's served millions of customers both in-store and online throughout Black Friday week, and we look forward to delivering that same incredible experience to our customers again this year," the company said in a statement this month.
REI
Not only will the outdoor retailer REI be closed on Thanksgiving Day this year, but it also announced that it will be closing its stores on Black Friday for good.
This announcement goes along with the company's efforts to push back against consumerism and encourage shoppers and employees to spend time outside instead.
Home Depot
A spokesperson from Home Depot confirmed to Insider that all store locations will be closed on Thanksgiving this fall.
Home Depot stores will be open the following day for Black Friday shoppers looking to fulfill their home improvement needs.
Lowe's
Lowe's will not be opening its doors on Thanksgiving this year, giving employees time to enjoy the holiday with their families.
"Lowe's stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, as they have been in years past, and reopen on Friday, November 25, under regular business hours," a Lowe's spokesperson told Insider.
Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company announced it will close all of its stores nationwide on Thanksgiving Day this year, according to a press release from the company.
Despite closing its physical store locations, customers will have access to Tractor Supply holiday sales and promotions online starting on Thanksgiving Day.
The retailer also plans to extend its hours for the holidays, starting the week of Thanksgiving and continuing through Christmas, according to a company spokesperson.
Petco
A company spokesperson confirmed to Insider that Petco will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Pet owners are advised to stop by Petco locations the day before or the day after the holiday.
PetSmart
Pet owners will also not have the option to stop by PetSmart on Thanksgiving this November.
All PetSmart store locations will be closed, according to a company spokesperson.