Walmart shoppers are experiencing a shift in how holiday shopping is approached, particularly on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Gone are the days when eager consumers could get a head start on their holiday purchases by either visiting stores on Thanksgiving Day or rushing in at midnight on Black Friday. In a significant change, Walmart, along with various other retailers, has decided to close its doors on Thanksgiving to allow employees to spend time with their families.
The retail giant confirmed in a statement that Walmart stores will not operate on Thanksgiving Day this year. However, shoppers can still find great deals online at Walmart.com. The stores will reopen for Black Friday sales at 6 a.m.
Additionally, Walmart will participate in the excitement of Cyber Monday, with early deals kicking off on Sunday, December 1st. Paid Walmart+ members can access these offers starting at 5 p.m. ET, while all customers will be able to shop starting at 8 p.m. ET on Walmart.com and through the Walmart app.
For those who still need to pick up last-minute items for Thanksgiving dinner, many Dollar Generals and 24-hour Walgreens locations will remain open, alongside select CVS and Kroger stores, albeit with limited hours.
It’s advisable for consumers to check operating hours ahead of time if they plan to shop on Thanksgiving.
As we see a move towards online shopping and a focus on family during the holidays, there is hope that this shift will promote a more balanced holiday experience for both consumers and retail employees. The adaptation to meet customer preferences while providing time for family reflects an evolving retail landscape that understands the importance of community and quality time.