Thanksgiving is upon us, ushering in the highly anticipated launch of the holiday shopping season. Americans are gearing up for the annual mix of turkey feasts, travel, and an influx of holiday shopping excitement.
Travel Insights
The Thanksgiving holiday period is known for being one of the busiest travel times of the year, especially as schools close for the holiday. This year, AAA anticipates a record-breaking 79.9 million travelers will embark on trips of 50 miles or more. For the first time, the organization has included the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Monday after in its projections to better illustrate the travel trends. This figure marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and is up by 2 million from 2019.
Retailers’ Hours
As shoppers prepare for Black Friday, here’s what you can expect from major retailers: Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s will all be closed on Thanksgiving, but Walmart and Target will open their doors bright and early at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. Kohl’s might open as early as 5 a.m., so it’s wise to check your local store for the exact hours.
Macy’s will also remain closed on Thanksgiving yet is expected to have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Black Friday. Similarly, Costco will close its doors on Thanksgiving but will reopen on Black Friday for eager shoppers.
Convenience Store Hours
For those in need of essentials, CVS will close early on Thanksgiving, so be sure to verify your local store’s hours by checking the CVS Pharmacy website. Walgreens will also be closing most locations on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s a good idea to check local listings for availability.
Package Delivery Services
On Thanksgiving, standard pickup and delivery services from major companies like FedEx and UPS will be unavailable, though some essential services may be operational at select locations.
Government Operations
On Thanksgiving Day, expect all government locations—including offices, post offices, courts, and schools—to remain closed.
Stock Markets and Banks
Both the U.S. stock markets and banks will be closed on Thanksgiving; however, they will reopen on Friday for a truncated trading session that ends at 1 p.m. Eastern time.
Grocery Stores
For last-minute turkey day needs, most major grocery store chains will be open on Thanksgiving, albeit with reduced hours. It’s advisable to check with your local store for specific operating times.
As the holiday season approaches, preparations are in full swing, reminding us of the joys of family gatherings, tasty feasts, and the thrill of holiday shopping. Make sure you’re informed of the schedules and conditions this Thanksgiving for an enjoyable experience.
