Walmart Thanksgiving Hours 2025: Is It Open?

As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, shoppers are finalizing holiday plans—and wondering if they can snag last-minute deals. One key question on many minds: Is Walmart open on Thanksgiving Day? Based on the latest retailer trends, the answer is clear: Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving 2025 in most locations, including major markets like Louisville.

This move reflects a growing industry-wide shift to prioritize employee holidays. Major retailers including Target, Best Buy, and Macy's have similarly announced closures, giving staff time with family before the Black Friday rush. For shoppers, this means planning ahead is essential to avoid holiday headaches.

Walmart's Thanksgiving 2025 Policy

According to regional reports from Louisville Courier Journal, Walmart joins the list of big-box retailers staying closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025. This aligns with Walmart's 2024 policy and signals a continued commitment to employee well-being during the holidays.

A Walmart store with a 'Closed Thanksgiving Day' sign displayed at the entrance. - Image from https://www.mystateline.com/news/grocery-stores-are-giving-their-employees-the-holidays-off-these-grocery-stores-will-be-closed-on-thanksgiving/

While in-store shopping won't be an option, Walmart's website and app remain operational for online orders. For Black Friday deals, expect digital doorbusters to start earlier in the week—typically on Tuesday or Wednesday—to accommodate the closure.

Other Retailers: Closed vs. Open on Thanksgiving

Walmart's closure is part of a larger trend. Here's a quick snapshot of what to expect elsewhere:

Closed on Thanksgiving:

All Louisville-area malls: Oxmoor Center, Mall St. Matthews, Jefferson Mall, and more.
Big-box retailers: Target, Best Buy, Kohl's, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Sam's Club.
Department stores: Macy's, Dillard's, and JCPenney.

Open with Modified Hours:

Grocery stores: Kroger family stores (e.g., Ralphs, Smith's) close early, typically by 2–5 p.m. Check local hours.
Convenience chains: Dollar General, Family Dollar, and CVS (hours vary by location).
Specialty retailers: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's will operate with limited hours.

Last-minute grocery shopping at open retailers like H-E-B and Kroger on Thanksgiving Day. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Thanksgiving+grocery+shopping+with+H-E-B+bags+and+Koger+receipt&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eatthis.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F4%2F2023%2F01%2Fh-e-b-fresh-foods-exterior.jpg%3Fresize%3D343

For Texans, H-E-B will be open 6 a.m.–noon, with curbside delivery available—a rare exception for grocery chains.

Plan Your Holiday Shopping Smartly

With Walmart and other retailers closed on Thanksgiving Day, here's how to stay prepared:

Stock up early: Buy non-perishables and gifts by Wednesday, November 26.
Use curbside pickup: Walmart, Kroger, and H-E-B offer contactless options for essentials.
Check online exclusives: Walmart's Black Friday deals may start online before in-store Black Friday.
Verify hours: Call your local store or check their website—exceptions can occur.

Why the Shift to Thanksgiving Closures?

Since 2020, major retailers have gradually phased out Thanksgiving hours amid employee advocacy and changing consumer preferences. The focus is now on work-life balance and family time, aligning with shopper expectations for a more relaxed holiday season.

"Giving employees the holiday off before Black Friday has become the new standard," notes industry analyst reports. "Shoppers are adapting by planning purchases earlier in the week."

As you finalize your Thanksgiving feast and gift list, remember: Walmart stores will be closed on November 27, 2025. Prioritize online orders or visit open grocers for last-minute needs. Happy Thanksgiving!