Walmart, Target, Costco, and 32 Other Chains Closing or Expected to Close on Thanksgiving 2026

Planning a last minute Thanksgiving grocery run? You might want to check the calendar before grabbing your car keys. Some of America’s biggest retailers have already confirmed they’ll remain closed for the holiday.

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, and major retailers including Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s have confirmed nationwide store closures.

For shoppers used to grabbing forgotten ingredients, last-minute decorations, or household essentials, those closures may require planning.

Other familiar chains are also expected to follow their previous Thanksgiving schedules, although not all have announced their 2026 operating hours.

Here’s what shoppers need to know about the confirmed closures, retailers likely to follow, and when some stores will reopen for Black Friday.

Walmart Confirms Thanksgiving Closure

Walmart is among the largest retailers to close its stores on Thanksgiving Day.

In an October 7, 2026, announcement, the company confirmed that its stores would close on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Walmart said the decision lets associates spend the holidays with loved ones.

For shoppers, this means picking up turkey, ingredients, beverages, and other Thanksgiving essentials before November 26. The closure is temporary and should not be confused with a permanent store shutdown.

Target Will Close All Stores on November 26

Target has also confirmed its Thanksgiving schedule. According to the company’s November 5 holiday shopping information, all Target stores will be closed on Thursday, November 26.

That includes the retailer’s regular store operations, making advance shopping important for customers planning holiday meals or preparing for guests.

However, Target has confirmed that its stores will reopen at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday, November 27. Shoppers interested in Black Friday promotions can plan around that reopening schedule.

Costco Warehouses Will Be Closed

Costco customers should also plan their warehouse shopping before Thanksgiving.

The warehouse retailer’s official holiday information confirms that its locations will be closed on November 26.

This is particularly relevant for shoppers purchasing larger quantities of groceries, desserts, drinks, and entertaining supplies.

If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving gathering, you won’t be able to wait until the holiday to do your warehouse shopping.

Costco’s online Thanksgiving savings page remains available, but the warehouse closure doesn’t mean every delivery or pickup service will run normally.

Best Buy Confirms Its Thanksgiving Plans

Anyone hoping to purchase a last minute television, computer, or kitchen appliance should also take note. Best Buy has announced that its physical stores will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.

The retailer confirmed the decision in its October 27, 2026, holiday calendar announcement.However, customers can continue shopping through Best Buy’s website and mobile app.

That means Thanksgiving shopping doesn’t necessarily stop completely, even when physical locations are closed.

Customers should check fulfillment options separately rather than assuming same-day pickup or delivery will be available.

Home Depot Will Close for Thanksgiving

The Home Depot is another major retailer with a confirmed Thanksgiving closure. Its official 2026 holiday schedule identifies Thursday, November 26, as a closed day.

For homeowners preparing guest rooms, fixing household problems, or completing projects before visitors arrive, this makes advance shopping especially important. The company has also listed a 6 a.m. opening on Black Friday, November 27.

Anyone planning to shop for home improvement products over the holiday weekend can use that schedule to plan.

Lowe’s Will Also Remain Closed

Lowe’s has confirmed that its stores will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.

In an October 2026 holiday announcement, the home improvement retailer said the closure allows associates to spend time with their loved ones. Customers can still browse online-only holiday deals.

However, an online promotion doesn’t guarantee that customers can collect or receive an order on Thanksgiving itself.

For shoppers needing tools, household supplies, or last-minute home improvement items, buying ahead remains the safest approach.

Kohl’s Joins the Confirmed Thanksgiving Closures

Kohl’s has also confirmed that its stores will close on Thursday, November 26.

The department store has announced that locations will reopen at 5 a.m. local time on Friday, November 27, although shoppers should verify individual store hours.

That early reopening gives customers another option for Black Friday shopping.

The Thanksgiving closure applies to the holiday itself and does not represent any permanent change in the company’s retail operations.

ALDI and REI Have Additional Closure Information

ALDI’s official holiday policy identifies Thanksgiving as one of the holidays when its stores close.

Unlike the retailers that issued separate announcements specifically for 2026, this information comes from the grocery chain’s standing holiday policy.

REI also has a history of closing stores on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.

Several official REI store pages, including locations in Washington, D.C., Charlotte, and San Diego, identify November 26, 2026, as a closed day.

However, those location-specific schedules should not be mistaken for a newly issued nationwide 2026 announcement.

More Grocery and Warehouse Chains Expected to Close

Several additional grocery and warehouse retailers closed on Thanksgiving in 2025.

Based on those schedules, the following chains are among those shoppers should watch for potential closures in 2026:

Sam’s Club: Closed for Thanksgiving in 2025.

• BJ’s Wholesale Club: Also closed for the 2025 holiday.
• Publix: Listed among grocery chains closed last Thanksgiving.
• Trader Joe’s: Followed its customary Thanksgiving closure schedule in 2025.

These previous closures offer useful planning guidance, but they do not confirm each retailer’s 2026 schedule. Customers should check official store information closer to November 26.

Department Stores and Clothing Retailers May Follow Previous Closures

Thanksgiving shopping restrictions are not limited to grocery stores.

Several major department stores and clothing retailers also closed their physical locations in 2025.

According to USA TODAY’s Thanksgiving 2025 retail coverage, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Nordstrom confirmed closures for that year’s holiday.

Other retailers listed as closed included: Nordstrom Rack, Belk, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls

These chains could follow similar schedules in 2026, but their individual Thanksgiving plans should be verified before visiting.

Home Furnishing, Craft, and Bookstores to Watch

Thanksgiving can be a busy time for homeowners organizing celebrations, decorating, or preparing for the Christmas season.

However, several home and specialty retailers were closed during the 2025 holiday.

Those businesses included: HomeGoods, Homesense, Sierra, IKEA, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Barnes & Noble

These retailers form part of the broader group expected to observe Thanksgiving closures based on previous operating patterns.

For anyone planning last-minute decorating, crafting, or furniture purchases, checking schedules in advance could prevent an unnecessary trip.

Sporting Goods, Pet Stores, and Beauty Retailers

Other familiar shopping destinations also appeared on Thanksgiving closure lists in 2025.

Among them were: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Petco, PetSmart, Ulta Beauty, Sephora, Bath & Body Works, Tractor Supply

These retailers cover everything from sporting equipment and pet supplies to beauty products and household accessories.

Their inclusion reflects reported 2025 closures, not separate confirmations that all locations will close in 2026. That distinction matters because individual chains may update holiday policies, and some store schedules can vary by location.

Will Online Shopping Still Be Available?

A closed physical store doesn’t necessarily mean customers must stop shopping entirely.

Best Buy has explicitly confirmed that customers can continue shopping through its website and app on Thanksgiving.

Lowe’s has also announced online-only deals during the holiday.

However, shoppers should distinguish between placing an online order and receiving it immediately.

Delivery, curbside pickup, and customer service availability may follow different holiday schedules.

Before relying on an online order for a last-minute need, check the estimated fulfillment date and available collection options.

When Is Black Friday in 2026?

Black Friday falls on Friday, November 27, 2026, one day after Thanksgiving. Several retailers have already published reopening information.

Target plans to reopen at 6 a.m. local time, Home Depot lists a 6 a.m. opening, and Kohl’s has announced a 5 a.m. local-time reopening, though times may vary by store.

Other retailers may announce additional details as the holiday approaches. Customers should avoid relying on previous years’ opening times because schedules can change.

What Shoppers Should Know Before Thanksgiving

The confirmed Thanksgiving closures at Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Kohl’s clearly warn anyone planning last-minute shopping.

ALDI’s standing holiday policy and specific REI store schedules offer additional guidance.

The remaining retailers on the 35 chain list were closed in 2025 and may follow similar schedules, but their 2026 companywide plans have not all been independently confirmed.

The simplest way to avoid a Thanksgiving shopping surprise is to finish essential purchases early and check your local store’s official holiday hours.

Whether you’re buying groceries for dinner, supplies for visiting relatives, or gifts ahead of Black Friday, a little planning can help keep the holiday focused on the celebration rather than an unexpectedly closed storefront.