Walmart, the giant retailer, will close more than 4,600 stores in the US. While it may sound like alarming news, this massive 24-hour closure is not due to a digital collapse or bankruptcy, but rather a disruption in business hours due to Thanksgiving.

Like other major retailers, Walmart will be giving both its employees and customers a well-deserved rest and enjoying the holiday. While it dutifully opened on November 28 for decades, it has been a few years since the retailer decided to balance family and work in favor of later life.

Since 2020, Walmart has made closing its stores on Thanksgiving a tradition. Previously, stores stayed open on the holidays to get Black Friday sales started early.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart implemented this change to give employees a well-deserved break and the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. The company has stuck to this policy ever since and places great importance on employee well-being.

Walmart’s updated policy means 1.6 million employees can now spend Thanksgiving at home. On this day, all 4,600+ Walmart stores across the United States will remain closed.

According to Walmart US CEO John Furner, the idea originally came from a Texas employee who suggested it during the pandemic.

Walmart’s Thanksgiving specials

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning the ultimate feast! Whether you’re hosting this year or every year, Walmart is here to help you make it special without the stress.

As grocery prices rise, Walmart is doing everything it can to keep up your Thanksgiving traditions. We introduce Thanksgiving meal deals– a perfectly curated shopping basket that combines everything you need for a festive holiday meal at a price that fits your budget. Celebrate one of America’s favorite holidays with great food and great savings!

Walmart’s “inflation-free” meal package has everything you need for a complete Thanksgiving (or Christmas) dinner for eight people, all for just $7 per person.

This 29-item grocery package costs just $52, which averages out to about $1.79 per item. With a 16-pound turkey and every side dish down to dessert, Walmart’s meal kit makes hosting the holidays affordable and stress-free. It’s an offer that’s hard to miss!

The best part? If you’re hosting more than eight guests, you can easily get multiple kits. It’s a perfect solution for anyone who has trouble portion planning for a large crowd. With Walmart’s food offeringsHere’s how to make sure everyone is full without having to eat leftover turkey for two weeks.

Walmart’s 2024 Thanksgiving meal deals are available from October 14th to December 24th, making prepping for both Thanksgiving and Christmas easy and affordable. Say goodbye to the stress of last-minute shopping and complicated menu planning. With Walmart, creating the perfect feast has never been easier.

Shops are open on Thanksgiving

Forgot the pumpkin filling or need a last minute ingredient on November 28th? Don’t worry, some stores remain open, but most have limited opening hours. Here is a list of places to shop on Thanksgiving:

• Whole Foods: Open for your Thanksgiving needs, but hours vary by location.
• Albertsons: Many locations are open from 6 a.m. to at least 3 p.m., but exact hours may vary.
• Food Lion: Select stores are open for a limited time.
• Kroger: Most locations will be open, but expect reduced hours.
• Ralphs: Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving you plenty of time to restock.

Plan ahead and check your local store’s hours before you go!

Walmart’s new accessibility and efficiency upgrades

Beyond its Thanksgiving initiatives, Walmart has made permanent changes to improve accessibility and make shopping easier.

This year, package drop-off points were introduced in several locations, including some in New York State. These stations function like mini post offices and allow customers to send and receive packages, improving delivery logistics and speed.