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Kathryn Vercillo

How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

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How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Prescription medication can be very expensive. Even if you have health insurance, certain drugs can cost a lot of money. And yet, you or a loved one might need those drugs to survive. So, what can you do? Luckily there are many, many ways to save money on prescription drugs. If you’re struggling to pay for your medicine, take a deep breath. There are solutions out there for you.

Save Money on Prescription Drugs with Coupons

First of all, look for coupons to save money on prescription drugs. Chances are that you’ve already heard of GoodRx. Television commercials and pamphlets in doctors’ offices widely promote this app. It is one of the best resources out there to find the deepest discount on drugs at various pharmacies in your area.

Here are some other places where you can find prescription drug coupons:

  • Right here on Saving Advice. We’ve rounded up information on where to get coupons for many of the most common prescription drugs.
  • On the drug manufacturer’s website. Name brand drugs have websites. Those websites often have coupons. Alternatively, they may have a discount program that allows you save money on prescription drugs. Check out what they offer.
  • At the pharmacy. Your pharmacist is often aware of common coupons for medication.
  • From your doctor. First of all, ask if they have free samples. Then, ask if they have coupons. Sometimes they can help.

Work With Your Doctor to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Your doctor can give you free samples and coupons. However, they can also do so  much more than that to help you save money on prescription drugs. If you’re struggling to pay for your medications, then don’t hesitate to ask them for help. Some of the ways that they can help include:

  • Switching you to a generic brand of the medication.
  • Working with your health insurance to find the cheapest option for the drugs that you need.
  • Trying you on a different medication that is more affordable.
  • Prescribing a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply, which is sometimes more affordable per pill.
  • Prescribing a different dosage. For example, they may prescriber a larger dose that you cut in half. This can save money.
  • Giving you tips for adjusting your lifestyle so that over time you may need less, or none, of the medication.

Other People Who Can Help You Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Your doctor is the perfect person to start with when you’re seeking this kind of help. And, as aforementioned, your pharmacist is a terrific resource as well. But these aren’t the only people who can help.

Contact your health insurance provider. Ask to speak to someone who is able to assist you in reducing medication costs. They know how their insurance works from the inside out. Therefore, they can guide you in the right direction. Sometimes it’s as simple as using their mail-order service to get your drugs instead of going to the local pharmacy.

Of course, do remember that getting the right insurance for your needs can play a huge role in helping you save money on prescription drugs. Therefore, you might want to switch plans or even providers. But first, see if the company you already use can help you.

You might also try calling the drug manufacturer. They typically have a phone or chat service to assist customers. If they offer any discount programs, coupons, or samples, then they’ll let you know. Of course, you can usually find the information directly on their website. But it never hurts to ask if you don’t see it there.

Finally, consider finding an advocate. Sometimes it’s just really hard to figure all of this stuff out on your own. A medical advocate can make the calls, do the research, and lobby on your behalf. If you are involved with a “system” (DHS, for example, or you live in a nursing home) then your case manager or another professional there might be a good advocate. Let people know that you need help.

Other Tips to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Use coupons. Get samples. Talk to your doctor. Work with other professionals. What else? Here are some additional tips to help you save money on your meds:

  • Shop around for the best price on medication. GoodRx can help you find the best deals near you. Moreover, consider using different pharmacies for different prescriptions so that you get the lowest price on each and every one.
  • Ask about the price of the medication with and without insurance. Even if you have insurance, sometimes the medication costs less without using it.
  • Learn about Patient Assistance Programs. There are the programs that drug companies offer to help customers. Sometimes you can even get free medication through these programs.
  • Learn about state assistance programs. You might be able to save money using a program such as Medicare Extra Help, for example.
  • Review options for buying medication online. This can sometimes save you a lot of money. However, make sure that you’re using a reputable company. Do your research.
  • Ask for prescriptions for OTC drugs. Do you take over-the-counter medication in addition to prescription meds? For example, do you take an allergy medication? If so, and if your health insurance covers the cost, then you might be able to get the medication for cheap or even for free. Saving money on those drugs helps save on your overall medication costs.

Don’t Stop Taking Your Meds

Sometimes it takes a little while before you find the right way to save money on prescription drugs. Don’t stop taking the medications that you need in the meantime. Sadly, many people do just that. Alternatively, they reduce the amounts they take. However, you got those meds for a reason. If you need them, take them.

Budget your money, making the medications a priority. Cut out all unnecessary expenses and put that money towards your medication costs. Earn side income if you can. Try a GoFundMe fundraiser to see if family and friends can help you pay these important bills. Take care of yourself.

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Is It Ethical to Invest in Mining?

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ethical investing in mining

What you do with your money matters. Of course, it matters to your life personally. But the ricochet effect is so much bigger than that. How you spend and invest your money truly does impact the world. That’s why ethical investing is so important. By choosing to invest in the things that align with your values, you live a richer life. So, what about mining? Is it ethical to invest in mining?

What Is Ethical Investing and Why Does It Matter?

Ethical investing basically just means that you choose to invest in the things that matter to you. If you are concerned that fast fashion leads to environmental destruction and slave labor, for example, then you don’t invest in companies that create throwaway clothes.

Ethical investing varies from person to person in two key ways:

  • What your ethics are
  • How much research you do into your investments

Investing in mining might pose no ethical problems for one person. On the other hand, someone concerned about the environmental damage sometimes done by mining might find investing in the issue very problematic. That’s part one: what types of things align with or are against your ethics?

Part two is how much research you give to make sure that you engage in ethical investing. Some people do very little. If they see that something is completely against their ethics, then they don’t invest. For example, a vegan wouldn’t likely invest in factory farming. But they might do deep research into every aspect of a company to make sure that no part of what they do impacts animals in any way. Then there are the people who do exactly that kind of deep research. Ethical investing exists on a scale: how much are you willing to research, educate yourself, and carefully choose your investments to align with your belief systems.

Why Ethical Investing Matters

Where you put your money makes a difference in what happens in the world. If you want to live a life aligned with your deepest values, then this means that you also give attention to where you spend and invest your money. This is one tangible way that you have an impact on the world. You get to have a voice in creating the world that you want to see.

Moreover, ethical investing helps you to live a richer life. Money matters but it simply isn’t everything. Having all of the money in the world doesn’t feel good to most people if they get it by doing harm. The more you dig deep inside to understand your core values, the happier you’ll likely be. When you invest in ways that support those values, it feels good.

Is It Ethical to Invest in Mining?

If you have no interest at all in the effects mining has on the world,  then you have no quandary. For you, investing in mining doesn’t compete with your values. But many people do have concerns about this topic.

Why Is Mining a Problem?

The major concern that people have when it comes to ethical investing in mining is the damage that mining does to the environment. MIT notes that “unregulated mining has the potential to release harmful substances into the soil, air, and water.” It doesn’t matter what type of mining you’re doing – open pit, underground, etc. Regardless, it all has the potential to cause environmental damage. This kind of damage can harm the planet and all of the things living on it, including humans.

But It’s Not Always a Problem

Scientists agree that mining can cause environmental damage. However, it doesn’t always have to. The risks can be mitigated. The American Geosciences Institute says, “The key to effective mitigation lies in implementing scientific and technological advances that prevent or control undesired environmental impacts.” When proper regulation, oversight, and care, the environmental damage can be limited.

Honestly, It’s a Tough Issue for Ethical Investing

When it comes down to it, mining is not a clear cut issue. It’s not good or bad. Yes, it can cause some environmental damage. But at the same time, to stop mining all together would significantly change our lives. Not all humans are prepared for that. Moreover, sometimes there is a lot of good with the bad.

Consider, for example, lithium mining. Stockhead, in discussing the issue of ethical investing in the mining industry, reminds us that, “Lithium is mostly used for battery energy storage and other positive uses like more energy efficient production of glass.” So, although the mining itself may cause environmental harm, the way the lithium is used can make environmental improvements. How does one balance that?

This is where we circle back to that question of how much research you’re willing to do. Mining isn’t an either/or issue. Therefore, ethical investing in mining requires that you really delve into the nuances of the topic. If you want to be responsible about it, then you will need to research the effects of different types of mining. Moreover, you’ll need to look at the practices of different companies. It’s not easy, but then perhaps living a life truly aligned with your own ethics isn’t easy.

Tips for Ethical Investing In Mining

If you want to invest in mining, then the first thing to do is to ask yourself what ethics you have about the situation. The better you know yourself, the better you’ll be able to tell if your investments align with your beliefs. For example, the same article about lithium mining discusses uranium mining. On the one hand, it can go to build weapons, which is highly unethical to some people. On the other hand, it has lower emissions than other mining, so that could be ethical for other people. Knowing your values helps you make your investing decisions.

Next up is to do the research. Learn about different kinds of mining. Learn about the companies you might want to invest in. Of course, each person will do this to varying degrees. Therefore, do what feels comfortable for you.

Here are some additional tips for ethical investing in mining:

  • Ask yourself about the end use of the product being mined? Does it contribute to a world that aligns with your ethics?
  • Generally speaking, investing in oil and coal currently aren’t considered ethical investments.
  • How transparent about the big issues are the companies you invest with?
  • What are each company’s goals and commitments to offsetting the problems of the industry?
  • What can you learn about human rights abuses and exploitation in the mining industries?
  • Work with a financial advisor who understands your ethics and will help you find the right investments.

What do you think: Is it ethical to invest in mining?

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Stock Market Black Friday Hours

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Stock Market Black Friday hours

You take your investing seriously. Therefore, you pay close attention to the stock market. But things get strange around the holidays. It can be hard to keep up with the changing hours during this busy time of year. Here is all that you need to know about 2020’s Stock Market Black Friday hours. Black Friday falls on Friday, November 27, 2020.

Regular (Non-Holiday) Stock Market Hours

If you’re a serious investor, then chances are that you already know this. However, it’s always good to review. There are two different U.S. stock markets: NYSE and NASDAQ. Additionally, there’s the U.S. bond market. Each of these have slightly different operating hours during normal (non-holiday) times. Those are as follows:

NYSE Normal, Non-Holiday Stock Market Hours

On regular trading days, NYSE opens Monday – Friday. The core trading sessions starts at 9:30 am and runs until 4 pm (ET). However, the pre-opening session begins at 6:30 am ET. Moreover, there’s a late trading sessions that goes until 8 pm ET (or 5 pm PT).

NASDAQ Normal, Non-Holiday Stock Market Hours

NASDAQ has very similar hours to NYSE. Regular core trading session hours are exactly the same: 9:30 am – 4 pm ET, Monday – Friday. Even the late trading hours are the same, ending at 8 pm. However, they actually open earlier. The NASDAQ pre-opening hours begin at 4 am ET.

U.S. Bond Market Normal, Non-Holiday Hours

Bond markets typically begin trading at 8 am ET. They typically end trading at 5 pm. Early trading hours begin at 4 am ET. Late trading hours end at 8 pm ET. There are also bond auctions. For example, the NYSE has two daily bond auctions, at 4 am ET and at 8 am ET.

Note that there are many different options when it comes to all of the stock and bond markets. NYSE alone has times for Tape A, B, and C, American Equities, Arca Equities, NYSE Chicago and more. The times given here cover most trading but you can get details directly from NYSE and NASDAQ if you need more specific information.

The Stock Markets and Bond Markets Close For Thanksgiving

Of course, Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. While stock markets and bond markets don’t observe all holidays, they do observe the major ones. Obviously, Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States. Therefore, NYSE, NASDAQ, and the US Bond Markets all observe the holiday. No trading happens on Thanksgiving, which is Thursday, November 26, 2020.

Stock Market Black Friday Hours

NYSE and NASDAQ both re-open for trading on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day. However, they limit trading hours. They close early, at 1 pm EST on Friday.

The US Bonds market also closes early on Thanksgiving Day. However, they are open one hour later than the stock markets. Therefore, they close at 2 pm EST on Friday.

Regular stock market and bond market hours resume on Monday following Thanksgiving.

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Is Walmart Open on Thanksgiving Day 2020

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Walmart Thanksgiving Schedule

If you’re a Walmart shopper then you probably get excited about Thanksgiving weekend shopping. After all, you have the opportunity to get great deals for the Black Friday weekend. However, everything is different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s right; even the Walmart Thanksgiving schedule differs in 2020 from years past. Learn all about it here.

Before Thanksgiving, Get a Free Meal From Walmart

One of the most exciting announcements from Walmart this season was that you can get a free Thanksgiving meal from the store! They’ve teamed up with Ibotta to give you 100% cash back on what amounts to a full dinner. Why would they do this? Well, it’s because they recognize the hardships that people are facing this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on people economically and emotionally. Whether or not you get the chance to celebrate in person with your family this year, they want you to be able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Here’s how it works:

  • Download the Ibotta app. Of course, if you’re a savvy shopper, then you might already have this app. After all, it’s an easy way to get cash back for the shopping you do regularly.
  • Add any or all of the following nine items to your Walmart list:
    • Butterball turkey breast roast
    • McCormick gravy, 0.87 oz. pouch
    • Great Value stuffing mix, 6 oz.
    • Idahoan mashed potatoes, 8 oz. pouch
    • Campbell’s condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 oz. can
    • Great Value cranberry sauce, 14 oz.
    • Great Value green beans, 12 oz.
    • Frenchy’s crispy fried onions, 2.8 oz.
    • Coca-Cola, 2 liter bottle
  • Shop at Walmart to get those items. You have options. On one hand, you can use the Ibotta app in the Walmart store to get the free meal. On the other hand, you can order Walmart pickup/delivery online. However, you’ll have to link your Ibotta account to that online order.

In other words, if you haven’t learned to use Ibotta yet, then now is the perfect time. You can get turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and soda pop for free! However, you have to make the purchase before Thanksgiving Day, because the new Walmart Thanksgiving Schedule means the store will close on the holiday.

Walmart Closes for Thanksgiving Day

Usually, Walmart is open on Thanksgiving Day. However, they’ve changed that this year. In fact, this is the first year in the past three decades that Walmart has opted to close its doors on Thanksgiving. Like their Thanksgiving meal offer, they’ve made this Walmart Thanksgiving schedule decision as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CEO made the announcement, saying that Walmart recognizes how hard this year has been for everyone. Moreover, they want their employees to know that they as a company are grateful for how much the employees have stepped up to keep their doors open during this trying time.

Therefore, while it might be frustrating that Walmart is closed on Thanksgiving this year if you discover last minute that you need something, try to remember the reason behind the unusual closure. They’ve chosen this Walmart Thanksgiving schedule strategically to recognize their employees as well as to keep everyone safe during the holidays.

Receive FREE 2-Day Shipping on select orders $35+ at Walmart.com

Walmart Black Friday Hours and Deals

Usually, shoppers get very excited about heading to the store for Black Friday Deals. Of course, that’s different this year as well. Many people are concerned about the coronavirus risks posed by crowded shopping areas. In fact, many counties and states have significantly reduced retail shopping capacity. Therefore, even shoppers who wouldn’t mind the risk will find that they can’t just barge into the store at any hour without waiting in a line first. It’s just different this year.

Walmart, as well as several others stores, recognizes that change. They don’t want to encourage people to come crowd the stores for one big shopping weekend. Instead, they’ve opted to host a series of Black Friday deals throughout November. The store announced last month that they would forego a single day or weekend of big deals in favor of three separate events called Black Friday Deals for Days. They’re calling it a “reinvented Black Friday shopping experience,” which they’ve created because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first two events in the series have already passed, with deals starting in store on November 7th. New deals were released November 14th. Hopefully you got the chance to get some early holiday shopping done at a discount. If not, though, you do still have the final event in the series, which is the official Black Friday Walmart Sale.

Shopping In Store for Walmart’s Black Friday Deals

Stores will open at 5 am on the Friday following Thanksgiving for people who want to head to Walmart for discounted shopping. Here are some of the COVID-19 changes that you should know:

  • Store associates will ask customers to form a single line outside the store before it opens.
  • They will limit the number of customers allowed in the store at one time. This may delay prolong the shopping experience, with a wait in the line, but will help keep everyone safe.
  • Associates will hand you sanitized shopping carts as you enter.
  • You can only enter the store if you wear a mask.
  • In the store, they’ll ask that you only shop down the right-hand side of each aisle.

All of this should help keep people safe while shopping.

Shop Online for Walmart’s Black Friday Deals

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walmart encourages people to take advantage of the opportunity to do Black Friday shopping online at their website. In fact, the deals that you can get starting at 5 am on Friday in the store are actually available early online. They will reveal early deals on 11/25 and 7 pm ET online only. Then they will reveal additional deals online 11/27  at 12 am ET. When you order online at Walmart, you can opt for delivery to your home or for contactless curbside pickup at the store.

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What’s Open and Closed for Thanksgiving 2020?

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Whats Open and Closed for Thanksgiving 2020

It’s Thursday morning and you have just realized you don’t have something that you need for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s Thursday evening, and you’re wondering if you can get a jump start on Black Friday shopping. In other words, you’re wondering what’s open and closed for Thanksgiving 2020. Here’s your guide.

The Short Guide to What’s Open and Closed for Thanksgiving 2020

We will go into more specifics below. However, if you want a short summary of what’s open and closed for Thanksgiving 2020, here you go:

  • Gas stations, convenience stores, drug stores, and grocery stores are usually open on Thanksgiving. However, they may have limited hours.
  • Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. Therefore, services such as the bank, post office, courthouses, and the stock market are typically closed.
  • Retail stores Thanksgiving schedule varies widely. Some are open, some are closed, and some open limited hours.

COVID-19 Impact on What’s Open and Closed for Thanksgiving 2020

Due to COVID-19, many stores have changed their usually Thanksgiving and Black Friday hours. For example, stores like Walmart and Target announced that they would close on Thanksgiving. Additionally, they have decided to offer multi-day or month-long sales throughout the holiday season, rather than a big Black Friday sale.

After all, in order to be safe during the pandemic, they can’t have crowds filling up their stores. Counties and states are regularly updating their pandemic restrictions so keep that in mind before heading to the store on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday.

What is Closed for Thanksgiving 2020?

Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday. In fact, it’s the penultimate federal holiday of the year. (Christmas is the last one.) Therefore, government services are closed.

Banks Close on Thanksgiving Day

Federal holidays are also known as bank holidays. Therefore, yes, the bank is closed on Thanksgiving Day. Credit unions also close for the holiday. However, banks and credit unions typically open their doors again on Friday.

Garbage Services

Most garbage services are canceled or changed for Thanksgiving Day. Check with your local service to find out when you should take the trash to the curb.

Government Offices

Local, state, and federal government offices all observe the holiday.

Libraries

In some areas, libraries haven’t been open during the pandemic. Or they have been open limited hours. However, even if your library has been able to remain open, they likely won’t be on Thanksgiving Day.

Pharmacies

Drug stores are usually open on Thanksgiving Day. However, their pharmacy counters often close for the day. Alternatively, they may have limited hours. Call before you head to a pharmacy.

Post Office

The post office is closed on Thanksgiving Day. There will be no mail delivery on this day either. Business resumes as usual on Friday.

Professional Services

Doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals usually observe the holiday. Many are also closed on Friday, resuming regular hours on Monday.

Schools

Of course, many schools closed down for the pandemic. Schools that are open this month will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. They’re usually closed for the entire weekend, reopening on Monday. Daycares are generally also closed.

Stock Market Closes on Thanksgiving Day

The U.S. stock exchanges observe the holiday. They also close early (1 pm Eastern Time) on Friday following Thanksgiving. They resume normal hours on Monday following Thanksgiving.

What is Open for Thanksgiving 2020?

Now that we know which places are generally closed on Thanksgiving, let’s take a look at the kinds of places that you can expect will be open.

  • Drug stores
  • Convenience stores
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants

Local stores will vary significantly depending on the owner’s choices. Larger chains will generally be open on Thanksgiving. Some of them do keep restricted holiday hours, though. Check with your local store.

Retail Stores May Be Open or Closed on Thanksgiving

Many retail stores have changed their approach to Thanksgiving and Black Friday hours this year. After all, we’re in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Things aren’t the same.

Generally speaking, many retail stores will close for the holiday. Some will open late in the day, instead. While most are open on the Friday following Thanksgiving, they may have unusual hours. See our Retail Stores Thanksgiving Schedule for more details about what’s open or closed on Thanksgiving 2020 in terms of shopping.

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Retail Stores Open/Closed Thanksgiving 2020

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Retail Stores Thanksgiving Schedule

Thanksgiving weekend is a busy weekend. Of course, there are all the celebrations that happen for the holiday itself. But on top of that it’s also Black Friday weekend. If you’re looking for retail stores Thanksgiving schedule to discover what is open, what is closed, and where you should go to get your shopping done, then look no further. We have you covered.

General Guidelines for Retails Stores Thanksgiving Schedule

Each store has its own schedule for Thanksgiving and the weekend following the holiday, of course. However, generally speaking, many stores follow a basic practice:

      • Most retail stores Thanksgiving schedule is that they are closed entirely on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.
      • Most retail stores Thanksgiving schedule is that they are open the next day, Friday.
      • Many stores choose to open late at night on Thursday or very early on Friday for Black Friday shoppers.
      • Many stores choose to stay open late hours on Friday for Black Friday shoppers.


 

COVID-19 Impact on Retail Stores Thanksgiving Schedule

The country has seen a surge of COVID-19 cases as we head into the winter flu season. As a result, many cities and states are tightening up mandates for shopping. This might impact retail stores Thanksgiving schedule. Stores that intended to stay open may now be closed.

Alternatively, stores might be open but have very limited capacity, which has the potential to result in long lines for Black Friday shoppers. Several large stores have announced multiple or ongoing Black Friday sales prices this month to reduce the number of people coming to the store at the same time in one weekend.

Although we’ve done our best to outline the correct retail stores Thanksgiving schedule below, make note that stores in your area may vary due to these changing pandemic restrictions.

What Retail Stores Are Open on Thanksgiving Day?

Good Housekeeping reports that the following twelve retail stores are likely to be open on Thanksgiving Day:

  1. ACME, which is a market / grocery store. Don’t discount these locations for retail shopping on Thanksgiving Day. Gift baskets, home goods, and bath supplies are all great gifts that you can stock up on at stores like this.
  2. Big Lots, with likely hours from 7 am – midnight on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.
  3. Dollar General is also likely to open at 7 am. They remain open until 10 pm.
  4. Five Below. Although closed most of the day, this store opens at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day. They stay open until 1 am for Black Friday shoppers.
  5. Lilly Pulitzer retail stores Thanksgiving schedule varies from location to location. However, some stores will be open.
  6. Macy’s. Like Five Below, they open in the evening. However, they stay open much longer. In fact, upon upon at 5 pm on Thursday, they don’t close again until Saturday night. Shop anytime for Black Friday deals.
  7. Michael’s is like to open at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day for early bird Black Friday shoppers.
  8. Old Navy. You can expect the store to open at 3 pm on Thanksgiving Day. They won’t close again until Friday night.
  9. Ulta is a beauty store that opens at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day.
  10. Victoria’s Secret opens at 5 pm on Thanksgiving Day.
  11. Walgreens stores should be open on Thanksgiving Day. Hours vary significantly by location.
  12. Whole Foods Market will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Hours vary by location. Like with ACME, you can pick up a variety of different gifts at Whole Foods even if it isn’t the first place on your mind for holiday shopping.

Country Living adds that the following stores are open on Thanksgiving Day:

  • CVS should be open on Thanksgiving.
  • Family Dollar will be open. However, hours vary by location.
  • Gordman’s will open at 5 pm for Black Friday shoppers.
  • Rite-Aid will most likely open at 7am

Most Stores That Are Open Will Open Later Than Usual Thanksgiving Day

As you can see, the stores that are open on Thanksgiving Day tend to follow a pattern. Most of them open in the afternoon or early evening. This allows their workers to get to spend at least a portion of the day with their families before coming in to work. And it allows retail shoppers to get to the stores in the afternoon to start shopping for their Black Friday deals.

Which Retail Stores Are Closed on Thanksgiving Day?

According to Good Housekeeping, the following 30 retail stores are closed on Thanksgiving Day:

  1. A.C. Moore
  2. Ashley Furniture
  3. Barnes & Noble
  4. Bath & Body Works
  5. Bed, Bath and Beyond
  6. Best Buy
  7. Bloomingdale’s
  8. Burlington Coat Factory
  9. Calvin Klein
  10. Costco
  11. Crate and Barrel
  12. Dick’s Sporting Goods
  13. Forever 21
  14. Home Depot
  15. HomeGoods
  16. Homesense
  17. J.C. Penny’s
  18. Kohl’s
  19. Marshalls
  20. Petco
  21. PetSmart
  22. Publix
  23. Sierra
  24. Sur La Table
  25. Target
  26. TJ Maxx
  27. T-Mobile
  28. Trader Joe’s
  29. White House Black Market
  30. Walmart

Other stores closed on Thanksgiving Day include:

  • Academy Sports
  • BJ’s Wholesale
  • Foot Locker
  • GameStop
  • Office Depot
  • Office Max
  • REI (which will also be closed on Friday)
  • Sam’s Club

Walmart Closes on Thanksgiving But Offers Free Dinner to Customers

Walmart is an interesting one to note this year. They’ve historically been open sometimes on Thanksgiving. However, as Country Living reports:

President and CEO John Furner announced, “This year we have decided to close our stores on Thanksgiving Day – November 26.” In a July 21 memo to employees, he said, “We know it’s been a trying year, and you’ve stepped up. We want you to enjoy the day at home with your loved ones.”

However, Walmart is offering Free Thanksgiving Dinner to customers this year. They are really stepping up in recognition of how hard the year has been. Therefore, they’ve teamed up with Ibotta to offer a huge meal for free. You make the order at Walmart (in advance of Thanksgiving day, of course, since they’re closed that day.) You use Ibotta together 100% cash back. You’re able to get turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and more for your holiday dinner.

Black Friday Retail Store Hours

As mentioned above, Macy’s and Old Navy will open on Thursday evening and will not close again until Friday night or Saturday. Therefore, you can enjoy Black Friday shopping all day at those locations.

After giving employees the day off for Thanksgiving, Walmart will open its doors at 5am for Black Friday shopping. Note that their online Black Friday sales start on November 25th. In fact, this is the third in a series of Black Friday sales they’ve had starting earlier this month.

Like Walmart, Target announced that they would close for Thanksgiving this year. They will be open on Black Friday but have not yet announced official hours. Also like Walmart, they decided to start offering Black Friday deals early. In fact, they’re offering their deals all month long. Stores are doing this in 2020 because they don’t want customers all crowding in at the same time during the pandemic.

Target isn’t the only store to wait to announced their Black Friday hours. In fact, many stores have made a similar decision this year, likely expecting to adjust depending on pandemic conditions. Dick’s Sporting Goods, for example, expects to have normal hours on Wednesday, remain closed on Thursday, and then have Black Friday hours that they’ve not yet announced.

Other stores that are closed on Thanksgiving, and open as-yet-unannounced Friday hours alongside extended deal days (not just Black Friday weekend) include Home Depot and Lowe’s.

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