Thanksgiving Day used to be a day where consumers could pretty much assume everything would be closed for the day, but that’s no longer the case. While the vast majority of institutions will shut their doors to let families celebrate the holiday day together, there are more and more retail outlets opening their doors, and the idea of Thanksgiving being a holiday for everyone is beginning to show cracks. For those who are planning to be out and about on Thursday, November 27, 2014, below you’ll find what you can expect to be open and closed for Thanksgiving.
Retail Stores
Large retail stores may open or may be closed. There are a lot of retail stores open on Thanksgiving Day, although this will be for limited hours for most. On the other side, there are a group of retailers who continue to refuse to open for Thanksgiving. For those stores that do open, here is a list of their opening times.
For those who decide to take advantage of the deals available at stores which open on the holiday, don’t forget the most important rule to save money during sales — the price you pay for something on sale fails to be a good deal no matter how low the price if it’s something you would not normally purchase. When you purchase something because it has a good price and not because you need it, you are basically impulse buying on price, and that’s never a good thing.
Three Major Drug Store Chains
Drug stores are open. All three big drugstore chains (CVS, Rite-Aid and Walgreens) will open on Thanksgiving, but may have limited hours Local drugstores, independent drugstores and smaller chains will likely be closed. Contact them to confirm to be sure.
Gas Stations
Most gas stations should be open. While not all gas stations will be open, there should be enough in your area to fill up with gas if need be. Those along the highway should be open for travelers as well. The service departments of stations will be closed.
Major Chain Grocery Stores
Most major chain grocery store chains are open. Most major grocery chain grocery stores will be open for business on Thanksgiving Day (there are some exceptions like Trader Joe’s), but most will have limited hours. Smaller grocery stores and ethnic food grocery stores will likely be closed for the day. It’s best to contact to confirm opening hours before making a trip to one.
Chain and Independent Restaurants
Some restaurants will be open while others will be closed. Many national chain restaurants will be open while independently owned restaurants may have a special Thanksgiving Meal special. If you’re planning to go out to eat, it’s best to call to confirm whether or not they will be open and the hours.
US Stock Markets
The stock markets are closed. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ stock market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Libraries
Public libraries are closed. Public libraries will shut their doors on Thanksgiving (and many of theme will be closed the day after Thanksgiving as well).
Schools
Schools are closed. Public and private schools will be closed for the day. Most schools will have the day after Thanksgiving off as well.
Garbage Services
Most garbage service will be rescheduled. Most people who usually have their garbage service pick-up on Thursday will have it rescheduled for another day. be sure to call your local garbage service to get the holiday schedule.
Federal Government Offices
Most government offices are closed. Thanksgiving Day is an official federal holiday, so all non-essential federal government offices will closed. There are some government services like air traffic control and law enforcement which are essential, and they will remain open.
State and Local Government Offices
State and Local government offices are closed. Most state and local government offices will be closed for Thanksgiving, but essential services such as police departments and fire departments will remain open.
Credit Unions and Banks
Banks are closed. Both credit unions and banks will be closed for Thanksgiving Day. Some banking services that don’t require a teller can be done at AMTs, through the bank’s app or on the bank’s website.
Post Offices
Post offices are closed. The US Postal Service (USPS) and all local post offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. There will be no home of business mail delivery.
(Photo courtesy of Ben+Sam)