**Thanksgiving Day 2023: Most Major Retailers Closed; Essential Services and Dining Options Available**
As Thanksgiving Day approaches on Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, local residents planning a holiday shopping spree are advised to adjust their schedules. Most major retail chains will remain closed, continuing a trend that gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, with companies prioritizing a paid holiday for their employees to spend with family.
Shoppers will find the doors locked at prominent big-box stores and department stores on November 23rd. This includes Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's, JCPenney, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Sam's Club, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. These closures are largely consistent across the region.
However, options will be available for last-minute essentials or those foregoing a home-cooked meal. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores will operate, though often with reduced hours. Consumers should verify specific local store schedules online before visiting. Sprouts Farmers Market, for instance, typically closes by 2 p.m., while select locations of Whole Foods, Albertsons, Safeway, and Kroger often offer limited hours. For pharmacy needs, CVS (CVS.com), Walgreens (Walgreens.com), and Rite Aid will generally be open, but their pharmacy department hours may differ from the main store. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Circle K are expected to maintain regular business hours.
For those looking to dine out, numerous restaurants will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Chains such as Cracker Barrel, Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House, Golden Corral, and Applebee's are commonly open for holiday service. Many Starbucks locations will also be serving coffee, and patrons are encouraged to check their specific store for hours. Fast-food establishments like McDonald's or Wendy's may have varying hours due to their franchised nature, so calling ahead to individual locations is recommended.
The key takeaway for Thursday, November 23rd, 2023, is that while major retail shopping will largely be on hold, food and essential supplies will remain accessible. To avoid inconvenience, residents are strongly encouraged to check individual store websites or call ahead for the most accurate local hours before heading out.
