The majority of big retailers will keep their stores closed on Thanksgiving for the second year.
Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's, Dick's Sporting Goods and JCPenney – which for years opened for in-person Black Friday shopping on the holiday – are all closed Thursday.
Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's, Sam's Club and Apple have traditionally stayed closed on the holiday.
Select grocery stores across the country are open Thursday, but the majority will operate with limited hours.
Like last year, to limit crowds and spread out demand, retailers started rolling out deals before Halloween and have turned a weekend shopping blitz into an extended event.
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Because of state laws, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island stores will be closed on Thanksgiving. Stores in some areas also have varied hours because of county or municipal laws.
Several restaurants also are closed on Thanksgiving. (See the list of who is open and who is closed here.)
Walmart on Thanksgiving: Closed for second year
Until 2020, Walmart stores haven't closed on Thanksgiving since the late 1980s. Months into the pandemic in July 2020, the world's largest retailer announced its stores would be closed for the holiday. In June, Walmart announced stores would be closed for Thanksgiving 2021.
Walmart will open 5 a.m. Friday for its in-store Black Friday sale.
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Target closed on Thanksgiving for good
Target announced Monday it is making its Thanksgiving Day closing permanently. Stores will open 7 a.m. Black Friday.
Target is the first major retailer to make such a permanent move during the pandemic, and its decision could push other retailers to follow in its path, says Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, a retail research firm.
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Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's closed Thanksgiving
For these retailers, Thanksgiving Day closures aren't a new concept but a holiday tradition. Costco also stays closed for other holidays, including New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Thanksgiving 2021: Stores closed
Here are the major retailers staying closed on Thanksgiving Day:
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Grocery stores closed Thanksgiving 2021
What is open Thanksgiving? Here are non-grocery stores
Many gas station convenience stores will be open normal hours Thursday. Check with your store before heading out. Because of state laws, expect Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island stores to remain closed on Thanksgiving.
Bass Pro Shops: Open 9 a.m.
Big Lots: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cabela's: Open 9 a.m.
CVS: Most locations open regular hours but most pharmacies will be closed.
Dollar General: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dollar Tree: Most stores will be open with shorter hours.
Family Dollar: Most stores will be open with shorter hours.
GameStop: Varies, not all locations are open but some are open 5 to 9 p.m.
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Rite Aid: Most locations open regular hours but most pharmacies will be closed.
Walgreens: Most locations open regular hours but most pharmacies will be closed.
More stores: Smaller chains and local stores may also be open on Thanksgiving. Some will post special hours on social media.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.
