42 Stores (And Counting) That Won’t Be Open On Thanksgiving
Enjoy your time with friends and family!

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Now that November has arrived, our focus has shifted from the pumpkins and costumes of Halloween to another favorite fall holiday: Thanksgiving. It’s an American tradition in which families get together to enjoy each other’s company, food, football and – shopping?
Want great deals and an early start on you holiday shopping?
Shop Amazon’s Early Black Friday Deals
As recent Black Friday sales have stores opening earlier and earlier on the holiday, there are a select handful of retailers who have decided to go against the grain and keep their doors closed.
It all started with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), who not only decided to close on Thanksgiving – they are also paying their employees to take off on Black Friday.
“We think Black Friday has gotten out of hand and so we are choosing to invest in helping people get outside with loved ones this holiday season, over spending it in the aisles,” said REI chief executive Jerry Strirzke in a recent news release.
Other retailers have started following the example of the outdoor store, with more and more businesses choosing to close shop on Thanksgiving.
So far, here’s the list of stores that have announced they won’t be open on the holiday (but will reopen on Black Friday, besides REI) according to bestblackfriday.com:
- A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts
- Ace Hardware
- AT&T
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- BJ’S Wholesale Club
- Cabela’s
- Christmas Tree Shops
- Christopher & Banks
- Costco
- Crate and Barrel
- Dillard’s
- DSW
- Gamestop
- Gardner-White Furniture
- Guitar Center
- Half Price Books
- Harbor Freight
- Hobby Lobby
- Home Depot
- HomeGoods
- IKEA
- Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
- Lowe’s
- Marshalls
- Mattress Firm
- Neiman Marcus
- Nordstrom
- Patagonia
- P.C. Richard & Son
- Petco
- PetSmart
- Pier 1 Imports
- Publix
- REI
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Sam’s Club
- Sierra Trading Post
- Staples
- T.J. Maxx
- The Container Store
- Tractor Supply
- Von Maur
Stay tuned – this list will be updated as more announcements from major retailers are made.
Photo by Ben Husmann