Walmart to Shut Down Nationwide for 24 Hours Ahead of Black Friday

Walmart closed on Thanksgiving

Stores reopen for Black Friday

Closure benefits employees

According to Cronista, millions of shoppers in the United States will need to adjust their plans this November, as Walmart confirmed the nationwide closure of all physical stores on Thanksgiving Day.

The country’s largest retail chain announced that none of its branches will open on Thursday, November 27, 2025—a policy that has become tradition for the past five years.

For 24 hours, no customer will be able to purchase products in-store, including the suspension of in-person sales and store pickup services.

The Walmart Thanksgiving closure, however, will not affect online operations. Walmart’s website and app will remain available for digital shopping.

Walmart’s Thanksgiving Tradition

24 hours without supermarkets and shopping centers open nationwide: what day it will be and why https://t.co/5vX7kq0lct

— Radio Mitre (@radiomitre) September 13, 2025

The decision to close on Thanksgiving is not new and stems from a policy shift that began in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That year, the company chose not to open on the holiday, breaking with decades of uninterrupted operation.

The measure was so well received that it became a permanent practice, repeated every year nationwide.

Company executives insist the goal is to recognize employees’ efforts and give them the opportunity to spend the day with their families.

Walmart Thanksgiving Closure and CEO’s Statement

Walmart Thanksgiving 2025 closure confirmed – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., has reiterated in various interviews that the closure policy is a gesture of gratitude toward employees.

“We want our associates to enjoy this time with their loved ones,” he has stated in annual Thanksgiving communications.

The executive emphasized that employee well-being is a top priority for the company and that maintaining the closure strengthens Walmart’s corporate culture.

In this way, Walmart projects a message of social responsibility and care for the people who keep the chain running.

What It Means for Customers

The measure will apply to all Walmart stores across the United States, without exception.

On Wednesday, November 26, stores will operate normally, following their usual schedules in each state.

On Thursday, November 27, doors will remain closed all day, with no sales or order pickups.

Finally, on Friday, November 28—Black Friday—Walmart will open at 5:00 a.m. nationwide, kicking off the most anticipated shopping day of the year.

Preparing for Black Friday

The 24-hour Walmart Thanksgiving closure allows the company to reorganize inventories and prepare stores for the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday 2025 is scheduled for Friday, November 28, with Walmart opening at 5:00 a.m. local time across the country.

That day, millions of customers are expected to flock to stores in search of special deals on electronics, toys, clothing, and home goods—cementing Walmart’s place as a top Black Friday destination.

By shutting down on Thanksgiving, Walmart builds anticipation and focuses attention on Friday’s deals, ensuring strong consumer turnout at all locations.