Walmart recently announced that all of its stores nationwide will be closed for a full 24 hours. This news might surprise regular Walmart shoppers who are accustomed to the store’s near round-the-clock availability, especially during the holiday season. So, why is Walmart closing its doors for an entire day? The reason is actually quite heartwarming and in line with their holiday scheduling plan.
According to a recent press release from Walmart, this 24-hour closure is to give their employees a well-deserved break to spend Thanksgiving Day with their families. This means that all Walmart locations across the United States will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
This decision marks the fourth consecutive year that Walmart has chosen to close on Thanksgiving. Walmart has publicly stated that this closure is a gesture of gratitude towards their dedicated employees. In a previous statement, Walmart emphasized, “Closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day is one way we’re saying ‘thank you’ to our teams for their dedication and hard work this year. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to be with their loved ones during what’s always a special time.” This consistent practice underscores Walmart’s commitment to recognizing the efforts of their workforce, especially during the busy holiday season.
For many years, Walmart was known for being open almost 24/7, even on Thanksgiving Day. This meant that shoppers could rely on Walmart for last-minute grocery items or forgotten ingredients needed for their Thanksgiving feasts. However, the shift to closing on Thanksgiving reflects a broader trend in retail, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, particularly during holidays.
If you are planning a Walmart run for your Thanksgiving needs, be sure to shop before Thanksgiving Day. Walmart stores will operate under regular hours leading up to the holiday. And for those eager to jumpstart their holiday shopping, Walmart will reopen the day after Thanksgiving, on Black Friday, ready for the traditional rush of holiday shoppers.
While Walmart will be closed, it’s worth noting that other retailers, like Meijer, typically remain open on Thanksgiving Day. So, if you find yourself in need of any last-minute items on Thanksgiving, Meijer might be a viable alternative.
In conclusion, Walmart’s decision to close for 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day is not due to any unforeseen circumstances or business issues, but rather a deliberate and appreciative gesture towards their employees, allowing them to enjoy the holiday with their families. This annual closure has become a consistent part of Walmart’s holiday strategy, reflecting a growing emphasis on employee well-being during the festive season.
