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Thanksgiving week in the U.S. brings changes in hours and operations across a variety of businesses and services. Thanksgiving Day itself, observed on the fourth Thursday in November, is a major national holiday and affects the schedules of supermarkets, convenience stores, local markets, and hospitals.

1. Supermarkets During Thanksgiving Week

Turkey time thanksgiving day display at home goods store, NYC, USA

During Thanksgiving week, many supermarkets extend their hours leading up to the holiday to accommodate the increased demand for holiday groceries. However, on Thanksgiving Day, the situation varies:

• Open with Reduced Hours: Chains like Whole Foods and Kroger often stay open on Thanksgiving Day, but typically operate on reduced schedules, closing in the early afternoon (e.g., around 3 PM or 4 PM).
• Closed for the Holiday: Some of the largest supermarket chains, such as Walmart, Target, and Costco, have recently opted to close entirely on Thanksgiving Day. This decision reflects a shift toward giving employees time off for the holiday, in line with changing public expectations around work-life balance.

For Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving), most supermarkets open as early as 6 AM or even earlier, offering significant discounts and attracting large numbers of shoppers. Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with Americans spending an estimated $9.12 billion in 2022 on this day alone.

2. Convenience Stores

Unlike supermarkets, convenience stores, which provide essential items and 24/7 accessibility, are often open on Thanksgiving Day with normal or slightly reduced hours. This includes major chains such as 7-Eleven and Circle K. Many convenience stores, especially those located near highways, remain open around the clock to serve travelers and those needing last-minute essentials.

• 7-Eleven: Most locations stay open 24/7, including Thanksgiving Day, catering to quick and last-minute needs.
• Wawa and Sheetz: Popular convenience store chains in the eastern U.S., also typically open on Thanksgiving, although some locations may operate with reduced hours.

3. Local Markets and Farmer’s Markets

Local markets and farmer’s markets have more varied schedules. Many are open through Wednesday before Thanksgiving but close on Thanksgiving Day. These markets, which sell fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods, tend to reopen the weekend after Thanksgiving, though specific hours vary based on location.

• For example, the Pike Place Market in Seattle remains open on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, often with special hours, and may be closed on Thanksgiving Day itself but open on the weekend.
• Smaller community markets typically close for Thanksgiving and resume normal hours afterward.

4. Hospitals and Urgent Care Facilities

Hospitals remain fully operational on Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday week, as they are essential services that provide round-the-clock care. Emergency rooms, critical care units, and essential departments are always staffed.

• Hospitals and ERs: Open 24/7 as usual, ensuring that emergency medical needs are met.
• Urgent Care Clinics: Many urgent care clinics close or operate with limited hours on Thanksgiving Day. However, some clinics in major metropolitan areas stay open for shorter hours, catering to non-emergency medical needs that arise.

During Thanksgiving and Black Friday, hospitals often prepare for an increase in patient intake, as holidays can lead to an uptick in food-related illnesses, household accidents, and sometimes stress-related issues. For instance, ER visits on Thanksgiving can be around 10-20% higher than average due to incidents such as kitchen burns and cuts from meal preparation.

5. General Summary of Thanksgiving Day Hours by Business Type

In summary, Thanksgiving Day remains one of the few holidays with widespread closures across various sectors, reflecting the importance of family gatherings and time off. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retailers plan carefully to meet customer needs while balancing staff time off, and essential services like hospitals remain fully operational to handle emergencies that may arise.

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