Walmart Open Thanksgiving 2024?

Mas Hadi Digital Media

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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Walmart Open Thanksgiving 2024? Speculation, Hopes, and What We Know

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and…shopping? For many, the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. But in recent years, the lines between Thanksgiving and Black Friday have blurred, with many major retailers opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day itself. So, the burning question on many shoppers' minds is: Will Walmart be open on Thanksgiving 2024?

While the official announcement from Walmart regarding their Thanksgiving 2024 hours hasn't been made (as of the writing of this article), we can delve into past trends, analyze competitor strategies, and speculate on what we might expect.

Walmart's Thanksgiving History: A Look Back

Walmart's Thanksgiving Day operating hours have fluctuated in recent years. For a period, they were among the retailers that opened their doors on Thanksgiving, drawing huge crowds and generating significant sales. This strategy, while profitable, also faced considerable backlash from employees and customers alike, who argued for a day off to spend with their families.

In response to this criticism, and perhaps recognizing the changing consumer landscape, Walmart made the significant decision to remain closed on Thanksgiving in 2020, 2021 and 2022. This was a bold move, signifying a prioritization of employee well-being over immediate sales gains. This decision was widely praised by many, showcasing a shift in corporate social responsibility.

However, the retail landscape is highly competitive. Walmart's rivals, while some followed suit, weren't all necessarily unanimous in closing on Thanksgiving. This creates a dynamic situation where the pressure to match competitors' offerings—even those who open on Thanksgiving—could influence Walmart's decision in 2024.

Predicting Walmart's 2024 Thanksgiving Plans: Factors to Consider

Several key factors will likely influence Walmart's decision on whether to open on Thanksgiving 2024:

1. Competitive Landscape:

• Target's Strategy: Target's decisions regarding Thanksgiving hours will heavily influence Walmart's strategy. Both are major players in the retail space, and their decisions often mirror each other to some extent.
• Other Big Box Retailers: The actions of other large retailers like Best Buy, Kohl's, and Macy's will also play a significant role. If a considerable number of major competitors choose to open on Thanksgiving, Walmart might feel pressured to do the same to remain competitive.
• Online Sales Growth: The increasing dominance of online shopping could lessen the urgency to open physical stores on Thanksgiving. Walmart's strong online presence might allow them to prioritize online deals and promotions, reducing the need for in-store Thanksgiving hours.

2. Employee Morale and Public Opinion:

• Employee Well-being: Walmart's previous closure on Thanksgiving showed a commitment to employee well-being. Maintaining this positive image is crucial for attracting and retaining talent.
• Public Perception: The public response to Walmart's decision to close on Thanksgiving was largely positive. A negative public reaction to opening on Thanksgiving could negatively impact the company's brand image.

3. Sales Projections and ROI:

• Potential Sales vs. Costs: Walmart will undoubtedly analyze the potential sales generated by opening on Thanksgiving against the costs of keeping stores open, including employee overtime and operational expenses. A thorough cost-benefit analysis is crucial.
• Early Black Friday Sales: Starting Black Friday deals earlier, even on Thanksgiving Eve, could allow Walmart to capture significant sales without requiring stores to open on the holiday itself. This hybrid approach could be a strategic option.

4. Supply Chain and Logistics:

• Inventory Management: Walmart's ability to manage inventory and ensure sufficient stock for Thanksgiving and Black Friday sales will impact its decision. Opening stores on Thanksgiving would put a strain on logistics, if not prepared adequately.

What to Expect: Speculation and Possibilities

Based on the factors above, several scenarios are possible for Walmart's Thanksgiving 2024 hours:

• Scenario 1: Closed on Thanksgiving: This scenario aligns with their past decisions and prioritizes employee well-being and a positive public image. They may opt for extended Black Friday hours instead.
• Scenario 2: Limited Hours on Thanksgiving: Walmart might choose to open stores for a limited time on Thanksgiving, perhaps only during the afternoon or evening, to minimize disruption to employee schedules while still capitalizing on some Thanksgiving sales.
• Scenario 3: Open on Thanksgiving (unlikely): This scenario is the least likely, given the previous closures and the potential negative public reaction. However, intense competitive pressure could force their hand.
• Scenario 4: Aggressive Pre-Thanksgiving Sales: Walmart might focus heavily on pre-Thanksgiving deals and online promotions to reduce the need to open physical stores on the actual holiday.

Staying Informed: Where to Find Updates

The best way to know for sure if Walmart will be open on Thanksgiving 2024 is to monitor Walmart's official website and social media channels closer to the date. They will usually announce their Thanksgiving hours several weeks or months in advance. Also, keep an eye on major news outlets that cover retail and business news for announcements.

In conclusion, while we can speculate based on past trends and current market dynamics, the definitive answer to whether Walmart will be open on Thanksgiving 2024 remains unknown. However, by staying informed and considering the factors discussed above, shoppers can be better prepared for the holiday shopping season. Remember to check back closer to Thanksgiving for official announcements!