If you’re planning your holiday shopping and wondering is Target open on Thanksgiving 2025, here’s the answer: all Target stores across the United States will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The retailer has confirmed it will once again give employees the day off, continuing the company policy that began permanently in 2021.
This closure means in-store shopping will pause for the holiday, but customers will still have access to Target’s online deals through its website and mobile app.
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Target’s Permanent Thanksgiving Closure Policy
In 2021, Target made its pandemic-era Thanksgiving closure a permanent decision. Before then, many major retailers opened on Thanksgiving evening to start Black Friday early, but consumer habits changed during the pandemic years.
Shoppers increasingly shifted toward online purchases, and employees pushed for more time with family during the holiday season. Target’s leadership responded by closing all stores nationwide on Thanksgiving and keeping the policy in place ever since.
This decision was officially communicated by Target’s corporate team and reaffirmed annually through company press updates and store signage. That means the same will hold true in 2025 — no Target locations will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day.
What Target Stores Will Offer Instead
Although physical stores will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, Target shoppers won’t miss out on deals. The retailer’s Black Friday 2025 sales will begin earlier in the week, both online and in-app.
Here’s what you can expect this year:
- Online Shopping: Target.com and the Target App will remain fully operational on Thanksgiving Day. Shoppers can browse and order items for home delivery or next-day pickup once stores reopen.
- Early Black Friday Deals: Major discounts on electronics, toys, clothing, and home goods typically begin during the second week of November and continue through Cyber Monday.
- Drive Up and Order Pickup: Services will pause for the holiday but resume early on Friday morning when stores open.
This hybrid approach allows Target to serve both digital and in-person customers while maintaining its employee-friendly holiday schedule.
Thanksgiving 2025 Store Hours Around the Holiday
Target will close for the full day on Thanksgiving Thursday ( November 27 ) and reopen the following morning for its annual Black Friday event.
Typical 2025 Holiday Hours:
| Date | Status | Opening Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Nov 26 2025 | Open | 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | Normal hours before Thanksgiving |
| Thursday, Nov 27 2025 | Closed | — | All stores closed nationwide |
| Friday, Nov 28 2025 | Open | 6 a.m. (local time) | Black Friday sales begin in-store |
| Saturday, Nov 29 2025 | Open | 8 a.m.–10 p.m. | Regular weekend hours resume |
Individual store hours can vary by region, but Target’s corporate site confirms all locations will stay dark on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Why Target’s Policy Remains Popular
Target’s consistent closure on Thanksgiving has earned widespread praise from both employees and shoppers. The policy aligns with the company’s emphasis on work-life balance and family values during the holiday season.
Employees benefit from a guaranteed paid day off, while customers appreciate the opportunity to plan their shopping more deliberately without the pressure of evening doorbusters.
Since implementing the change, Target has reported that customer participation in early online promotions has continued to grow, showing that convenience can coexist with employee wellness.
Comparison With Other Major Retailers
As of 2025, several of the country’s biggest retailers have followed Target’s lead by keeping doors closed on Thanksgiving Day. Here’s a quick overview:
| Retailer | Thanksgiving 2025 Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Closed | Continuing post-2020 policy of full-day closure |
| Best Buy | Closed | Focuses on early online deals instead |
| Costco | Closed | Long-standing tradition of closing on all major holidays |
| Kohl’s | Closed | Offers online deals starting mid-November |
| Home Depot | Closed | Employees off for the holiday |
| Amazon | Open (online only) | Operations unaffected; warehouses still active |
The retail industry’s broader trend is clear: Thanksgiving store openings are largely a thing of the past, replaced by extended online sales periods and earlier promotional launches.
Target’s Black Friday 2025 Schedule
For those planning in-person shopping trips, Black Friday will remain the main event. Target’s doors will open early Friday morning, with deals continuing throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday ( December 1, 2025 ).
Expected categories for major markdowns include:
- Electronics: TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart home devices
- Toys: Holiday gifts from leading brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels
- Apparel: Family winter wear and accessories
- Home Goods: Bedding, kitchen appliances, and holiday décor
- Groceries and Essentials: Discounts on pantry staples and household products
Shoppers looking for the best experience are encouraged to preview deals online before Friday to secure items for pickup or same-day delivery.
How Target Balances Tradition and Modern Retail
Target’s approach reflects how large retailers have evolved in response to changing customer behavior. The company no longer relies on one single day of in-store frenzy but instead spreads promotions across multiple weeks.
This strategy allows shoppers to enjoy competitive pricing without the crowds once associated with early-morning lines and overnight camping. The result is a smoother shopping experience that fits the modern retail rhythm — digital first, flexible, and accessible.
In 2025, this balanced strategy positions Target as both a customer-friendly and employee-focused brand, proving that major profits don’t require sacrificing a national holiday.
Tips for Target Shoppers This Thanksgiving Week
If you plan to shop Target’s holiday sales this year, here are a few practical tips to make the most of your experience:
- Check Online Early: Deals typically go live several days before Thanksgiving. Bookmark your favorite items for quick checkout.
- Use the Target App: App-exclusive discounts and early access sales often launch before the main event.
- Plan Pickup Times: Order Pickup and Drive Up options restart Friday morning — scheduling early helps avoid delays.
- Enroll in Circle Rewards: Target Circle members receive personalized deals, early notifications, and bonus offers.
- Set a Budget: Spreading purchases through November can help avoid overspending during one weekend.
Following these steps ensures you’ll enjoy the holiday without stress and still capture the best bargains of the season.
The Bigger Picture for Holiday Shopping in 2025
Consumer research in 2025 shows that most Americans now prefer shopping online during Thanksgiving week. Retail data from previous years revealed record-breaking e-commerce sales that overshadowed traditional in-store Black Friday foot traffic.
This shift benefits both retailers and shoppers. Companies like Target can keep operations streamlined while customers enjoy the comfort of shopping from home. As technology improves and delivery networks expand, this trend is expected to continue for years to come.
The Bottom Line
So, is Target open on Thanksgiving 2025? No — all stores nationwide will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2025, continuing the company’s commitment to giving employees a full holiday with their families.
Customers can still enjoy full access to deals online, with physical stores reopening early on Black Friday morning for the official start of the shopping weekend.
Will you shop online this Thanksgiving or wait for Black Friday in-store deals? Share your holiday shopping plans in the comments below.