Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and entirely too much food. Hours are spent nailing down sweet potato recipes, collecting the best wines to pair with turkey, and stirring pots of gravy. For many, it's also a time for last-minute grocery runs. If you're a dedicated Trader Joe's shopper, you might be wondering: Is Trader Joe's open on Thanksgiving? Let's get into it.
Is Trader Joe’s open on Thanksgiving 2023?
The short and sweet answer: No. While plenty of national grocery store chains remain open on Thanksgiving, Trader Joe’s will close on Thanksgiving Day — November 23, 2023 — to allow employees to spend time with their friends and family.
It wasn’t always this way, though. In the early years of operation, founder Joe Coulombe kept Trader Joe’s open on Thanksgiving (albeit with limited hours) so that shoppers could pick up last-minute bottles of wine. Following Coulombe’s retirement in 1988, the company started closing on Thanksgiving, according to CNBC. The new policy stuck, and Trader Joe’s has maintained its tradition of shutting the grocery store’s doors on the holiday.
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How To Shop at Trader Joe’s for Thanksgiving
Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit the store in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. According to its website, Trader Joe’s is generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, though you should check your local branch for specific hours. Plan your Thanksgiving meal by stocking up on seasonal items like stuffing and cranberry sauce, pick up some store-bought desserts, and snag some affordable Trader Joe’s wine. The store also has a fantastic cheese section — read our guide to the best Trader Joe’s cheeses, according to a professional cheese monger.
Related: Is Target Open on Thanksgiving? The Answer Might Surprise You
The Bottom Line
Trader Joe’s isn’t open on Thanksgiving in 2023, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the shop’s excellent snacks, staples, and desserts ahead of time. If you are going to shop at Trader Joe’s in the week leading up to the holiday, be sure to call ahead or check online to find out your local store’s hours of operation, as holiday schedules may result in a change of hours.
Related: Is Starbucks Open on Thanksgiving? Everything You Need to Know