Walmart announced plans to close all of its U.S. stores on Thanksgiving Day (November 25) this year, allowing its 1.6 million employees to spend time with their families.
The superstore says it's giving employees the day off as a "thank you" for working hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The retailer "is thanking associates for their dedication to serving customers and their perseverance throughout the pandemic," according to a press release.
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It is the second consecutive year that Walmart has closed stores for Thanksgiving.
In January, Target announced it would also close on Thanksgiving Day 2021 for the second year in a row.
The closures are a divergence from the pre-pandemic trend of big retailers opening on the Thanksgiving holiday to give shoppers early access to Black Friday sales.
"Throughout the pandemic, our associates have been nothing short of heroic in how they have stepped up to serve our customers and their communities," said executive vice president Dacona Smith during a meeting with employees Friday. "We hope everyone will take the opportunity to be with their loved ones during what's always a special time."
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Walmart said it would reveal store hours for Black Friday (November 26) shopping later this year.
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