Target, Costco Closed Thanksgiving 2025; Nasdaq, USPS, UPS Also Shut Down

On Thursday, November 27, 2025, millions of Americans will wake up to a quieter retail landscape than usual — because Target Corporation and Costco Wholesale Corporation will be completely shuttered for Thanksgiving. It’s not just big-box stores either. The Nasdaq Stock Market, the United States Postal Service, and United Parcel Service are all going dark. For shoppers hoping to grab last-minute deals or send gifts, this isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a signal that the holiday rhythm has shifted, and the old Black Friday rush is no longer the free-for-all it used to be.

Thanksgiving Day 2025: A Nation on Pause

Thanksgiving isn’t just a day for turkey and football anymore — it’s become a cultural reset button for commerce. Target Corporation, which operates 1,952 stores nationwide, confirmed in its 2025 holiday schedule that every location will remain closed all day on November 27. Same goes for Costco Wholesale Corporation, whose 867 warehouses across the U.S. will also shut down. These aren’t minor decisions. Target’s move, made permanent since 2013, reflects a broader industry trend: retailers are betting that employee well-being and family time outweigh the potential sales boost from opening on Thanksgiving.

Even financial markets are taking the day off. The Nasdaq Stock Market will be closed entirely on Thanksgiving, and while it reopens on Black Friday, it’ll close early at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time — a tradition dating back decades. Meanwhile, the United States Postal Service will suspend all regular mail delivery and retail services, with only Priority Mail Express operating. That’s right — no packages going out unless you’re paying extra for expedited service. And United Parcel Service? All pickups and deliveries halted until Friday.

Who’s Still Open? And Where?

Not everyone’s taking the day off. Grocery chains like Kroger, Publix, and Walmart — though not named in the original report — typically maintain limited hours on Thanksgiving, opening early for shoppers and closing by early evening. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens often stay open, though with reduced staff. Home improvement stores? Some Lowe’s and Home Depot locations open for a few hours, but it’s hit-or-miss depending on the city. In Massachusetts and Maine, state laws still restrict holiday sales, so even if a store wants to open, it legally can’t. That’s why CBS News emphasized: "Check local hours." It’s not just a suggestion — it’s a necessity.

And then there’s FedEx Corporation. While its standard delivery services shut down on Thanksgiving, its FedEx Custom Critical division — the one that moves heart valves, race car parts, and military equipment — stays open. That’s the kind of niche operation that keeps the country running, even when everything else is quiet.

Black Friday 2025: The Rush Begins — But Differently

Friday, November 28, 2025, is when the real shopping frenzy kicks in. But it’s not the same as it was in 2010. Back then, crowds would line up at midnight. Now, most major retailers open between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. — if they open at all. Some, like Target and Costco, are still closed on Friday morning, preferring to let employees rest after the holiday. Others, like Walmart and Best Buy, are expected to roll out early deals — but online sales now account for nearly 40% of Black Friday revenue, according to 2024 data from the National Retail Federation. That means fewer people standing in line, more people scrolling on their phones.

What’s interesting? The Nasdaq Stock Market opens on Friday but closes at 1 p.m. EDT. That’s not just symbolic — it reflects how Wall Street views Black Friday. It’s not just a retail event anymore. It’s a market indicator. Stock prices of retailers like Target Corporation and Costco Wholesale Corporation often swing based on early sales data. So even if you’re not shopping, your 401(k) might be watching.

Why This Matters Beyond the Shopping Cart

This isn’t just about where you can buy a new TV. It’s about what we value. The fact that major corporations are choosing to close on Thanksgiving — even at the risk of lost revenue — says something. Employees are demanding boundaries. Customers are increasingly okay with shopping later. And the myth that you need to be first in line to get the best deal? It’s fading fast.

What’s next? More retailers will likely follow Target’s lead. Amazon, which already dominates online sales, doesn’t need stores open on Thanksgiving to make money. Meanwhile, small businesses — the ones that rely on foot traffic — are feeling the squeeze. If the big guys are closed, and people are shopping online, what happens to the local pharmacy or hardware store that can’t afford to stay open 24/7?

What to Do Before Thanksgiving

Don’t assume anything. Don’t drive to your local Walmart expecting to find it open. Don’t send a package Thursday morning thinking it’ll arrive Friday. Check websites. Call ahead. Use apps. The days of relying on a printed flyer are over. And if you’re planning to shop on Black Friday? Start early — but not at 4 a.m. Start at 9 a.m. online. You’ll get the same deals, without the chaos.