Publix, Albertsons, Sprouts: Thanksgiving FL Grocery Store Hours

FLORIDA — It's inevitable. Just as you're finishing up preparations for your Thanksgiving feast, you realize you forgot to buy the whipped cream to top off the pumpkin pie.

But don't count on your usual grocery store in Florida to be open for last-minute ingredients.

The store that seems to never close, Walmart, and its associated stores, Sam's Club and Walmart Marketplace, will be closed on Thanksgiving Day this year. Fellow retailing giant Target is also closed Nov. 26.

"This year we have decided to close our stores on Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 26," said Walmart President and CEO John Furner in a memo to employees. "We know it's been a trying year, and you've stepped up. We want you to enjoy the day at home with your loves ones."

Don't worry, though. Walmart will reopen at 5 a.m. Friday so you can shop for all those Black Friday deals.

Another store Floridians have depended on to be open holidays has also decided to close Thanksgiving Day.

Southeastern Grocers President and CEO Anthony Hucker announced that he's also giving employees of Winn-Dixie grocery stores and associated stores BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket a day off.

"You have worked together to tirelessly serve our customers and, in turn, your loved ones have made sacrifices as you have supported our communities," Hucker said in a letter to employees.
"With our heartfelt gratitude, we have made the decision to not open our BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores on Thanksgiving Day to provide you – our dedicated and heroic associates – with a day to rest with your family and make memories around your holiday tables at home."

In previous years, Target has opened at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day so eager shoppers could get a head start on Black Friday deals.

That's not the case this year.

Instead of rushing out to shop after your Thanksgiving meal, Target CEO Brian Connell suggested you "kick back, relax and enjoy a long nap after you finish that last piece of Thanksgiving turkey."

Then begin your holiday shopping at Target at 5 a.m. Friday.

"This year more than ever, a joyful holiday will be inseparable from a safe one, and we’re continuing to adjust our plans to deliver ease, value and the joy of the season in a way that only Target can," he said.

Open Thanksgiving Day:

• Albertsons: Some stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Safeway: Most stores will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
• Sprouts Farmers Market: Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The Fresh Market: All stores are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Whole Foods: Many stores open 7 a.m., closing as early as 2 p.m. Call for hours.
• Save Mart: Most stores should be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Save-A-Lot: Most stores will be open but some will open late and others close early. The grocery store suggests calling your nearby store for hours.
• Walgreens: Stores will be open regular hours on Thanksgiving Day.
• CVS: Many CVS locations will be open on Thanksgiving, including the pharmacy, though hours may depend on the location.

Closed Thanksgiving Day:

• Publix
• Aldi
• BJ's Wholesale Club
• Costco
• Sam's Club
• Trader Joe's
• Winn-Dixie
• BI-LO
• Fresco y Más
• Harveys
• Target
• Walmart
• Walmart Marketplace