Thanksgiving is a day for gratitude, family gatherings and, of course, lots of delicious food. As fun as the holiday is, though, it also brings all those last-minute running around. Whether it’s picking up an ingredient you forgot, stocking up on disposable dishes for easy cleanup, or getting snacks for your guests, having a convenient and budget-friendly store can make all the difference. For many people, Dollar General is an unglamorous place to stop for such things. But as Thanksgiving gets closer this year, one common question comes up every year — is Dollar General open on Thanksgiving? We’ll tell you everything we know about holiday hours, local store practices and how to find out if yours is open or not this year.
Dollar General’s Regular Holiday Hours
Dollar General is known for convenience, affordability — and nearly 19,000 stores across the US. This pervasive network means that a lot of people depend on their presence – particularly in high-traffic times (holiday season). Generally speaking, Dollar General has pretty consistent hours, keeping its stores open late enough to help you out with those last-minute needs on any given day.
Store hours can vary, however, when it comes to holidays. Dollar General typically opens their stores nationwide on major holidays like Thanksgiving but might have reduced hours. Most locations expect to open late in the morning and close early in the evening, allowing for holiday arrangements while still offering food and other essentials.
However, it’s worth pointing out that not all Dollar General locations follow the same hours. Holiday hours can also differ based on factors such as store location and management. For example, stores in rural areas may close earlier than those in urban or suburban ones, so when in doubt, confirm specifics for your local Dollar General, rather than assuming it’ll follow the same schedule as other ones.
Why Not Knowing Store Hours on Thanksgiving Matters
Thanksgiving has been one of the busiest holidays in the United States. With relatives coming or passing through and people cooking for large crowds, it’s not hard to put yourself in a bind where you need something fast. That is where store hours are really important.
Can you imagine being in the midst of cooking your Thanksgiving feast and discovering that you’ve run out of butter or forgot the cranberry sauce? Either you just need to take care of some paper towels or more aluminum foil. Knowing are there any stores open near me? if Dollar General Open Now (or not) can help you handle the surprises with minimal stress.
Timing is everything if you need to break away from your celebration to make a store run. You wouldn’t want to arrive at Dollar General only to find it’s closed earlier than you’d expected. Knowing whether or not they may change their hours ahead of time could help you save time and avoid anger on a day that is likely already very hectic!
How to Find Dollar General’s Thanksgiving Hours
Most Dollar General stores are expected to be open on Thanksgiving, but hours may vary by location. By way of clarifying, here are some tips to help you figure out the hours of your local store:
- Go to the Dollar General Site
The simplest means to confirm store hours is to visit Dollar General’s official website. Find your nearest location with the store locator tool, and the site will usually show the hours for the day.
- Call the Store Directly
And holiday-specific hours are sometimes not updated on the website. A good old-fashioned phone call to your local Dollar General can provide you with the most reliable information. The store’s employees should be able to let you know their specific business hours for Thanksgiving.
- Check the Dollar General App
Another useful tool for planning your shopping is Dollar General’s mobile app. The app was also a place to find store hours, browse promotions and even plot a shopping list.
- Search on Google
If you search “Dollar General near me” on Google, most times the store hours for nearby stores will appear. Note, however, that these hours may not always show holiday adjustments, so cross-referencing with other listings is advised.
- Look for Signs at the Store
In the days leading up to holidays, many stores tack signs near their entrance alerting shoppers to their adjusted hours. This month, if you visit Dollar General in the week before Thanksgiving, check to see if there’s a notice at the end of aisle about their hours for the holiday.
With just one (or more) of these methods, you will be better equipped to plan your Thanksgiving shopping trip around when stores are open.
Answers to Dollar General Closed Hours and Other Questions
While your local Dollar General is likely to be open at least part of Thanksgiving, there’s always a chance that it would be closed. If this occurs, don’t panic — you have other options to get your last-minute shopping done.
- Look for Other Open Retailers
A number of grocery and convenience stores are open on Thanksgiving, with changed hours. Stores such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and some regional grocery chains frequently have locations that remain open for part of the holiday.
- Check 24/7 Stores
For emergencies, you might check 24-hour stores: gas station convenience stores, for example. They’re sometimes also open on holidays and can stock basic items such as snacks, drinks and disposable goods.
- Plan Ahead and Buy Early
The best way to prevent a last-minute trip is to plan. Check Your Lists: Use a checklist to make sure you have everything you need before Thanksgiving Day arrives. That way you’ll limit your odds of needing a store no matter what’s open.
- Lean on Neighbors
And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask a neighbor or family member if they have it. On a day dedicated to community and gratitude, most people are glad to lend a hand.
Seasonal Trends in Retail Holiday Hours
Dollar General’s move to open on Thanksgiving is in line with a wider trend among retail stores over the years. Much of the early 2000s saw many major retailers extend their hours on Thanksgiving in order to attract early holiday shoppers, a way to capitalize on the shopping frenzy ahead of Black Friday. Retailers such as Walmart and Target were at the forefront of this trend, with many of their locations opening their doors all day on Thanksgiving.
Yet that trend began to reverse in the past decade, partly due to employee advocacy and changing consumer behavior. Many retailers, including Target, have begun canceling Thanksgiving openings to allow their employees to spend the holiday with family. That change also resonates with a growing number of shoppers who want to see businesses honor the importance of holidays such as Thanksgiving.
Dollar General, working on a smaller scale than massive chains like Walmart, remains open on Thanksgiving, though most of its stores operate on reduced hours. This reflects their desire to be a resource for customers seeking critical last-minute items while handling the demands of holiday operations.
Final Thoughts
So, Is Dollar General Open on Thanksgiving this year? The short answer: most likely, yes — but with limited hours. One of the reasons many shoppers come to rely on the store throughout the year is its commitment to providing convenience during the holidays. That said, always good to confirm the store hours at your exact store ahead of time so you have less to worry about.
Whether you’re grabbing a forgotten ingredient or restocking household staples, a little preparation is important. Knowing your options and preparing in advance can ensure that you’re all equipped to enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration uninterrupted. And if you ever find yourself in a pickle, keep in mind that there are many other resources out there to help make your holiday happen, come what may.
You’re celebrating the spirit of gratitude at Thanksgiving, so remember to enjoy the moments that matter most, whether you’re at the dinner table or swinging by your local Dollar General!
