The Thanksgiving holiday is filled with excitement, delicious food, and family gatherings. But sometimes, while cooking, we realize we’ve forgotten something essential.
Maybe you’re halfway through making mashed potatoes and know you’re out of butter, or you’ve started making your gravy and notice you’re short on milk. That’s when a quick trip to Kroger could save the day. But is Kroger open on Thanksgiving? And if they are, when will they close?
Look closer at Kroger’s Thanksgiving 2024 hours and what you should know before heading to the store.
Are Kroger Stores Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes! Good news for anyone needing last-minute ingredients—Kroger is open on Thanksgiving. While many stores close their doors for the holiday, Kroger understands the importance of having access to groceries for holiday meal prep.
You can head to your local store to grab that last-minute milk, butter, or any other items you may have forgotten.
However, it’s important to note that Kroger will likely operate on modified hours so that you can only access the store during the day. The store typically opens earlier and closes earlier than usual to give employees time to spend the holiday with their families.
Kroger’s Modified Thanksgiving Hours
While the specific hours can vary by location, most Kroger stores will follow this general pattern:
- Open Early: Many stores open at 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM, so you can get your shopping done early in the day.
- Close Early: Expect most stores to close by 4:00 PM to give their staff time to enjoy the holiday. This allows you to grab those last-minute items early in the day but ensures you don’t get stuck trying to run errands too late.
Tips for Shopping at Kroger on Thanksgiving
Before heading out the door, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Check Local Store Hours: Kroger locations may have different hours depending on the area. Some might open later or close earlier, so it’s always a good idea to confirm the exact hours with your specific store.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Thanksgiving is one of the year’s busiest shopping days, so be ready for larger crowds, especially in the late morning and early afternoon hours. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the rush if you can.
- Look for Sales: Kroger often runs Thanksgiving-specific sales and promotions, so it’s worth checking out their weekly ads beforehand. You might find great deals on holiday essentials like frozen turkeys, potatoes, and baking supplies.
- Online Grocery Orders: If you’re pressed for time or prefer to avoid dealing with in-store crowds, consider ordering online for pickup or delivery. Remember that holiday demand might affect delivery windows, so placing your order as early as possible is a good idea.
Why You Should Call Ahead
If you’re worried about the store’s hours or availability of certain items, installing your local Kroger a day or two before Thanksgiving is always a good idea.
During the holiday season, stores can have limited staffing, which might make it harder to get someone on the phone. It’s a great idea to double-check the hours or ask about the availability of specific items ahead of time.
Why Should You Be Mindful of Staffing?
Like many stores, Kroger often operates with fewer employees on Thanksgiving. While essential staff will still be there to help, you may notice a few fewer cashiers or service staff.
This can lead to longer wait times or potential issues in stocking items. If you need something specific, calling ahead gives you peace of mind that the item is in stock before you make the trip.
How Can You Prepare for Thanksgiving Shopping?
To avoid stress and ensure you have everything you need for your meal, here are some tips to prepare for your Thanksgiving grocery run:
- Make a List: Write down everything you need, from recipe ingredients to extra items like drinks, snacks, or paper products. This will help you stay organized and avoid missing anything important.
- Check Your Pantry and Fridge: Before heading to Kroger, check what you already have at home. You might have some ingredients you forgot, saving you an extra trip to the store.
- Get There Early: If you’re going on Thanksgiving morning, try to get to the store as soon as it opens. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to get everything you need and avoid the crowds.
- Have a Backup Plan: If an item is out of stock, be prepared with alternatives. For example, if your first choice is unavailable, try a different type of potato or another dessert option.
Thanksgiving Dinner Essentials to Shop for
Here are some of the most common items you might need to grab from Kroger for your Thanksgiving meal:
- Frozen or Fresh Turkey: Don’t wait too long to grab your turkey—stocks might run low as the holiday approaches.
- Baking Supplies: Flour, sugar, yeast, and spices for your pies, stuffing, and other baked goods.
- Canned Goods: Green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, and other canned vegetables are easy to stock up on.
- Produce Fresh potatoes, carrots, onions, and other veggies for your sides.
- Dessert Ingredients: Pies, cakes, or cookies—check for pre-made options or ingredients for your homemade desserts.
- Drinks: Wine, soda, or even juices for everyone at the dinner table.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun, but it can also involve last-minute shopping. Knowing that Kroger is open on Thanksgiving and understanding its modified hours can help you plan ahead and avoid stress.
Make sure to double-check store hours, be prepared for possible crowds, and, most importantly, enjoy your holiday meal!
FAQs
What time does Kroger open on Thanksgiving 2024?
Kroger typically opens at 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM on Thanksgiving, but hours may vary by location. It’s best to check with your local store to confirm the exact opening time.
What time does Kroger close on Thanksgiving 2024?
Most Kroger stores will close by 4:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Again, this can vary by location, so it’s wise to call ahead.
Can I order groceries online for Thanksgiving from Kroger?
Yes! You can order groceries online for pickup or delivery through Kroger’s website or app. Be sure to order early, as slots can fill quickly during the holiday season.
Is Kroger busy on Thanksgiving Day?
Kroger tends to be busier on Thanksgiving, incredibly late in the morning and early afternoon. To avoid crowds, try to shop early in the day.
Can I find all the ingredients I need for Thanksgiving at Kroger?
Kroger carries many Thanksgiving essentials, including turkeys, produce, baking supplies, and canned goods. However, some items might sell out quickly, so shopping early is a good idea.
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