For the 1st time in 92 years, Hy-Vee stores will close on Thanksgiving

Hy-Vee will close on Thanksgiving for the first time in its 92-year history, the grocer announced this week.

In closing its more than 285 stores, Hy-Vee joins a long list of food retailers who are opting to shut their doors on Thanksgiving.

For Hy-Vee, the grocer said it would let its more than 80,000 employees enjoy the holiday with friends and family, reflecting the company’s commitment to be the best place to work in America, according to a statement.

“Thanksgiving Day is about gratitude. The last several years have been some of the most challenging our employees have experienced and this is our way of showing our appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis to serve our customers,” said Jeremy Gosch, CEO and president of Hy-Vee, in a statement. “By closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day, we can give back to our employees by providing them time to focus on their own celebrations.”

All Hy-Vee grocery stores, Dollar Fresh Markets, Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations, Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits locations and Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits locations, as well as corporate offices will be closed. Customers will still be able to pay at the pump for fuel at all Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh locations on Thanksgiving. Additionally, customers who purchase holiday meal packs will be able to schedule a time to pick up their order in-store prior to the Thanksgiving holiday or via curbside pickup from 8-11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Hy-Vee grocery stores.

Hy-Vee joins many food retailers, including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Walmart, Publix, Costco, and Target, that will also be closed on Thanksgiving.

“Our team members demonstrate hard work and dedication day in and day out, to both our members and communities. So as the holiday season approaches, it’s important for them to be able to spend well-deserved time off with family and loved ones,” said Jeff Desroches, executive vice president, chief operations officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club, in a statement. “2022 marks the 16th consecutive year we are keeping our doors closed on Thanksgiving Day, but we are looking forward to welcoming our members back into the club so they can continue shopping our unmatched holiday deals.”

Giant Eagle also said it would remain closed on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. 

“After careful consideration and review of the positive support from guests who planned their Thanksgiving meal needs in advance last year, we have made the decision to close our supermarkets on Thanksgiving Day again this year,” Giant Eagle Senior Director of Corporate Communications Dan Donovan said in a statement.