Dollar General stayed open for Thanksgiving, employees covered holiday shifts
Most Dollar General stores remained open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, operating roughly from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. though hours varied by location. The decision, coupled with holiday promotions and a three day sale, meant store teams faced increased scheduling demands and heightened customer traffic during a period when many large competitors were closed.
Dollar General kept most of its stores open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2025, according to a PEOPLE report published that day. The retailer generally operated stores around 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., though exact times varied by location and customers were directed to local listings for precise hours. The company also ran holiday promotions, including a Meal Builder campaign and a Nov. 27 to Nov. 29 three day sale featuring buy one get one offers, which added to store traffic over the long holiday weekend.
Dollar General’s approach contrasted with major competitors that closed on Thanksgiving to give employees the holiday off. Those retailers have in recent years shifted hours to prioritize time away from work for store staff, a move that has been part of broader industry discussions about holiday scheduling and worker well being. By keeping doors open, Dollar General increased expectations for staffing and coverage during one of the busiest retail periods of the year.
The company told PEOPLE that stores in most states were open on Thanksgiving and that Black Friday hours were normal and would vary by location. For workers, that translated into changes to planned schedules, potential shift swaps, and a need for managers to secure additional coverage for peak shopping times. Employees at smaller stores in particular often face pressure to fill gaps quickly when many part time workers are unavailable on holidays.
The combination of promotional deals and extended holiday service can boost sales, but it also alters workplace dynamics. Managers must balance customer demand with labor rules, overtime costs, and employee morale. For hourly workers, the decision affects compensation patterns and family time during a major holiday, and could influence retention and staffing stability after the season.
Workers and shoppers seeking specific store opening times were advised to consult local Dollar General listings, as hours and Black Friday schedules varied by market. The retailer’s choice to stay open underscored ongoing tensions in retail between meeting customer demand and accommodating employee expectations for holiday time off.
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