Forget The Cranberry Sauce? These Massachusetts Grocery Stores Are Open For Your Last-Minute Thanksgiving Shopping
Thanksgiving is this week and while most of us will be spending quality time with family and friends, there are still a good portion of us who may still need…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 14: Frozen turkeys are displayed for sale inside a grocery store on November 14, 2022 in New York City. The price of turkeys, a staple for many Americans at Thanksgiving, is at record highs this year due to inflation and a rise in the price of feed among other cost issues. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)Thanksgiving is this week and while most of us will be spending quality time with family and friends, there are still a good portion of us who may still need to run last minute errands. The only bad thing about having to run errands on Thanksgiving is, many of our favorite stores will not be open. So which ones will you be able to grab your last minute snacks, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, pies, liquor and maybe even more important items like the TURKEY? Keep reading and we'll let you know.
Before we let you know which stores will be open on Thanksgiving and when, here are the ones that will definitely be closed: Trader Joe's, Aldi, BJ's Wholesale Club, Costco, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart and Market Basket.
The stores that will definitely be open on Thanksgiving include:
- Cumberland Farms: Locations will operate on their regular 24-hour schedule
- Hannaford: Select locations will open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., but pharmacies will be closed.
- Rite Aid: Most stores will be open during regular hours.
- Shaw’s: Many locations will be open but may have limited hours.
- Save A Lot: Stores will be open, but hours may vary by location.
- Star Market: Many locations will close by 2 p.m.
- Stop & Shop: Stores will be open during regular hours.
- Wegmans: Stores generally will be open until 4 p.m.
- Whole Foods: Stores will be open but with modified hours
Unfortunately, for people here in New England who love Market Basket, that store will be closed in all of their locations on Thanksgiving. But when you do decide to head back to your favorite Market Basket location, consider these "Dos and Donts." Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
DOS and DON’TS For Surviving Your Hectic Trip To Market Basket in Massachusetts
"From the Basket to the Casket." It's a catchy saying many in Massachusetts use to profess their love of Market Basket. People in New England fall in love with Market Basket regularly. It has become a shopping staple for many families here. And although sometimes the masses get a little overwhelmed when walking into Market Basket due to the high traffic, we appreciate the cleanliness and overall quality of the store - and we love their prices (sometimes). We have come to understand why Market Basket isn't just a grocery store, it's a way of life.
Now, with shopping at Market Basket comes great responsibility. It also comes with great frustration. We have taken a survey on Facebook asking people what their advice is for shopping at Market Basket. In fact, we asked about people's "Dos and Don'ts about shopping at Massachusetts Market Baskets." I'll be totally honest. We were overwhelmed at the amount of responses we received. In a matter of minutes, we had HUNDREDS of answers. Everything from what to do with your shopping cart to how long if at all you should wait at the deli to get pre sliced meats and cheeses. Regardless, your answers were logged. Your answers were heard. And your answers were hilarious.
We have taken each of those answers and put together our list of our favorites. These will either help you or you may just laugh hysterically at them and do the opposite. Take each answer with a grain of salt. But just remember, on your next trip to Market Basket here in Massachusetts, always refer to this list. It could save you your sanity. Regardless of which one you go to, these answers relate to every one. Best of luck on your next Market Basket excursion. We will pray for you.
DO: "sing in the aisles to Market Basket radio"
Market Basket radio can be so soothing. It takes the edge off of the awful task at hand. And your singing can't be that bad, can it?
DON'T: "wait an hour at the deli, just get the pre sliced!"
That pesky deli can take FOREVER. Pre sliced is the way to go. And many pre sliced meats and cheeses taste even better.
DO: "go shopping with all of your children, your mother, mom’s mom, your cousin, your second cousin, aunt, uncle etc 😂😂😂"
Ahhhh yes, the dreaded "let's take my family of 18 to Market Basket." This answer is a tad sarcastic as those big families can be rather annoying at an already very crowded store.
DON'T: "go shopping on a Sunday!"
Sundays are by far the busiest days of the week to go grocery shopping. SAVE YOURSELF. Try going on an "off day." Although, with MB, are there really any?
DO: "Leave your shopping cart in the middle of the aisle, preferably right next to the employees who are forever stocking shelves. And definitely go to the deli, grab a number, do all of your shopping and then go back to the deli to see they’ve only waited on 2 customers."
The dreaded shopping cart in the middle of the aisle. It seems as if it happens EVERY time you go shopping doesn't it? Do better! Use proper etiquette.
DON'T: "Shop on an empty stomach"
This is an unwritten rule. When you're shopping on an empty stomach, you'll buy more 'cause you're so hungry.
DON'T: "Go on the day before a storm is predicted"
Probably one of the busiest days to go shopping is the day before a big storm. Everyone rushes and buys out the toilet paper and milk and bread.
DO: "Ask to sample the deli meat."
Ahh yes, the deli meat. They will most definitely allow you to try something before you buy it. So, if you're hungry you may get a nice snack while you wait.
DON'T: " Eat a whole bag of chips while you shop then forget to pay for it 🤣🤣"
While shopping, you may get hungry. You can eat those chips, just don't forget to pay for them on the way out.
DO: "Wear ear buds to combat the claustrophobia from the excessive amount of people in your personal space at all times."
Yes, it's a cluster f**k at most Market Baskets. Ear buds can help with excessive loud noises and can avoid having to talk to people you don't want to.
DON'T: "Buy the manager's special"
We all know the manager's special is an item that is about to go bad. It's cheaper, but you're taking your chances.
DO: "Bring a kid and have them get everything on your list while you’re waiting for deli"
Yup, call for reinforcements. Bring a family member to grab all of the items you need while you wait at the deli. You could be there for hours.
DO: "Get take out after you shop there because it’s too exhausting and stressful to cook afterwards "
After you're done at Market Basket, you'll be exhausted and won't have energy to do anything. So, get take out. You're welcome.
DON'T: "Don't make eye contact with the person behind you with only 6 items when you have 300"
Don't do it! You'll be guilted into letting them go in front of you. And when will it end?
DON'T: "Don’t leave your damn cart in the middle of the aisle"
Simple cart etiquette is necessary. PULL THE CART TO THE SIDE!
DO: "Bring a pick up grabber thingy on the weekends most items are pushed back."
Need a "grabby thing?" You can easily get one super cheap. This will help our height challenged friends.
DO: "Walk only on the orange squares: the floor is lava"
It's a fun game to play while you're there. Don't walk on the floor...it's lava!
DO: "Wear your rattiest pajamas"
For some reason, many of us love to wear our pajamas while grocery shopping. It's become a staple. Embrace it!
DO: "Bring pepper spray and a billly club."
Okay, this may be a bit dramatic but it couldn't hurt to have extra protection when you go anywhere, especially alone.
DO: "Meditate before you go"
Meditation can calm nerves. It can ease anxiety you may be feeling trying to find a parking spot or wait in long lines.
DO: "Return your cart to the bins when you're done"
Do NOT just leave your cart in the middle of the parking lot. This creates havoc and gives the workers more work to do. Be courteous.
DO: "Plan the family reunion in the freezer section on a saturday afternoon"
How does this always happen at a Market Basket? ALWAYS
DO: "If you are height challenged, wear heels!"
Wearing heels may be uncomfortable, but it'll help you reach those very high shelves.
