A Thanksgiving Tradition Interrupted: The Evolution of Walmart’s Holiday Hours Navigating Thanksgiving Shopping: Alternatives to Walmart Planning for Black Friday at Walmart FAQs: Walmart on Thanksgiving – Your Questions Answered 1. This policy, initially implemented in 2020 due to the pandemic, has continued, signifying a shift in retail strategy prioritizing employee well-being during the holiday. Shoppers planning last-minute Thanksgiving needs will need to make alternative arrangements or shop the day before. A Thanksgiving Tradition Interrupted: The Evolution of Walmart’s Holiday Hours For years, the image of frenzied shoppers descending upon Walmart stores on Thanksgiving evening, hoping to snag Black Friday deals a day early, was practically an American tradition. Employees were required to work on what is traditionally a family holiday, often enduring long hours and high stress.