For millions of Americans, Black Friday shopping means one destination: Walmart. As the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart has become synonymous with Black Friday doorbusters, unbeatable deals, and crowds of eager shoppers looking to score the best bargains of the year. But if you’re planning to join the masses this Black Friday, timing is everything. Here’s your complete guide to Walmart’s Black Friday hours for 2024 and what you need to know to maximize your shopping success.
When Does Walmart Open on Black Friday?
Walmart stores opened their doors at 6 a.m. local time on Friday, November 29, 2024, following their closure on Thanksgiving Day. Unlike many competitors who offer early morning hours starting at 5 a.m., Walmart stuck with its standard operating schedule, opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m.—exactly the same as any regular day.
This consistency is actually good news for shoppers. You don’t need to wake up at an ungodly hour to catch special early-bird deals because Walmart treats Black Friday like a normal business day in terms of hours. However, don’t let this fool you into thinking the deals are any less impressive or that the crowds will be smaller.
Why Walmart Closes on Thanksgiving
In recent years, Walmart has made a corporate decision to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, allowing employees to spend the holiday with their families. This marks a significant shift from earlier years when retailers increasingly encroached on Thanksgiving itself with early evening openings. The move has been widely praised by employees and customers alike, emphasizing work-life balance while still delivering on Black Friday excitement.
What Time Should You Arrive?
While doors open at 6 a.m., serious deal hunters know that timing is crucial. The most dedicated shoppers often arrive an hour or more before opening time to secure a spot near the front of the line. However, with Walmart’s massive inventory and widespread distribution of deals throughout the day, you don’t necessarily need to be first in line to score good bargains.
If you’re after specific high-demand items like large-screen televisions, gaming consoles, or popular electronics, arriving by 5:30 a.m. gives you a comfortable buffer. For general shopping and less-specific purchases, anytime during the morning hours typically offers plenty of selection before stocks run low on the hottest items.
Beyond Black Friday: Extended Hours
Walmart’s Black Friday deals didn’t start and end on November 29. The retailer rolled out early Black Friday sales throughout November, allowing shoppers to spread out their purchases rather than cramming everything into a single hectic day. This strategy benefits both customers who can shop at their leisure and Walmart itself, which can better manage inventory and staffing.
Online Shopping Alternative
Not excited about braving the crowds? Walmart’s online shopping platform offers virtually all the same Black Friday deals available in stores, often with additional convenience features like curbside pickup and home delivery. Many shoppers have discovered that combining online browsing with in-store pickup offers the best of both worlds: you can research deals from the comfort of your couch and then swing by the store to collect your purchases.
Finding Your Nearest Walmart
With over 4,700 Walmart stores across the United States, chances are you have one relatively nearby. However, it’s always smart to confirm your local store’s specific hours before making the trip. While the 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. schedule applies to most locations, some stores in unique situations may vary slightly.
Final Tips for Success
Make a list of priority items before you go, check Walmart’s website or app for deal previews, and consider downloading the Walmart app for easy price checking and inventory availability. Most importantly, remember that Black Friday shopping should be fun, not stressful. With proper planning and reasonable expectations, your Walmart Black Friday experience can yield fantastic savings without the chaos.
Whether you’re there at 6 a.m. sharp or strolling in mid-morning, Walmart’s Black Friday 2024 offered something for everyone at prices that made the trip worthwhile.
