Big Lots stores across the country adjust holiday hours to balance family time with customer demand, especially on high-traffic days such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. These schedules can vary by region and district, so it is important to confirm the holiday hours for your specific location in advance.
Below is a detailed overview of how Big Lots typically structures its holiday hours, staffing models, and regional variations, followed by practical guidance for planning your visit.
| Holiday | Typical Opening Time | Typical Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 9:00 AM | 8:00 PM | Many stores open later than usual and close earlier to support team time off. |
| Memorial Day | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM | Weekend timing often shifts hours to match local events and traffic patterns. |
| Independence Day | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM | Limited staffing in some regions due to local observances and heat considerations. |
| Labor Day | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM | Typical summer schedule with slight adjustments for regional demand. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed | Operations pause to allow team members to celebrate with family. |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed | Corporate policy ensures stores remain closed on this national holiday. |
Holiday Hours On Major Celebrations
On widely celebrated national holidays, Big Lots typically follows a standardized policy of complete closure. This approach prioritizes family time for both customers and associates while aligning with broader retail trends on days such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
When planning shopping trips around these dates, you should assume that all locations will be shut, and that online order fulfillment may also pause on these specific days. Expect stores to return to modified holiday hours the day after these major observances.
Regional Variation And District Scheduling
Even on days when stores are generally open, regional variation and district scheduling can lead to noticeable differences in holiday hours between neighboring towns. Urban stores near transit hubs may extend hours, while rural locations often operate on reduced staffing.
Weather events, local festivals, and state-specific labor regulations can further influence whether a particular branch maintains normal holiday hours or adjusts its schedule to accommodate community needs.
How To Verify Store-Specific Hours
To confirm exact holiday hours, rely on official channels such as the store locator on the Big Lots website or the mobile app, which typically reflect updated district schedules. Calling your local store directly offers the most accurate, real-time information regarding any temporary changes.
You can also monitor official social media accounts for announcements about weather-related adjustments or special early closures that might affect your planned visit during high-traffic holiday periods.
Smart Holiday Shopping Planning
- Confirm holiday hours for your specific location one to two days before your planned visit using the official store locator or by calling the store.
- Plan for possible early closures on high-traffic days such as day after Thanksgiving or the day before New Year’s Eve.
- Consider shopping earlier in the day or on adjacent weekdays to avoid peak times and ensure better product availability.
- Monitor local news and official social media channels for weather-related or community-driven schedule adjustments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are Big Lots open on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day?
No, Big Lots stores are typically closed on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day to allow teams to spend time with their families.
What time do stores open on New Year’s Day?
On New Year’s Day, stores often open around 9:00 AM and close earlier than usual, such as by 8:00 PM, reflecting a modified holiday schedule.
Do holiday hours vary by location during the summer holidays?
Yes, during summer holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day, hours can vary by district, with some stores opening later or closing earlier based on local demand and staffing.
Where can I find the most accurate, up-to-date holiday hours for my area?
Check the official Big Lots website store locator, use the mobile app, or call your local store to confirm current holiday hours and any last-minute schedule changes.