With Thanksgiving just around the corner, U.S. grocers are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year. Stores across the country are beginning to stock up on turkeys, pies and all the items needed for a traditional holiday feast. From extended store hours to increased staffing, grocers are pulling out all the stops to ensure a smooth shopping experience for their customers.
According to the “Butterball Togetherness Report: 2024 Thanksgiving Outlook,” when looking ahead to Thanksgiving, consumers are excited about spending time with family (70 percent), enjoying the food (57 percent) and relaxing (46 percent). However, they’re feeling most anxious about discussing current events or politics (67 percent) – even worse than cost (57 percent) or travel (49 percent).
However as consumers navigate potential supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures this holiday season, retailers are also focusing on offering a variety of price points and convenient options, such as pre-made meals and online ordering, to cater to different needs and budgets.
Aldi
Aldi is offering customers its lowest-priced Thanksgiving basket in five years – a full meal for 10 people for less than $47.
The Aldi Thanksgiving shopping list includes a Butterball turkey with spices, gravy, rolls, mac and cheese, stuffing – plus the ingredients for cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
“Every day at Aldi, we are focused on finding ways to deliver the lowest possible prices for our customers – and this Thanksgiving is no different,” said Jason Hart, CEO.
“With 25 percent of U.S. households now shopping Aldi, we know grocery prices are still top of mind for customers. We worked hard this Thanksgiving to deliver the best value and quality products so everyone can enjoy a traditional meal with family and friends without having to scale back.”
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s Wholesale Club is celebrating the upcoming Thanksgiving season by offering customers its free Butterball turkey promotion. Members can qualify for a free Butterball turkey by spending $150 or more in the same transaction in-club or online at BJs.com, through Nov. 14.
Beginning on Nov. 16, members will have access to the free turkey coupon to clip through the mobile app or in their account online. The redemption period will run from Nov. 16-27, and members’ fresh or frozen Butterball turkey must be redeemed by Nov. 27.
[RELATED: Butterball Launches ‘Cook From Frozen’ Turkeys For Thanksgiving]
“Everyone looks forward to Thanksgiving traditions, and our free turkeys have become part of our members’ celebrations,” said David Rajkovich, SVP, GMM perishables, BJ’s Wholesale Club.
“We’re making it easier than ever for members to shop when it’s convenient for them with a longer period to qualify. We’re proud to be able to take care of our families during this special time of year.”
Food Lion
Food Lion is offering a special promotion designed to help customers save money for the holiday season. Through Nov. 26, customers who shop six times during this promotional period can earn $20 in savings.
“At Food Lion, we listen to our customers, and we are committed to making shopping easy and affordable every day, including the holidays,” said Jennifer Blanchard, director of community relations.
“With this offer, we give our customers the opportunity to stock up on their favorite groceries and score savings. Whether our neighbors are shopping for everyday essentials or festive treats, this promotion is available online and in-store.”
Through its MVP customer loyalty program, Food Lion helps customers’ budgets go further with HotSale! deals and Priced Low Every Day items each week. In addition to the savings, the omnichannel retailer makes earning and redeeming the $20 coupon simple for customers:
- Shop six times between Oct. 16 and Nov. 26 with a personal MVP customer loyalty card;
- Spend at least $50 on each shopping trip;
- Receive a $20 Food Lion coupon at the bottom of the receipt after the sixth qualifying trip; and
- Redeem the $20 coupon during the next shopping trip using a personal MVP card. Coupons are valid for two weeks from the date of issue.
Promotional progress is tracked at the bottom of each receipt. For purchases to qualify for the promotion, customers must use their personal MVP savings card. The Food Lion MVP savings card allows customers to take advantage of lower prices available throughout the store or online when shopping through Food Lion To Go. Customers without an MVP card can enroll for free in stores or online.
The Giant Company
To help its customers get Thanksgiving dinner on the table for less this year, The Giant Co. has introduced a new value meal complete with turkey and sides for six people, for under $20. Through Nov. 28, members of Giant Choice Rewards can redeem 400 Choice points for a free turkey and round out their meal by shopping Extended Bonus Buys for items like vegetables, gravy and stuffing.
“Our customers count on us to help them provide the best meals at the best value for their families and friends throughout the year, and Thanksgiving is no exception,” said John MacDonald, VP of marketing, The Giant Co. “With our new Thanksgiving offering, our customers can put the whole meal, from the main dish to their favorite sides, on the table for less than $20.”
The following items are included in the Thanksgiving value meal, which is available both in-store and for pickup:
- Free turkey – 400 Choice Points;
- Stove top stuffing, 6-ounce – $2;
- Heinz Gravy, 12-ounce jar – $2.50;
- Own Brand Brown and Serve Rolls, 12-count – $2.50/ea;
- Own Brand Sides – 2 (mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese; any combination), 24-ounce package – $2.99/ea;
- Own Brand canned vegetable (assorted flavors), 14.5-ounce can – 5/$3;
- Own Brand Cranberry Sauce, 14-ounce can – $1/ea; and
- Sweet Potato – $0.69/lb.
Hy-Vee
This Thanksgiving season, Hy-Vee is offering special meal deals as well as prepared meals that are budget friendly and convenient. These options will meet the needs of any family gathering, whether it is a dinner for two or a family buffet for 20. New this year, Hy-Vee is also offering a gluten-free meal deal with ingredients for $50.
This year, Thanksgiving meal options at Hy-Vee include:
- Meal Deals: Meal packages start at $30 and feed up to six people and include a whole turkey or turkey breast. All meal packages also include a dessert.
- Gluten-Free: A new option this year, this meal deal offers the same traditional ingredients but with gluten-free options and is available for $50.
- Prepared Holiday Meal Kits: Hy-Vee will offer its holiday meal kits once again, available for a party of two to 20. They include a choice of protein with sides that come prepared and require reheating. Customers can place orders by calling their local Hy-Vee store or ordering online. Customers who purchase the prepared holiday meals will be able to schedule a time to pick up their order in-store prior to the Thanksgiving holiday or via curbside pickup at Hy-Vee grocery stores the morning of Thanksgiving Day.
“Thanksgiving is another opportunity for Hy-Vee to help customers save time and money, and these meal options will do just that while allowing customers to spend more time with friends and family,” said Anna Stoermer, EVP and chief retail officer. “We know the holidays can be a busy time and that no two celebrations look the same, so whatever Thanksgiving looks like for you, Hy-Vee has you covered.”
In addition to the Thanksgiving meal options, Hy-Vee is running its “Buy a ham, get a turkey free” promotion throughout November at all Hy-Vee locations. All Hy-Vee stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day; however, pre-ordered meal kits can be picked up between 8-11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
[RELATED: Time For Independent Grocers, Their Communities To Give Thanks For Each Other]
Target
Target is bringing back its Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey, stuffing and five additional side dishes for $5 less than last year. The $20 Thanksgiving meal includes everything consumers need for a traditional Thanksgiving feast that serves four, which can easily be doubled to serve eight:
- Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (Frozen) – up to 10 lb.;
- Good & Gather Russet Potatoes – 5 lb.;
- Del Monte Cut Green Beans – 14.5-ounce;
- Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – 10.5-ounce;
- Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce – 14-ounce;
- Stove Top Turkey Stuffing Mix – 6-ounce; and
- Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy – 12-ounce.
Thanksgiving Eve is one of the most popular pizza days of the year as families prep for the holiday, so Target is also offering members of the Target Circle 360 paid program a free frozen pizza with a same-day delivery order Nov. 13-16.
“When it comes to our goal of celebrating food and beverage, big events like Thanksgiving – and smaller moments throughout the holiday season – are where Target shines the brightest,” said Rick Gomez, EVP and chief commercial officer.
“From lowering the price of our Thanksgiving dinner menu to just $20, to a range of hosting and gifting options and special Target Circle 360 offerings, we’re serving up the kind of exceptional quality and value that sets Target apart.”
Earlier this month, Target announced price reductions on more than 2,000 items, ideal for families prepping their home for holiday entertaining. Consumers will find reduced prices on everyday items needed for the holiday.
Walmart
As food prices remain top of mind, Walmart is bringing back its inflation-free Thanksgiving meal through Dec. 24 at a lower price than last year to help customers save without compromising quality.
“Some of the holiday’s most special moments take place around the dinner table. At Walmart, we are committed to offering customers even deeper savings on top of our every day low prices for all their mealtime needs,” said John Laney, EVP of food, Walmart U.S.
“And with more opportunities to gift a meal and give back to those in need, we’re helping customers spread holiday cheer to their loved ones and their local communities.”
Walmart is also offering customers the opportunity to gift a meal directly to loved ones anywhere in the country and, new this year, the ability to donate an entire meal to their local Salvation Army unit. Additionally, customers can also donate to the Salvation Army Red Kettles or buy gifts for children in need through the Angel Tree program.
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