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 stocking 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, 89 percent of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with an anticipated celebration size of nine people. Consumers who plan to celebrate are most looking forward to spending time with family, followed by the food and relaxing.
While inflation remains top of mind, consumers are committed to celebrating Thanksgiving, with only 28 percent of consumers expecting inflation to cause them to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year. To control costs, 21 percent plan to ask guests to bring part of the meal. Other ways to save include making changes to side dishes (15 percent), non-food items such as paper goods or décor (14 percent) and desserts (12 percent).
And as always, turkey reigns, with 84 percent of hosts planning to serve turkey this year and the overwhelming majority (72 percent) planning to roast their turkeys. Turkey also remains the favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal (47 percent), followed by stuffing (41 percent), pie (29 percent) and potatoes (with white potatoes and sweet potatoes tied at 26 percent).
However, as consumers navigate potential supply chain challenges and inflationary pressures this holiday season, retailers are 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 continuing its tradition of offering a Thanksgiving feast with lower prices than last year. For $40, shoppers can build a full spread for 10 people with popular Thanksgiving items, such as the turkey and ingredients with nine sides.
“The Aldi commitment to low prices is unwavering, and I am thrilled that we are able to offer an even more affordable holiday meal than last year,” said Aldi U.S. CEO Atty McGrath. “Saving our shoppers money is our mission every day – but is especially important during the holidays when they need it most.”
Items that are part of the meal are purchased individually and marked on shelf. No coupons or memberships needed.
The savings come at a time when recent consumer price reports show staples like fruits, vegetables and meats are more expensive than last year, contributing to higher grocery prices overall.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s is bringing back its free turkey promotion for 2025. Members who spend $150 or more in a single transaction in-club, through the BJ’s mobile app or on BJs.com from Nov. 1-10 will qualify for a free fresh or frozen Butterball turkey.
Beginning Nov. 15, members can access their free turkey coupon in the app or their account. Free turkeys can be claimed online or in-club by Nov. 26. The free turkey coupon has a maximum value of $25, excludes organic turkeys and is available while supplies last.
“We know our members look forward to our free turkey giveaway each year,” said Dave Rajkovich, SVP of perishables, BJ’s Wholesale Club.
“BJ’s savings of up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day, combined with a free turkey, delivers unbeatable holiday value and convenience to the families who depend on us. We’re honored to be part of their celebrations.”
Food Lion
Food Lion is providing customers with its “MVP Fall Haul,” a seasonal offering designed to provide fresh products at affordable prices and help families prepare for gatherings.
Through Nov. 26, customers who complete the below checklist will qualify for the $20 off coupon:
- Shop six times between Oct. 15 and Nov. 26 with a personal MVP 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;
- Receive the coupon via email if shopping online 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 automatically tracked in each customer’s online account and printed at the bottom of every receipt. For purchases to qualify for the promotion, customers must use their personal MVP savings card.
The Giant Company
Customers who shop with their Giant or Martin’s card can redeem CHOICE points toward a free turkey. CHOICE points are earned for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases and through weekly promotions, in-store or online. Customers may also choose to substitute their free turkey for a free Stouffer’s party-size entree or tofurky or save $1 per pound on all other turkeys, turkey breast, store brand ham portions and local boneless hams.
Beginning Dec. 1, customers who shop with their Giant or Martin’s card can redeem CHOICE points for a free ham. Customers may also choose to substitute their free ham for a free spiral sliced half ham, tofurky, a Stouffer’s party-size entree, a turkey or save $1 per pound on any other ham up to 20 pounds.
Giant Food
Giant Food, in partnership with the D.C. United Foundation, will give away 1,000 holiday meal kits to furloughed federal workers and those impacted by SNAP changes in an effort to help their families enjoy soul-warming dinners this holiday season. Each holiday meal kit will include a turkey breast, Giant Food gift card, fresh produce and non-perishable sides, as well as a chef-created spice blend.
Federal workers and SNAP recipients who would like to receive a holiday meal kit will be able to reserve one beginning Nov. 7 through this sign-up form. Once the reservation is confirmed, workers will be able to pick up the turkeys in person on Nov. 25 at the Giant Food at 1400 Seventh St. NW.
In addition, Giant Food will also provide 7,800 whole turkeys, 7,500 turkey breasts and 4,000 pumpkin pies to those in need in the region, supporting the efforts of all five major Feeding America Food Banks (Capital Area Food Bank, Maryland Food Bank, Food Bank of Delaware, Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank), and 50 grass root organizations. Giant Food will also distribute $25,000 in Giant Food gift cards to first responders and veterans.
Hy-Vee
The Midwest-based grocer is offering shoppers a $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal, featuring traditional ingredients needed to prepare a meal for the best value. Meal packages start at $30 and feed up to six people, including a whole turkey or turkey breast as well as dessert.
The promotion runs through Nov. 26. A gluten-free meal deal is also available for $50.
New this year, Hy-Vee is also providing a delivery option for the Hy-Vee Prepared Holiday Meal Packs. This option is available for a party of two-12 and includes a choice of protein with sides that come prepared and only require reheating. Customers can start placing orders online or through their local Hy-Vee store. Customers who purchase the prepared holiday meal packs can schedule a delivery time until Nov. 26 or schedule a pickup time at their local Hy-Vee store. All Hy-Vee stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day; however, pre-ordered meal packs can be picked up at the store between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Also new this year, customers will be able to order either the Hy-Vee prepared holiday meal packs or the $30 Thanksgiving Meal Deal in the same online basket as their other grocery items online.
“At Hy-Vee, we want 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 merchandising and retail officer at Hy-Vee.
“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 will be running its popular “Buy a ham, get a turkey free” promotion throughout November at all locations.
Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers has launched its “Even More Affordable Prices!” campaign. Organica Girl, Natural Grocers’ mascot, is highlighting discounts on more than 500 natural and organic essential products through Dec. 31.
“Our hero, Organica Girl, is here to help shoppers navigate the aisles with super-powered savings, even when budgets are tight,” said Raquel Isely, VP of marketing at Natural Grocers.
“Superhero wordplay aside, our commitment to Always Affordable Pricing, one of Natural Grocers’ Five Founding Principles is at the heart of this campaign. From wholesome staples like eggs and avocados to household favorites like Wildwood Organic Tofu and Thousand Hills Ground Beef, customers can stock up on the products they love – without compromising choice or quality.”
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is launching the 2025 Member’s Mark Thanksgiving Feast, a chef-inspired, member-designed meal that delivers high-quality ingredients with little preparation.
Serving 10 people and ready to enjoy in under two hours for under $100, the 2025 feast reflects Sam’s Club’s commitment to member-inspired innovation and culinary quality. Built on insights from more than 50,000 Member’s Mark Community participants, the nine-item feast adds variety and upgraded favorites without increasing the price.
“This year’s Thanksgiving feast was designed by and for our members. We looked at thousands of data points and member comments, and the message was clear: our members wanted more variety, more freshness and the same incredible value. Every new dish and change came from their voices,” said Suzanne Jervis, senior director of consumer and sensory insights at Sam’s Club.
The meal addresses one of the top holiday challenges shared by members – too much time spent in the kitchen. This year, 97 percent of members responding to a survey said they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, but 64 percent identified cooking and preparation as their biggest challenge.
In response, the Member’s Mark Community team hosted sensory tasting events, collected candid feedback and refined each recipe for taste, texture and ease. The fully pre-cooked feast allows hosts to enjoy more of the holiday while serving a complete meal that feels homemade and meaningful.
Schnucks Markets
Schnuck Markets has shared its commitment to helping families stretch their food dollars by offering the lowest price on frozen Schnucks-brand turkeys in at least 15 years. Reacting to customer preference of shopping and planning earlier for their holiday festivities, this offer begins Nov. 5, one week earlier than Schnucks’ special Thanksgiving pricing has gone live in prior years. This offer ensures shoppers can secure the centerpiece for their Thanksgiving table at a historically low price. (Limited to one turkey with additional $25 purchase; customers can visit schnucks.com/weekly-ad for exact pricing in their area.)
Effective November 1, Schnucks debuted an enhanced selection of catering trays, expanding the number of options available.
The grocer’s expanded assortment of entrees now includes: Garlic Chicken over Linguine, Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Marinara, Mostaccioli with Meat Sauce, Beef Tips with Mushroom Sauce, Chicken Enchiladas, Meatloaf with Brown Gravy, Prime Rib Au Jus, and Grilled Salmon with Lemon Sauce.
Newly introduced sides include Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes, Rice, Garden Salad, Craisin Walnut Salad, and Chef Salad, while Charcuterie Platters and Cobblers and Pudding round out the new offerings. Schnucks will continue to offer classic favorites Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken, Pulled Pork, Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese.
Serving eight to 12 people per tray, these made-to-order options are available at all stores with 72 hours advance notice by phone or in person at the deli counter.
Stop & Shop
Through its annual Turkey Express program, the grocer will donate more than 20,000 turkeys and turkey breasts – totaling more than 250,000 pounds – to food banks and community partners across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.
For the first time, Stop & Shop is giving its nonprofit partners the option to select from whole frozen turkeys, frozen turkey breasts, pre-cooked, pre-sliced turkey breasts and Stop & Shop gift cards.
“This year, we’re proud to expand upon our signature holiday giving program by offering more options to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. Every family deserves to celebrate Thanksgiving in a way that works for them,” said Roger Wheeler, president of Stop & Shop.
“We’re also grateful for the continuous support of Shady Brook Farms as their generous donations remain essential to our efforts.”
Additionally through Nov. 26, shoppers can round up or donate $1, $3, or $5 at checkout, with 100 percent of proceeds going to regional food banks to meet increased holiday needs.
Stop & Shop will match any competitor’s advertised turkey prices when shoppers bring in their ad. With a wide variety of frozen and fresh turkeys now available in stores, including Shady Brook Farms, Butterball, Nature’s Promise, Nature’s Promise Organic, Nature’s Promise Brined, Bell & Evans and Empire Kosher Poultry.
For those not planning to cook, Stop & Shop is offering a limited time only prepared Thanksgiving plate. The prepackaged 12-ounce meal includes turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and corn for $7.99 while supplies last.
Shoppers can save more with $5 off any combination of four Reser’s Holiday Sides including sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, homestyle stuffing or green bean casserole, and Stop & Shop everyday bakery pie including seasonal fan favorites pumpkin, sweet potato, apple and apple crumb. This deal goes from Nov. 7-Jan. 1.
Customers who check in at the Savings Station Kiosk between Nov. 14-20 will also receive one free liter of Stop & Shop Seltzer Water of any flavor.
Target
Target is bringing back its “Holiday Meal for Four,” priced lower than last year’s promotion.
Included in Target’s under-$20 meal for four is Good & Gather Premium Basted Young Turkey (Frozen, up to 10 lb.), Good & Gather Russet Potatoes (5 lb. bag), Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce (14 oz.), Stove Top Stuffing Mix (6 oz.), Heinz Home Style Roasted Turkey Gravy (12 oz.), Favorite Day Soft French Bread and Good & Gather Frozen Corn.
As Target customers prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, they can also take advantage of the retailer’s flexible fulfillment services for quicker options, including same day delivery, drive up and order pickup available within hours, as well as next-day delivery or two-day shipping for free with orders above $35.
Walmart
Walmart is providing shoppers its annual Thanksgiving meal basket, offering more than 20 national and private label brand items as a one-click basket serving 10 people for less than $40. It is also offering free express delivery on the meal basket for first-time pickup and delivery customers.
“We know every dollar and minute counts – which is why we are offering a low priced, one-click Thanksgiving Meal Basket featuring iconic brands like Butterball and Stove Top alongside trusted Walmart private brand items,” said John Furner, president and CEO.
“We want every family to be able to share a meal and celebrate without compromising on quality, quantity or tradition.”
Walmart is also expanding with new one-click meal baskets inspired by customer feedback:
- Gluten-free Thanksgiving meal – A complete meal with all main dishes, sides and desserts gluten free;
- Balanced Thanksgiving swaps – A twist on tradition, featuring high-protein swaps like Goodles Mac & Cheese and cauliflower mashed potatoes; and
- Prime Rib meal basket — includes Choice Angus beef, salad, potatoes and wine.
Customers can pick up their meal basket in stores, or have it delivered in as fast as one hour.