Woodlands Conroe Thanksgiving Black Friday Hours

**The Woodlands & Conroe Gear Up for Thanksgiving Quiet, Black Friday Frenzy: Your 2023 Shopping Guide**

The Woodlands and Conroe area is preparing for a distinct shift in shopping habits this Thanksgiving week. While most major retailers will observe Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd, with closures to give employees a well-deserved break, Black Friday, November 24th, will see stores opening their doors bright and early for the traditional holiday shopping rush.

**Thanksgiving Day: A Day for Family (Mostly)**

For those planning to hit the stores on Thanksgiving Day itself, be aware that many big-name retailers are opting to stay shut. This growing national trend prioritizes employee well-being, meaning you won’t be able to shop at **Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, JCPenney**, or even **The Woodlands Mall** (located at 25000 Interstate 45 N) on Thursday, November 23rd. These establishments will remain closed.

However, if you find yourself in need of last-minute groceries, forgotten ingredients for your holiday feast, or essential pharmacy items, several key spots will be open, albeit with reduced hours:

* **H-E-B** stores, including those at 28680 N. Highway 249, 1404 N. Loop 336 in Conroe, and 1201 Lake Woodlands Drive and 9595 Six Pines Drive in The Woodlands, will be open until **2 p.m.**
* **Kroger** locations will serve customers until **5 p.m.**
* **Randalls** will be open until **3 p.m.**
* **Whole Foods Market** will also close its doors at **3 p.m.**
* **Pharmacies** like CVS and Walgreens will generally be open, though their pharmacy counters might operate under reduced holiday hours. It’s always advisable to call ahead to confirm specific times for your local branch.

For immediate needs and everyday essentials, convenience stores are largely business as usual. You’ll find **7-Eleven, Buc-ee’s, Circle K, Speedy Stop, RaceTrac, and Valero** all operating normally. Many **Starbucks and Dunkin’** locations will also be serving coffee, and discount retailers like **Dollar Tree and Family Dollar** will be open.

If you’re looking for entertainment or a meal out, most restaurants and movie theaters will be operating on Thanksgiving Day. However, it’s highly recommended to check individual restaurant websites or call ahead for holiday hours and to make reservations, as many popular spots will have special menus or limited seating.

**Black Friday: The Shopping Frenzy Begins**

The landscape shifts dramatically for Black Friday, November 24th, as retailers across The Woodlands and Conroe area swing their doors open early to kick off the official holiday shopping season.

The **Woodlands Mall** (25000 Interstate 45 N) is set to begin its shopping frenzy at **6 a.m.**, offering early access to deals from a wide array of brands. Similarly, the **Outlets at Conroe** (1111 League Line Rd) will welcome early bird shoppers starting at **6 a.m.**

While many retailers keep their exact Black Friday doorbuster times under wraps until closer to the date, shoppers can generally expect major stores like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney to open between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., ready to unveil significant discounts on electronics, apparel, home goods, and more. It’s advisable to check the specific websites of your favorite stores for their confirmed Black Friday opening hours and sale previews.

**Planning Your Shopping Strategy**

With differing schedules, planning is key for a smooth holiday shopping experience:

* **Shop Ahead for Thanksgiving:** For your Thanksgiving meal ingredients, consider doing your main grocery shopping on Wednesday, November 22nd, to avoid the limited hours and potential crowds on Thanksgiving Day.
* **Verify Hours:** Always check the specific store websites or call ahead for the most accurate and up-to-date hours, especially for smaller businesses or specific departments within larger stores.
* **Expect Crowds & Traffic:** Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially around The Woodlands Mall, Portofino Shopping Center, and other major retail corridors, as well as crowded parking lots.
* **Consider Online:** For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, most retailers will be offering their Black Friday deals online, often starting even before Friday itself.
* **Support Local:** Don’t forget that Small Business Saturday follows Black Friday on November 25th. Many local boutiques and shops in The Woodlands and Conroe offer unique gifts and personalized service.

Whether you’re stocking up for the big feast or hunting for the season’s best deals, knowing the local store hours will help ensure your Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday shopping are as stress-free as possible. Happy holidays and happy shopping!