On Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2025, IKEA will close all 52 of its U.S. stores, pausing operations for a total of 48 hours. This move, which includes halting warehouse, delivery, and customer service functions, continues IKEA’s established holiday closure policy and places the company among more than 40 major American retailers—such as Target, Walmart, and Costco—that have adopted similar practices since the pandemic. The widespread shift toward holiday closures marks a significant cultural change in U.S. retail, challenging the once-dominant trend of Black Friday sales encroaching on family holidays.
A Decade of Holiday Retail Shifts
Throughout the 2010s, American retailers increasingly opened their doors on Thanksgiving, seeking to capture early Black Friday shoppers. Some chains began welcoming customers as early as 5 p.m. on the holiday, turning what was traditionally family time into a commercial event. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced a dramatic reversal. Health concerns and social distancing mandates led to widespread closures, prompting retailers to reconsider their priorities. IKEA’s decision to close for both Thanksgiving and Christmas reflects this broader reevaluation, signaling a new era in which work-life balance and employee well-being are prioritized over relentless sales.
Economic Impact and Employee Focus
IKEA’s holiday closures are not without financial consequence. With full-size stores averaging 300,000 square feet, the company will shutter approximately 15.6 million square feet of retail space during two of the year’s busiest shopping days. Based on fiscal year 2024 sales of $5.5 billion, the closures represent an estimated $15 million in daily lost revenue. Yet, for IKEA’s over 16,000 U.S. employees, the closures guarantee uninterrupted time with family. This approach underscores IKEA’s commitment to work-life balance—a value deeply rooted in its Scandinavian heritage.
Scandinavian Values Meet American Retail
IKEA’s policy draws inspiration from its Swedish roots, where strong labor protections and respect for holidays are the norm. In Sweden and much of Europe, retail stores routinely close on major holidays, prioritizing employee rest over profit. Swedish labor regulations provide workers with extensive vacation rights and protections for holidays, reflecting a cultural emphasis on work-life balance. By importing these values to the U.S., IKEA stands out in a retail landscape historically defined by 24/7 consumerism. This cultural exchange raises questions about the future of American retail, as more companies weigh the benefits of humane labor practices against the pressures of constant availability.
Global Comparisons and Industry Trends
Globally, the U.S. has been an outlier in its aggressive holiday retail culture. In countries like Germany and France, strict regulations keep stores closed on major holidays, reflecting a societal consensus that some days should be reserved for rest and family. The pandemic accelerated a shift in the U.S., with worker advocacy and public health concerns prompting companies to rethink their approach. Target CEO Brian Cornell announced in 2021 that the company would permanently close on Thanksgiving, emphasizing that the decision reflected lessons learned during the pandemic about prioritizing team member well-being. The coordinated closures of major chains reflect an organic, worker-driven change rather than corporate collusion.
Consumer Behavior and the Future of Shopping
For shoppers, the closures mean adjusting long-standing habits. IKEA stores nationwide will be closed on these two days, requiring customers to plan ahead or turn to online alternatives. While some consumers may find the closures inconvenient, others see them as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the holidays. Experts suggest that these mandated pauses could encourage more mindful consumption and reduce the stress and impulsivity often associated with holiday shopping.
Looking Ahead: Redefining Retail Priorities
IKEA’s decision to close on Thanksgiving and Christmas is emblematic of a broader transformation in American retail. By sacrificing short-term profits for employee well-being and long-term brand loyalty, the company is helping to redefine what it means to be a responsible retailer. This shift may inspire further innovation in how retailers balance operational demands with ethical considerations, potentially leading to more sustainable and humane business models. As the industry continues to evolve, the stakes are clear: the future of retail will be shaped not just by what is sold, but by the values that guide how business is done.
