You’ve probably seen the grainy photos of the "old days." People camping in tents outside the garden center, shivering under wool blankets, waiting for a 3 a.m. doorbuster. Honestly, that version of Black Friday is mostly a ghost now. If you're wondering what time Walmart open in Black Friday these days, the answer is a lot more standardized than it used to be. But there's a catch.
In 2025 and looking toward 2026, Walmart has settled into a very specific rhythm. They aren't doing the midnight madness anymore. They aren't even doing the Thanksgiving Day "Grey Thursday" openings that became a huge trend a decade ago.
The Official Opening Time
Basically, Walmart stores open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday. This has become the "new normal" for the retail giant. Whether you are in a small town in Ohio or a massive suburb in Texas, the 6 a.m. rule is the standard. It’s early enough to feel like a "rush," but late enough that the associates actually got to sleep in a little after their holiday meal.
Wait, back up. What about Thanksgiving?
Since 2020, Walmart has kept its doors shut tight on Thanksgiving Day. They’ve officially killed the tradition of shopping for a TV while your turkey is still digesting. CEO John Furner has been pretty vocal about this—he wants the staff at home with their families. This means if you run out of cranberry sauce on Thursday afternoon, you’re out of luck at Walmart. You’ll have to wait until Friday morning at 6.
Why 6 a.m. is the Sweet Spot
Retailers realized that opening at 10 p.m. on Thursday or 2 a.m. on Friday was just... exhausting. For everyone. By shifting to 6 a.m., Walmart aligns with other big players like Target. It creates a more "civilized" shopping experience, though "civilized" is a relative term when there’s a 65-inch Vizio for $300 on the line.
The interesting thing about the 6 a.m. opening is how it interacts with the Walmart app. In 2025, we saw nearly 10 million people using the app while they were inside the store. They weren't just checking prices; they were using the store map to find where the "Special Buy" pallets were hidden. If you show up at 6 a.m. without the app, you’re basically flying blind.
Online vs. In-Store: The Real Start Times
If you wait until 6 a.m. on Friday to start your shopping, you've already missed the first wave. Seriously.
Walmart doesn't treat Black Friday as a single day anymore. It’s more like a month-long siege. They typically break their sales into "Events."
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- Event 1: Usually hits mid-November (around the 14th).
- Event 2: This is the "Main Event."
For the big Black Friday week, the deals usually go live online on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving at 12 a.m. ET. But there is a VIP tier. If you have a Walmart+ membership, you get "Early Access." This usually starts on the Monday before Thanksgiving at 7 p.m. ET.
Think about that for a second. The "Black Friday" deals are often half-sold by the time the physical doors actually open on Friday morning.
The "Store-as-Warehouse" Factor
Walmart has been leaning hard into its "Store-as-Warehouse" strategy. They use their 4,600+ locations as shipping hubs. This is why you’ll see workers in blue vests sprinting through the aisles with carts full of online orders at 6:15 a.m. while you’re trying to find the toy section.
In 2025, Walmart managed to deliver 57% more orders directly from stores than the year before. Some people in Utah actually got their orders delivered in 10 minutes. That’s faster than it would take you to find a parking spot at the store.
How to Handle the Friday Morning Rush
If you are a traditionalist and want to be there when the doors slide open, you need a plan. Don't just show up at 5:55 a.m. and expect a front-row seat.
- Check the Map: The Walmart app usually updates with a "Black Friday Map" for your specific local store. It shows exactly where the high-demand electronics and home goods are staged.
- The "Under $20" Strategy: Walmart has been aggressive with stocking thousands of items under $20. These are usually in the "Action Alley" (those wide main walkways).
- Local Variations: While 6 a.m. is the company-wide goal, some locations in high-density areas or regions with specific labor laws might vary. Use the "Store Finder" on their website 24 hours before you head out.
Honestly, the "doorbuster" as we knew it is dying. Most people are buying the heavy stuff—TVs, Dyson vacuums, Apple AirPods—online and choosing "Curbside Pickup."
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Common Misconceptions About Walmart's Hours
A lot of people still think Walmart is 24/7. It isn't. The pandemic ended that era for good. Most stores close at 11 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. regardless of whether it’s a holiday or not.
Another weird myth? That the "best" deals are only held for in-store shoppers. Actually, Walmart often has "Online Only" specials that never touch a physical shelf. If you see a 98-inch TV for a crazy low price in the ad, check the fine print. It might be a "Ship to Home" exclusive.
Actionable Steps for Your Shopping Trip
- Download the app on Wednesday: Don't wait until you're in the parking lot with bad cell service. Log in and save your payment info.
- Join Walmart+ for one month: If you're hunting for a PlayStation 5 or a specific high-end laptop, the 7 p.m. Monday early access is basically a requirement. It’s very hard to get those items on Friday morning.
- Arrive at 5:30 a.m.: If you want to be in the first wave, a 30-minute head start is usually plenty. The days of 12-hour lines are mostly over.
- Prioritize Electronics first: Home goods like the Blackstone griddles or Pioneer Woman sets usually have more stock. The Apple products and gaming consoles vanish in the first 20 minutes.
- Check the "Hidden" Clearance: Often, the "Event" items that didn't sell are moved to the regular clearance aisle by Sunday. If you missed out on Friday, check back 48 hours later.
The reality is that Black Friday has transformed from a sprint into a marathon. Knowing what time Walmart open in Black Friday is just the first step. The real "pros" have finished half their shopping before they even set foot in the store. Be prepared, stay focused on your list, and don't forget to grab a coffee before that 6 a.m. bell rings.