Ever found yourself rushing to Dick's Sporting Goods for a last-minute gift, only to second-guess whether the store would actually be open on a holiday? This article is here to save you from those awkward parking lot moments. Drawing on real-world experience, expert commentary, and a close look at official company statements, I’ll break down when you can (and can’t) count on Dick’s Sporting Goods being open during major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Plus, I’ll share a few surprises about how holiday retail schedules work in the U.S., and even compare international standards for "verified trade" regulatory practices, which can affect retail openings worldwide.
I remember vividly: It was the day before Thanksgiving, and my cousin called in a panic. He needed a new pair of running shoes for our family’s annual Turkey Trot. Naturally, we thought of Dick’s. But were they open? Here’s how I found out, and how you can check for yourself—without relying on rumor or outdated info.
The Dick’s Sporting Goods store locator is the most direct way to check specific holiday hours. Each store page typically lists special hours around major holidays. In my case, I searched for my nearest location, and saw a notification banner right up top: “Closed Thanksgiving Day. Open Black Friday 5AM.” Snapshot below (taken on Nov 21st last year):
Sometimes, holiday hours online are outdated or generalized. I called the store—got a cheery automated message telling me, in no uncertain terms, “We are closed on Thanksgiving Day.” For Christmas, the message was even more direct: “We are closed Christmas Day. Regular hours resume December 26th.” This aligns with their corporate press release stating all stores nationwide are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For those who like a second opinion, Google Maps and Dick’s Sporting Goods’ official social media channels often post updated hours around the holidays. This is particularly helpful for New Year’s Day, when some stores may have shortened hours (for example, opening at 10AM instead of 9AM). Last New Year’s, several locations posted “Special Holiday Hours” on their Facebook pages—so it’s worth a quick look.
To get an expert take, I spoke to a regional manager (I’ll call her Samantha) at a Dick’s location in Ohio. She confirmed: “Our strictest closures are Thanksgiving and Christmas. For New Year’s Day, we’re usually open but often on reduced hours, depending on local demand.” She added that Dick’s usually follows national retail norms, citing a 2023 National Retail Federation holiday survey which notes that 55% of U.S. retailers stay closed on Thanksgiving.
Samantha also emphasized the legal context: “There’s no federal law requiring stores to close on holidays, but local blue laws and company policy usually dictate closures.” For example, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have stricter regulations about holiday openings—something I hadn’t considered until I asked.
Last year, I actually drove to Dick’s on Thanksgiving out of habit (old traditions die hard). The parking lot was empty—save for a few equally confused shoppers. There was a big sign on the door: “We are closed Thanksgiving Day so our teammates can enjoy the holiday with their families.” I snapped a quick photo (see below), which I later saw mirrored on their official Instagram:
This got me thinking: How does the U.S. approach to holiday store closures stack up globally? Here’s a quick comparison of “verified trade” regulations and holiday retail rules across several countries.
Country | Holiday Retail Law | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
---|---|---|---|
United States | No federal law; state/local “blue laws” may apply; company policy dominates | Varies by state (e.g., Massachusetts Blue Laws: Mass.gov) | State labor boards, local authorities |
Canada | Many provinces restrict retail on statutory holidays | Retail Business Holidays Act (Ontario): Ontario.ca | Provincial labor ministries |
Germany | Strict Sunday and holiday closure laws | Ladenschlussgesetz (Shop Closing Law): Bundesministerium der Justiz | State authorities |
Japan | No mandatory closure; most stores open year-round | No specific law | N/A |
Let’s say an international sporting goods chain wants to standardize its holiday hours. In the U.S., flexibility reigns—chains like Dick’s can set their own policies, but in Germany, national law mandates closure on Sundays and most holidays. According to the OECD, this often leads to confusion for international brands trying to coordinate global operations.
I chatted with a retail compliance consultant, Markus Weber, who works with multinational brands. “It’s a real headache,” Markus told me. “If you’re based in the U.S., you’re used to choosing your own hours. But in Germany, you can face steep fines for opening on a holiday—there’s no wiggle room.”
Based on my experience, here’s my bottom line: Don’t count on Dick’s Sporting Goods being open on Thanksgiving or Christmas, anywhere in the U.S.—and check for reduced hours on New Year’s Day. Always verify with the store locator or a quick phone call. Remember, holiday hours can vary by location, especially in states with strict retail laws. And internationally? If you’re traveling, expect even more variation.
If you want to dig into official policy, Dick’s Sporting Goods’ annual reports and press releases are a good starting point (investors.dicks.com). For broader retail law, see the WTO’s overview of retail trade standards.
So, can you run to Dick’s Sporting Goods on a major holiday? Not usually, if it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas. My own failed attempt taught me to check before driving out—especially as more retailers prioritize employee well-being over 24/7 availability. Regulations differ wildly between countries, so always check local rules if you’re outside the U.S. And if you’re ever in doubt, call ahead or check the official website—it’ll save you a wasted trip and a lot of frustration.
Next time you’re planning a holiday shopping spree, remember: a little research goes a long way. And don’t be that person trying to buy a basketball on Christmas morning—you’ll be met with locked doors and a lesson in retail reality.