Ciudad de México – With the festive season fast approaching, major retail chains have announced their holiday hours for Christmas 2024. Walmart is leading the charge, advising customers to prepare for their shopping plans accordingly. According to Walmart Mexico, the operating hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have been confirmed.
On December 24th, also known as Nochebuena, Walmart will operate from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing ample time for last-minute holiday shopping. The chain emphasizes the importance of these adjusted hours saying, "Las tiendas Walmart publicaron recientemente cuáles serán sus horarios de atención durante estas fechas decembrinas, para que, de este modo, las personas estén listas ante cualquier eventualidad," which translates to, "Walmart stores recently published their hours of operation during these December dates so people can be prepared for any eventuality." This change gives customers more time to gather their holiday essentials before the celebrations begin.
For Christmas Day, December 25th, Walmart will run with reduced hours, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Shoppers are encouraged to check specific store schedules, as some locations may differ based on their operating capacity. Reports state, "El 25 de diciembre, las sucursales funcionarán con un horario reducido, de 10:00 AM a 8:00 PM," or "On December 25th, branches will operate with reduced hours, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM." This is quite common among retailers during the holiday season as they perform adjustments to cater to the customer flow.
Other major supermarket chains are similarly adapting their hours. For example, Costco will close its doors on Christmas Day and will cease operations earlier on Christmas Eve, closing at 5:00 PM. This is part of their strategy to manage shopping crowds during the busy season effectively. Many shoppers might find themselves asking, "¿Costco abre el 25 de diciembre?" (Does Costco open on December 25?). The answer is no, as they will be closed for the holiday.
Chedraui and Soriana are also making adjustments. Chedraui will be open on December 24th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Christmas Day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, similar to Soriana’s hours of operation on both days. Sam’s Club is taking it slightly differently, as it will close at 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve and operate on the 25th from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Despite these major shifts, stores such as Tiendas Neto will maintain their standard operating hours of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both significant dates. This provides customers with additional options for Christmas shopping. It’s important to note, as urged by the companies, "Durante estas fechas, se sugiere acudir temprano para evitar las aglomeraciones," meaning "During these dates, it is advised to arrive early to avoid crowds." Retailers are accustomed to the last-minute rush for Christmas fare and recommend strategic planning for shopping needs to prevent inconveniences.
The ubiquitous Oxxo stores stand out during this time of year since many remain open 24/7, offering another shopping alternative for those needing last-minute groceries or essentials on Christmas Day. They may not offer the vast product variety like their larger counterparts, but their extended hours can be convenient for quick stops.
With Christmas just around the corner, the preparation by companies like Walmart, Costco, and others shows their commitment to serving the public during this high-demand time. With extended hours and adjusted schedules, these retailers hope to facilitate smoother shopping experiences for everyone, especially as families prep for festive feasts.
For those still fine-tuning their Christmas dinners or late Christmas gifts, knowing the modified hours of operation is invaluable. Make sure to visit the stores early, check their local schedules, and prepare for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!
