Last-Minute Thanksgiving Grocery Rush Sends Southeast Wisconsin Shoppers Searching for the Best Prices
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — Families across southeast Wisconsin packed grocery stores on Wednesday in a final push to secure turkeys, potatoes, stuffing and other staples before Thanksgiving — all while navigating noticeably higher food prices reported nationwide. The holiday rush, paired with fresh snowfall in some areas, created a busy but manageable scene for shoppers trying to stretch their grocery budgets.
Wisconsin Shoppers Feel the Impact of Rising Grocery Prices
A recent national poll shows that 75% of Americans believe grocery prices have risen over the past six months, and Wisconsin shoppers echoed the trend while browsing aisles the day before Thanksgiving.
“Overall, yeah, it’s gone up,” one customer said while shopping for last-minute items. “Things are still high. There’s work to be done.”
Another shopper, picking up a turkey and vegetables, said rising prices made it important to compare stores and watch for last-minute deals.
Despite inflation concerns, many shoppers said the holiday rush was easier than expected, with shorter lines and steady traffic.
Price Checks Across Southeast Wisconsin: Where Shoppers Saved the Most
Grocery stores across the region offered a range of holiday discounts, especially on turkeys — often the most expensive centerpiece on Thanksgiving tables.
A comparison across major stores found:
- Fresh turkeys at Nehring’s Sendik’s: $2.99 per pound
- Fresh turkeys at Festival Foods in West Allis: $2.49 per pound
- Fresh turkeys at Pick ’n Save in downtown Milwaukee: $1.99 per pound (lowest price found)
As snowfall began in West Allis, some shoppers said they were surprised the crowds weren’t larger.
“It’s not as busy as I thought,” one shopper noted. “It was pretty quick to get in and out, so I’m happy.”
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Potatoes, Stuffing and More: Holiday Essentials See Wide Price Differences
Beyond turkey, holiday essentials like potatoes and stuffing also varied widely across stores:
Potatoes (5-pound bags of russet)
- Festival Foods: $1.49
- Pick ’n Save: Two bags for $5.00
Stuffing (Stove Top or equivalent brands)
- Nehring’s Sendik’s: $4.39 (with an alternate brand on sale for $3.99)
- Festival Foods: $1.49 per box (when buying two)
- Pick ’n Save: $1.77 per box
Many shoppers said they were checking prices closely to avoid overspending.
“You really have to be paying attention to what you’re getting and the prices,” one customer said, adding that even small savings can add up when preparing a large holiday meal.
Stores Offer Holiday Deals as Residents Brace for a Busy Season
Grocery employees across southeast Wisconsin say the day before Thanksgiving often brings one of the heaviest shopping surges of the year, but 2025’s rush appeared steady and controlled despite weather concerns.
All major grocery chains offered Thanksgiving promotions, helping customers offset rising food prices with strategic last-minute deals.
Retailers also encouraged shoppers to check store hours, as some grocery chains will close for Thanksgiving while others remain open for limited hours.
As Wisconsin families gather for Thanksgiving celebrations, rising grocery prices remain top of mind — but holiday discounts have helped ease the strain for many households. For continued updates on seasonal events, community stories, and local news from across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.