Retailers Offer Thanksgiving Bundles Despite Turkey Spike

With Thanksgiving weeks away, grocery prices remain elevated year‑over‑year (September groceries up about 2.7%), and wholesale turkey prices have jumped roughly 40% after avian influenza reduced the flock, with the USDA reporting wholesale turkeys at about $1.32 per pound. The AFBF’s shopper survey found a classic feast for 10 averaged $58.08 (about $5.80 per person) and a 16‑lb turkey averaged $25.67 ($1.60/lb), even as some retailers’ feature pricing has softened in places. Retailers are responding with aggressive meal bundles and promotions: Walmart and Aldi offer kits that feed 10 for about $40, Kroger has featured turkeys near $0.99/lb, and warehouse clubs such as Costco and BJ’s are promoting discounted feasts or free turkeys with qualifying purchases; restaurants and grocers are also selling ready‑made spreads. Experts advise using coupons and early promotions, freezing purchases, or choosing heat‑and‑serve and to‑go options to manage higher holiday meal costs, which remain about 19% above 2019 levels.