As Memorial Day approaches in 2026, many are planning to honor the memory of fallen soldiers. Observed on the last Monday in May, this year Memorial Day will be recognized on May 25. It is a federal holiday dedicated to commemorating deceased military service members. Originally known as Decoration Day, its roots trace back to the 1860s.
Memorial Day 2026: What’s Open and Closed?
Consumers preparing for Memorial Day weekend can expect various shopping and dining options. Most grocery stores, national retailers, and restaurant chains will operate on this holiday. However, certain services, such as banks and post offices, will be closed.
Retail and Grocery Stores
- Grocery Stores: Most major grocery chains, including Kroger, Walmart, and Food Lion, will be open on regular hours. Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Whole Foods also traditionally remain open.
- Wholesale Clubs: Sam’s Club will open at 8 a.m. for Plus members and at 9 a.m. for Club members, closing at 8 p.m. BJ’s will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, Costco will be closed.
- Retail Stores: Most retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and Target, will operate normally. Always check local hours online.
Restaurants
Dining establishments such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Dunkin’ will remain open on Memorial Day. It’s advisable to check individual restaurant hours via their apps or websites.
Services Closed on Memorial Day
- Banks: Most bank branches will be closed, so check local hours in advance.
- Post Offices: The USPS will not deliver mail, and retail services at post offices will be unavailable.
- Stock Market: The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be closed on May 25, reopening on May 26.
- UPS and FedEx: Delivery services will not operate, and the hours for UPS Store and FedEx Office may be modified.
As you finalize plans for the holiday weekend, remember to confirm local hours for specific businesses, as schedules may differ by location. Memorial Day is an important time to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members, while also enjoying the holiday with family and friends.
