Memorial Day 2025: What’s open and closed — Banks, stock market, offices, schools, retail & grocery stores

As Americans prepare to mark Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, the annual federal holiday brings with it a unique blend of solemn remembrance and seasonal activity. While the nation pauses to honor its fallen service members, practical questions arise: what will remain open, and what will be closed?

Designated as a federal holiday in 1971 and observed on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day has evolved into not only a time for reflection but also one of the most active retail and travel weekends in the United States.

Government, Banking, and Postal Services

On Memorial Day, all government offices, public schools, post offices, and courts will be closed in observance of the national holiday. Similarly, U.S. stock markets and most major banks will not operate.

Mail and delivery services will be significantly reduced. Both FedEx and UPS will suspend regular pickup and delivery services, although select premium services may be available, as mentioned in a report by USA Today.

US Memorial Day Retail Stores: Open or Closed?

The majority of US Memorial Day retail stores will remain open, offering a wide array of holiday sales. Costco, however, is a notable exception and will be closed on May 26.

Major chains such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, and Macy’s will remain open, with regular or modified hours. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods will also operate, although hours may vary by location.

Fashion and department stores such as JCPenney, Kohl’s, Belk, and Nordstrom will welcome shoppers, many with special sales for the holiday. Specialty outlets including Sephora, REI, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic will open, though customers are advised to confirm local store hours online.

Home and outdoor-focused chains like Tractor Supply Co., IKEA, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s will also operate during the holiday.

Memorial Day Grocery Stores: What You Need to Know

With cookouts, beach trips, and family gatherings in full swing, many Americans find themselves making last-minute runs for supplies. Fortunately, most Memorial Day grocery stores will remain open, offering a full range of essentials.

Is Walmart open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Walmart is open.

Is Target open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Target will open on Memorial Day.

Here’s a list of major chains that will welcome shoppers:

• Walmart
  
• Target
  
• Whole Foods
  
• Trader Joe’s
  
• Kroger
  
• Meijer
  
• Albertsons
  
• Safeway
  
• Publix
  
• Food Lion
• Wegmans
  
• ACME
  
• Randalls
  
• Tom Thumb
  
• Sam’s Club (closing early at 6 p.m.)
  
• Aldi (operating on reduced hours)
  

These stores ensure access to everything from barbecue fixings to beverages, enabling Americans to enjoy the long weekend without disruption.

Travel Surge and Safety Concerns

Memorial Day also signals the unofficial start of the U.S. summer travel season. According to AAA, over 45 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more over the extended weekend, marking a 1.4 million increase from last year.

Of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million will take to the roads, and 3.61 million are expected to fly. While fuel prices have dropped, averaging $3.18 per gallon compared to $3.60 last year, air travel has seen interruptions due to staffing shortages and equipment issues at key airports.

Safety concerns remain after a recent collision involving a commercial aircraft and a U.S. Army helicopter in January. Yet travel activity remains robust.

FAQs

When is Memorial Day 2025?

Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26, 2025.

What is Memorial Day?

It’s a federal holiday in the U.S. dedicated to honoring military service members who died in the line of duty. It also marks the unofficial start of summer.