...
By Amanda Greenwood
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25, and as a federal holiday in the United States, it brings a mix of store openings, closures, and reduced hours. While most major retailers will remain open for last‑minute shopping and holiday sales, one notable chain will close to observe the day, and some others will run on reduced opening hours.
Below is a breakdown—drawing on data from The Holiday Hours, an aggregation platform that tracks which stores, restaurants, banks, museums, and pharmacies operate on public holidays—of which major retailers, grocery chains, pharmacies, and liquor stores are open on Memorial Day.
...
Read More on News
Is Costco Open On Memorial Day?
Multiple sources, including The Holiday Hours, confirmed that Costco is one of the few major retailers that will be completely closed, nationwide, on Memorial Day.
All U.S. warehouse locations traditionally shut down for the holiday, meaning shoppers should plan ahead if they’re needing to stock up on for bulk purchases.
Is Trader Joe’s Open On Memorial Day?
Trader Joe’s stores will remain open on Memorial Day, generally operating during their normal business hours.
Is Aldi Open On Memorial Day?
Aldi stores are open but typically operate on reduced holiday hours. According to Martha Stewart, an Aldi spokesperson confirmed that stores will close at 6 p.m., but shoppers are advised to check their local store for timings, as they may vary by location.
Is Kroger Open On Memorial Day?
Kroger supermarkets are open nationwide, operating with regular hours. However, pharmacy counters inside stores might not operate on full schedules, so it’s worth checking before you visit. More on pharmacies later.
Is Walmart Open on Memorial Day?
Walmart will be open on Memorial Day and will be operating on its usual business hours. For future reference, the only two days Walmart closes, nationwide, are on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (with reduced opening hours on Christmas Eve).
Is Target Open On Memorial Day?
Target locations are open, with most stores following regular hours on Memorial Day. Some locations may adjust closing times slightly, so checking local hours is recommended.
Is Kohl’s Open On Memorial Day?
Kohl’s stores will be open on Memorial Day—likely because it’s one of its busiest periods—and it looks like stores will be running on regular hours.
Is Dollar General Open on Memorial Day?
Dollar General will remain open with regular opening hours, so you can shop for discounts on Memorial Day.
Is Home Depot Open On Memorial Day?
Home Depot stores are expected to remain open on Memorial Day, maintaining regular opening hours. The holiday is one of the busiest times for home improvement projects, so there are often promotions, deals, and offers available over the Memorial weekend.
Are Pharmacies Open on Memorial Day?
Most major pharmacy chains—including Publix and Walgreens—will be open on Memorial Day, but some pharmacy counters might operate on reduced hours, even if the retail part of the store remains open, so customers are advised to check with their local store before visiting.
This means you may still be able to shop for essentials, but prescription services might not be available all day.
Are Liquor Stores Open on Memorial Day?
Liquor store hours vary significantly by state and local law.
In some states, particularly those with state-controlled alcohol sales, stores may be closed. In others, privately owned liquor stores remain open, often with modified hours.
Because alcohol regulations differ widely, it’s best to look-up the local rules or check online before making the trip.
States that usually close state-run stores, or open only a few, on Memorial Day, are usually the following, according to VinePair:
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Montana
- Ohio
- Utah
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring U.S. military personnel who died in service. The observance dates back to 1868 (originally called Decoration Day) and is now marked on the last Monday in May each year.
Today, it combines remembrance traditions—such as visiting cemeteries and attending parades—with the unofficial start of the summer season.
Why Do Some Stores Close on Memorial Day?
Closures on Memorial Day largely reflect the holiday’s status as a federal observance.
Government institutions, banks, and postal services shut down nationwide, and some private companies follow suit to:
- Allow employees time off
- Mark the significance of the holiday
- Align with reduced demand in certain sectors
That said, retail has evolved differently. Many stores now remain open due to strong consumer demand tied to holiday sales and gatherings, though they may shorten hours or operate with limited services.
What The Store Closures Mean for Shoppers
- Most retailers are open, including Target, Trader Joe’s, Kroger, Aldi, and Home Depot
- Costco is the biggest exception and will be closed.
- Expect reduced hours in some stores and services
- Pharmacies and liquor stores vary, so check locally
- If you need supplies for a barbecue or want to take advantage of Memorial Day deals, you’ll still have plenty of options—but planning ahead remains key.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines