Memorial Day weekend usually feels like the official starting gun for summer. We’re thinking about grills, cooler bags, and maybe a frantic last-minute run for a pack of hot dog buns or a new patio umbrella. But then that nagging question hits right as you’re grabbing your keys: are shops open Memorial Day, or are you about to drive to a locked door and a dark parking lot? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. While most of the big-box giants stay open to capitalize on those massive holiday sales, the "mom and pop" shops and specific government-linked services are a total toss-up.
You’ve probably seen the flyers. "Huge Memorial Day Sale!" It’s everywhere. Retailers love this holiday. It’s one of the biggest shopping days of the calendar year, right up there with Labor Day and Black Friday. But "open" doesn't always mean "business as usual."
The Big Box Reality: Who Stays Open and Who Bails?
If you are heading to a major national chain, you’re likely in luck. Places like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot almost never close for Memorial Day. They see it as a prime opportunity to move inventory. Think about it. This is the weekend everyone decides they desperately need a pressure washer or a new set of patio furniture. According to historical data from the National Retail Federation, holiday weekends like this drive billions in consumer spending, and the big players aren't about to leave that money on the table.
But there is one giant exception that trips people up every single year: Costco.
Costco is famous for its holiday closures. While they are a retail powerhouse, they stick to a very specific list of seven holidays where they shut down completely to give employees a break. Memorial Day is one of them. If you show up at Costco looking for a gallon-sized jar of mayonnaise on Monday, you’ll be met with a very empty, very quiet tire center.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
Most grocery stores operate on normal or slightly reduced hours.
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- Kroger and its subsidiaries (like Ralphs or Fred Meyer) usually stay open.
- Publix is a go.
- Whole Foods is generally open, though individual locations might shave an hour off the closing time.
- Trader Joe’s is open, much to the relief of everyone who needs their "Everything But The Bagel" seasoning fix.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are almost always open, though the actual pharmacy counter might have different hours than the main retail store. It’s a weird quirk. You can buy a Snickers bar at 10 PM, but the pharmacist might have headed home at 5 PM. Always call ahead if you're picking up a prescription.
Why Are Shops Open Memorial Day (And Why Do Some Close)?
It comes down to the bottom line versus tradition. Memorial Day is a federal holiday. This means the heavy hitters in the public sector—the U.S. Postal Service, federal courts, and the Social Security Administration—are definitely closed. Banks follow the Federal Reserve schedule, so don't expect to walk into a Chase or Bank of America branch. Your ATM will work, but the lobby will be locked tight.
Private retail is different. There's no law saying a clothing boutique or a hardware store has to close.
Small businesses often face a tough choice. For a local boutique, staying open means paying staff holiday rates (if they’re in a state that requires it or if they just want to be fair) versus the potential sales from foot traffic. Some owners decide it's just not worth it and head to the lake instead. You’ll find this a lot in downtown areas that cater to office workers—if the offices are closed, the sandwich shops nearby usually are too.
The Logistics of a Monday Holiday
Traffic is the hidden variable. Even if the shop is open, getting there is a nightmare.
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Consider the "long weekend" effect. People aren't just shopping; they're traveling. This creates a weird supply-and-demand curve for local shops. If you live in a tourist town, everything will be open and packed. If you live in a quiet suburb, your favorite local coffee spot might decide to take a "staff appreciation day."
Pro tip: Check Instagram or Facebook for the local spots. Small business owners are way better at updating their social stories than they are at updating their official Google Maps hours. Seriously. I've been burned by "Google says they're open" more times than I can count.
What about malls?
Malls are almost universally open. In fact, many malls have extended hours for Memorial Day events. Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, two of the largest mall owners in the country, typically keep their doors open. However, individual department stores within those malls—like Macy’s or JCPenney—will have their own specific schedules.
A Quick Checklist for Your Monday Errands
Don't just wing it.
- The Post Office: Closed. No mail delivery. No stamps at the counter.
- The Bank: The physical building is closed. Online banking works fine.
- Public Libraries: Almost always closed.
- Liquor Stores: This depends entirely on your state. In "control states" where the government runs the liquor stores (like Pennsylvania or Virginia), they might have very weird hours or be closed entirely. In states like California or Florida, it’s usually business as usual.
- Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed. No trading.
The Impact of Local Traditions
In some parts of the country, Memorial Day is treated with a level of solemnity that keeps shops closed. In smaller Midwestern towns, you might find a higher percentage of local businesses shuttered for the morning to allow employees to attend parades or cemetery services. It's a nuance that national lists often miss.
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Context matters.
If you're in a college town where the students have already left for the summer, a lot of businesses might use the holiday as an excuse to start their summer hiatus. They aren't just closed for the day; they're "gone fishin'."
Practical Steps for a Stress-Free Holiday
Instead of driving around aimlessly, do these three things before noon:
- Download the store's specific app. Retailers like Target or Home Depot update their holiday hours in-app much more reliably than on third-party search engines.
- Check the "Last Pickup" time for pharmacies. If you need a refill, don't wait until 4 PM. Most counters close early on federal holidays, even if the store stays open until midnight.
- Verify gas station convenience stores. While the pumps are always open (pay-at-the-pump is a godsend), the actual building might be locked if it’s a small, independent station. If you need ice or propane, go to a 24-hour chain like 7-Eleven or Wawa.
Essentially, if a company is traded on the stock market, it's probably open. If it’s owned by the person standing behind the register, give them a call first. Memorial Day is about remembrance, but for the retail world, it's the unofficial kickoff of the spending season. Plan accordingly, avoid Costco if you value your sanity, and get your errands done early so you can actually enjoy the day.