You're standing in your kitchen on a Monday morning, coffee in hand, wondering if it's worth the drive to the local shopping center. Maybe you need a new swimsuit for the pool opening, or honestly, you just want to take advantage of those legendary mattress sales. You ask yourself: do malls open on Memorial Day?
The short answer is a loud, resounding yes.
Most major shopping malls across the United States are very much open on Memorial Day. In fact, for the retail world, this holiday isn't just a day off—it’s one of the biggest "tentpole" events of the entire year. While government offices and banks lock their doors, the retail machine kicks into high gear.
Why the Mall Door is Usually Unlocked
Memorial Day serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer. For retailers, that means it is time to move the spring inventory out and get the summer gear in. You’ll find that giant mall operators like Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties, and Macerich almost never close their doors on this holiday.
They want your business.
Usually, the "anchor" stores—think Macy’s, JCPenney, or Nordstrom—dictate the flow. If Macy’s is running a 60% off sale, the mall isn't going to stay dark. However, there is a catch. Just because they are open doesn't mean they are operating on a "business as usual" schedule.
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The "Modified Hours" Trap
Typically, a mall that usually stays open until 9:00 PM might decide to close at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM on Memorial Day. It’s a bit of a middle ground. They want the sales, but they also have to deal with staffing shortages and higher labor costs on a federal holiday.
If you're planning a late-night shopping spree, you're probably out of luck.
What About the Big Box Stores?
If your local mall is more of an outdoor "lifestyle center" anchored by a Target or a Walmart, you’re in even better shape.
- Walmart: They almost never close. You can usually walk in at 6:00 AM and stay until 11:00 PM, just like any other Monday.
- Target: They follow suit. Most locations stick to their standard 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM schedule.
- Best Buy: Expect them to be open, though often with slightly reduced evening hours.
- Home Depot & Lowe's: These are the kings of Memorial Day. Since everyone is doing yard work, they stay open with full staff.
The one big outlier? Costco. Honestly, it catches people off guard every single year. Costco is famously protective of its holiday closures. They are one of the few major retailers that remains strictly closed on Memorial Day to give their employees a break. Don't be the person sitting in the parking lot staring at a closed warehouse door with an empty trunk.
The Dying Mall Factor
We have to talk about the reality of retail in 2026. Not every mall is thriving. In some parts of the country, "B" and "C" grade malls—those that have lost their major anchors—might choose to stay closed if the foot traffic doesn't justify the electricity bill.
I’ve seen smaller local malls in the Midwest and parts of the Northeast shift toward a policy where the interior "inline" stores (the small boutiques) can choose their own hours. This creates a ghost town vibe where half the gates are down and half are up. It's frustrating.
If your mall looks like it hasn't been renovated since 1994, definitely call ahead.
A Quick Cheat Sheet for 2026
Since Memorial Day 2026 falls on May 25th, here is what the landscape generally looks like based on historical data and current retail trends:
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- Simon Malls: Usually open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (check local listings).
- Westfield Centers: Typically open 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- T.J. Maxx / Marshalls: Open, usually regular hours.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Open, often with big "Outdoor Season" promotions.
- Apple Store: Usually open, following the mall’s specific holiday hours.
Dealing With the Crowds
If you do decide to go, be ready. It’s not Black Friday level of insanity, but it’s close. People are out of work, the weather is getting nice, and everyone has a "long weekend" mentality.
Parking will be a nightmare between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
If you’re someone who hates crowds, try to get there right when the doors creak open. Most people are still sleeping off their Sunday night BBQ or are busy prepping the grill for Monday afternoon. The "golden window" for peaceful shopping is usually between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Is it Actually Worth It?
Is the "Memorial Day Sale" a real thing or just marketing fluff?
Kinda both.
You’ll see huge discounts on "big-ticket" items. We’re talking appliances, mattresses, and patio furniture. Retailers like Sears (what’s left of them) and Macy’s go heavy on these. However, for clothing, the discounts aren't always better than a random clearance weekend in July.
You’re paying for the convenience of being off work.
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Actionable Steps for Your Shopping Trip
Don't just wing it. If you’re heading out, follow these quick steps to make sure you don't waste gas:
- Google Maps is your friend, but the mall website is better. Google’s "holiday hours may vary" warning is often a generic placeholder. Go directly to the mall’s official "Events" or "Hours" page.
- Check the specific store, not just the mall. If you’re going specifically for a pair of Lululemon leggings, check their specific store hours. Sometimes they differ from the mall’s main "concierge" hours.
- Call the restaurant. If you’re planning on hitting the Cheesecake Factory inside the mall after shopping, remember that restaurants often stay open later than the retail stores they are attached to.
- Eat before you go. Food courts on Memorial Day are basically a battleground for the last slice of Sbarro pizza.
The bottom line: do malls open on Memorial Day? Yes, almost always. Just don't expect them to stay open late, and definitely don't try to go to Costco.
Plan for a 6:00 PM cutoff for most indoor shopping centers and you'll be fine.