Labor Day is weird. It’s that one holiday where half the world is grilling burgers while the other half is panicking because they forgot the burger buns. If you're a BJ's Wholesale Club member, you probably know that feeling of staring at your empty pantry on a Monday morning, wondering if the trek to the warehouse is even worth it. You don't want to pull up to a locked gate and a dark parking lot.
So, is BJ's open on Labor Day? The short answer is yes. Honestly, BJ's is one of the more reliable retailers when it comes to federal holidays. Unlike Costco—which famously shuts its doors for Labor Day to give its employees a breather—BJ's usually keeps the lights on. But it’s not always "business as usual" across the board.
The Reality of BJ's Labor Day Hours
Most BJ's locations are open on Labor Day, but "open" can be a relative term.
In 2025 and 2026, the general rule of thumb is that BJ's Wholesale Club will operate during its standard hours, which typically run from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, I’ve seen plenty of locations, especially in smaller markets or areas with specific local ordinances, pull back the reins and close at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM.
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It’s a bit of a gamble if you wait until the last minute.
Why the inconsistency?
Retailers like BJ’s have to balance two things: the massive surge in "oops, I forgot the charcoal" shoppers and the fact that their staff actually wants to enjoy the holiday too. While corporate headquarters sets the broad policy, the local general manager often has the final say based on foot traffic expectations.
If you live in a coastal town where Labor Day is the "Last Hurrah" of summer, expect full hours. If you're in a quiet suburb where the town basically shuts down, they might lock up early.
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Specialty Departments Are a Different Story
This is where people usually get tripped up. Just because the front doors are sliding open doesn't mean every service inside is ready for you.
- The Pharmacy: This is the big one. Most BJ’s pharmacies follow a much stricter holiday schedule. It’s very common for the pharmacy to be closed entirely or have extremely limited hours (like 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) on Labor Day.
- Optical Center: Similar to the pharmacy, the eye doctors and frame stylists usually aren't working a full holiday shift. If you lose a screw in your glasses mid-BBQ, don't count on a quick fix.
- Tire Center: Usually open, but they stop taking new appointments way earlier than the store closes. If the store closes at 9, the tire bay might stop taking cars at 4.
- Gas Stations: Usually, the gas pumps open earlier and stay open later than the warehouse itself. It’s one of the best perks of membership, especially if you’re heading out for a holiday road trip.
Shopping Strategy: Avoiding the Chaos
Labor Day at BJ's is basically a sporting event. If you go at 11:00 AM, you are going to be fighting for your life in the condiment aisle.
I’ve found that the "sweet spot" is right when they open—usually 8:00 AM. Most people are sleeping in or nursing a coffee. If you can get in and out by 9:30 AM, you’ll avoid the "bulk-buy frenzy" that happens once the sun starts getting high.
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Another pro tip? Use the app. Not for the hours—though you can check those there—but for ExpressPay. You scan your items as you put them in the cart and then just scan a QR code at the door. On a holiday Monday, skipping that 15-person-deep checkout line is basically a religious experience.
What About BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse?
It’s worth mentioning because the names are so similar, but BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a completely separate company from the Wholesale Club.
If you're looking for a Pizookie instead of a 40-pack of toilet paper, you’re in luck. The restaurants almost always stay open on Labor Day with full regular hours. In fact, Labor Day is one of their biggest days for sports fans to grab a beer and watch the early season games.
Practical Steps for Your Holiday Run
Before you grab your keys and head out, do these three things to ensure you don't waste your gas:
- Check the Club Locator: Go to the official BJ's website and use the "Find a Club" tool. It is updated in real-time for holiday adjustments.
- Call the Pharmacy Specifically: If you need a script, don't assume. Call the direct pharmacy line. The automated system will usually tell you the holiday hours before you even talk to a human.
- Inventory Your Essentials Sunday: Don't be the person at BJ's on Monday morning. If you can get your bulk shopping done on the Sunday before Labor Day, you’ll save yourself a massive headache.
Labor Day is technically the "worker's holiday," but in the world of big-box retail, it's just another Monday with more propane sales. Plan for a 9:00 PM closure, but aim to be done by lunch.