You’re probably standing in your kitchen right now, wondering if you can actually make that run for a new air fryer or a fresh set of towels. It's Labor Day. The sun is out, the grill is warming up, and you realize you forgot something essential. Or maybe you just want to take advantage of those legendary holiday discounts.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with Kohl's Labor Day hours is assuming the store follows federal holiday closures like banks or the post office. It doesn’t.
In 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7th. While many workers are enjoying a well-deserved break, the retail world is humming. Kohl's, in particular, is very much open for business.
The Short Answer: Is Kohl's Open?
Yes.
Most Kohl's locations will operate under their standard operating schedule on Labor Day. Typically, this means doors open at 9:00 AM and close at 9:00 PM.
But wait.
Don't just jump in the car yet. While 9-to-9 is the corporate standard for most "regular" days, holiday hours can be a bit of a wildcard depending on where you live. For example, some stores in smaller markets or certain shopping malls might decide to close early, perhaps at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, to give their staff a bit of the evening back.
It’s also worth noting that in 2026, some locations have experimented with Sunday hours that bleed into Monday schedules. If your local shop usually shuts at 8:00 PM on Sundays, they might stick to that shorter window for the Monday holiday too.
Why Checking Local Matters More Than Ever
You've probably seen those generic "holiday hours" posters. They're helpful, sure, but they aren't law.
I’ve seen cases where a store in a busy metro area like Chicago or Dallas stays open until 10:00 PM to capture every last cent of the holiday rush, while a quiet location in rural Pennsylvania wraps things up hours earlier.
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The easiest way to be 100% certain? Use the Kohl’s Store Locator. It’s usually updated in real-time. If you’re old school, just give them a quick call. Most people don’t realize that the automated voice menu on their phone line often announces the day's hours before you even talk to a human.
What About the Amazon Return Desk?
This is a huge one.
A massive chunk of the foot traffic at Kohl's these days isn't even for clothes—it’s for Amazon returns. If you’re planning to drop off that "it looked better in the photo" swimsuit on Labor Day, you’re in luck. The Amazon return desk almost always mirrors the Kohl's Labor Day hours of the main store.
If the store is open, the return desk is open.
Just a heads-up: Labor Day is a prime "chore day" for most people. Expect the line at the back of the store to be longer than usual. You might get a coupon for 15% or 25% off for doing the return, but whether that's worth the 20-minute wait in line is up to you.
Sephora at Kohl's Schedule
Most Kohl's locations now have a full Sephora shop inside. Generally, these don't have separate hours. If you can walk through the front doors of Kohl's, you can buy your mascara.
However, specialized services like beauty consultations might be limited. If you’re hoping for a full makeover on a holiday, the staff might be spread a bit thin. They’re focused on restocking and managing the sale crowds.
The Reality of Labor Day Sales
Let's be real. You aren't just going for the hours; you're going for the deals.
Kohl's loves a holiday weekend. You’ll likely see the "Labor Day Sale" kick off the Thursday or Friday before the actual holiday. We’re talking deep discounts on:
- Summer clearance (swimwear, sandals, outdoor furniture).
- Back-to-school essentials (backpacks, sneakers, denim).
- Small kitchen appliances (the classic "Kohl's Cash" bait).
Speaking of Kohl's Cash, Labor Day is usually a "spend $50, get $10" period. This is where people get tripped up. They spend the money on Monday but forget that the "earn" period usually ends that night, and the "redeem" period doesn't start for another few days. Check the dates on your slip before you walk out.
Is Online Shopping a Better Bet?
If you hate crowds, stay home.
The website doesn't have "hours." It doesn't sleep. You can access the same deals on Sunday night or Monday morning without fighting for a parking spot. Plus, "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) is a lifesaver. You can secure your items while drinking coffee at home and then swing by the store during the Kohl's Labor Day hours window whenever the mood strikes.
Most stores have dedicated parking spots for pickup, so you don't even have to navigate the main aisles.
Practical Next Steps for Your Shopping Trip
To make sure your holiday shopping doesn't turn into a headache, here is exactly what you should do:
- Verify the time: Check the Kohl's app or website around 8:00 AM on Monday morning. Holiday hours are sometimes pushed to the digital platforms last-minute.
- Check your Kohl's Cash: Dig through your wallet or app for any "Earned" cash that might expire on Monday night. Use it or lose it.
- Go early or late: The 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM window is the "danger zone" for crowds. If you want a peaceful experience, aim for that first hour after opening or the last two hours before close.
- Confirm the Amazon Return: If you have a QR code for a return, make sure you've selected the correct "Kohl's Dropoff" location. Some locations are stricter about this than others.
The bottom line is that Kohl's is one of the most reliable retailers for holiday access. Unless there’s a massive local event or a specific state law (looking at you, parts of New Jersey and Massachusetts with blue laws), you can bet on them being open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Just don't expect to be the only one there.
Bring your patience, check your coupons, and maybe grab a coffee before you brave the clearance racks.