You’ve got a plan to hit the bank, mail that bulky package, and maybe grab a coffee on your way to work. Then you realize it’s November 11. Suddenly, you're second-guessing everything. Is the post office open? Will the local DMV be a ghost town? It’s a common headache because Veterans Day doesn’t follow the same "shut it all down" rules as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Honestly, figuring out what businesses are closed on Veterans Day feels like a guessing game sometimes.
Here’s the thing: Veterans Day is a federal holiday. That sounds definitive, but in the private sector, it's mostly "business as usual." While government workers get the day off to honor those who served, most corporate offices and retail chains stay wide open. It’s a weird middle ground where half the country is at work and the other half is at a parade.
The Federal "Hard No" List
If it’s run by the government, it is closed. Period. Because the U.S. Office of Personnel Management marks this as a legal public holiday, federal employees are off. This means the heavy hitters of bureaucracy take a breather.
The U.S. Postal Service is the most visible closure. Don't bother waiting for the mail carrier; there is no regular residential or business delivery on November 11. Post offices are locked tight. If you have an absolute emergency, Priority Mail Express sometimes moves, but for 99% of us, the mailbox stays empty.
Courts and Social Security offices also shut down. If you had a hearing or needed to update your benefits, you’re out of luck until the next business day. This extends to most state-level equivalents, too. State DMVs, city halls, and public libraries almost always follow the federal lead. If you need a new driver's license, wait until the 12th.
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Why Your Bank Is (Probably) Closed
Banks are a bit of a special case. Most major financial institutions like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America follow the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule. Since the Fed is closed, the banks close.
But wait.
You can still use the ATM. Mobile apps work fine for checking your balance or moving money between accounts. The catch is the "processing time." If you deposit a check via your phone on Veterans Day, the "clock" doesn't start ticking until the next day. It’s a digital ghost town for actual transaction clearing.
What Businesses Are Closed on Veterans Day in the Private Sector?
Basically, almost none of them.
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Retailers love Veterans Day. Instead of closing, they double down with sales. You’ll find Walmart, Target, and Home Depot running at full capacity. Even membership clubs like Costco, which famously closes for several holidays throughout the year, usually stay open for Veterans Day.
Grocery stores? Open.
Pharmacies? Open.
Starbucks? Definitely open.
In fact, the restaurant industry does the opposite of closing. Establishments like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Golden Corral are often busier than usual because they offer free meals or deep discounts to veterans and active-duty military.
The Logistics Exception: UPS and FedEx
This is where people get tripped up. The Post Office is closed, so you assume your package isn't coming. Wrong.
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UPS and FedEx are private companies. They don't have to follow federal holiday rules. Usually, UPS picks up and delivers as normal. FedEx typically keeps most of its services running, though FedEx Express or Ground might have very minor modifications depending on the year. If you’re expecting a delivery from an online order, it’s likely still on its way.
Schools: The Great Toss-Up
Are the kids home? It depends on where you live. School closures for Veterans Day are decided at the local district level, not by the feds. In many states, schools stay open but use the day for assemblies or history lessons about military service. In other areas—especially those with a high military population—the whole district might take the day off. You really have to check your local school calendar for this one.
Stock Markets: The Outlier
You’d think the stock market would close if the banks are closed, right? Nope. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq stay open for a full day of trading. While the bond market usually closes (since it's more closely tied to the banking system), the equity markets keep humming along. It’s one of the few days of the year where you can trade stocks but can't walk into a bank branch to talk to a teller.
Practical Steps for Veterans Day
Since the "open or closed" status is such a patchwork, don't just wing it. If you have a specific errand, here is how to handle it:
- Check the "Observed" Date: If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal closure usually shifts to the Friday before or the Monday after. Private businesses, however, often just stick to the 11th.
- Call the "Mom and Pop" Shops: National chains stay open, but local, family-owned businesses might close to attend local ceremonies. A quick 30-second phone call saves a wasted trip.
- Handle Government Business Early: If you have paperwork for the city or state, get it done by November 10. The backlog on the 12th is usually a nightmare.
- Verify Veteran Discounts: If you are a veteran, many of the "open" businesses require a military ID or proof of service for their deals. Have a digital copy or your ID card ready on your phone.
The reality is that what businesses are closed on Veterans Day is a short list of government-adjacent entities. For everything else, life goes on—just with a bit more traffic near the local cenotaph. Check your local listings for parade routes, as those street closures will affect your commute way more than a closed post office will.