Memorial Day 2025 falls on Monday, May 26, creating opportunities for last-minute shopping and dining while commemorating military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The federal holiday affects business operations differently across various sectors, with most retail establishments maintaining regular or modified hours while government offices and financial institutions close completely.
Understanding which businesses remain open helps consumers plan Memorial Day activities effectively, whether organizing backyard gatherings, running essential errands, or simply grabbing meals during the holiday. The varied approaches to Memorial Day operations reflect different business models and customer needs during this significant national observance.
Major retailers maintain Memorial Day operations
Walmart stores continue regular operations throughout Memorial Day, typically maintaining their standard 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. schedule according to company representatives. This consistency provides reliable access to groceries, household items, and last-minute party supplies that many families need for Memorial Day gatherings and barbecues.
Target locations also remain open on Memorial Day, though specific hours may vary by individual store location. Customers should verify their local Target’s holiday schedule before visiting, as some locations may implement modified hours while others maintain regular operations throughout the federal holiday.
The contrast between major retailers illustrates different approaches to holiday operations, with some prioritizing consistent availability while others balance employee time off with customer service needs. These decisions reflect corporate policies regarding federal holiday observances and workforce management strategies.
Warehouse clubs split on Memorial Day availability
Costco warehouses close completely on Memorial Day, following the company’s policy of observing major federal holidays by shutting down all retail operations. This closure affects bulk shopping plans for large gatherings, requiring advance planning for customers who rely on Costco for party supplies and food purchases.
Sam’s Club takes a different approach, remaining open with modified hours that accommodate different membership levels. Plus members gain early access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while regular Club members can shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing abbreviated but available service during the holiday.
The divergent warehouse club policies demonstrate how similar businesses can approach federal holidays differently based on company culture, employee relations, and customer service philosophies. These differences require consumers to understand individual company policies rather than assuming uniform industry practices.
Pharmacy and health services show mixed availability
CVS stores generally remain open on Memorial Day, though some locations may implement reduced hours for the federal holiday. The pharmacy chain encourages customers to call ahead or check online store locators to confirm specific location hours before making trips for medications or health products.
Walgreens maintains regular retail operations at most locations while closing the majority of pharmacy services, except for 24-hour locations and select pharmacies that maintain holiday operations. This split approach ensures continued access to general merchandise while providing limited prescription services for urgent medical needs.
The healthcare retail sector’s approach reflects the balance between honoring federal holidays and maintaining essential health services for communities. Emergency medication needs and health concerns don’t pause for holidays, requiring some level of continued pharmaceutical access.
Home improvement stores serve holiday projects
Home Depot stores operate under regular hours throughout Memorial Day, supporting customers who use the long weekend for home improvement projects and outdoor preparation activities. The availability of building supplies, gardening materials, and outdoor equipment helps facilitate popular Memorial Day weekend activities.
Lowe’s locations similarly maintain regular Memorial Day operations, providing another option for home improvement shopping during the federal holiday. The consistent availability from major home improvement retailers supports the tradition of using Memorial Day weekend for outdoor projects and seasonal preparation.
Ace Hardware stores present a different situation due to their independent ownership and operation structure. Individual store hours vary significantly by location, requiring customers to contact their specific Ace Hardware location to confirm Memorial Day availability and operating schedules.
Financial and postal services observe federal closure
Banks universally close for Memorial Day as a federal holiday, with major institutions including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, Truist, and JPMorgan Chase confirming complete closure of branch operations. This industry-wide observance reflects federal banking regulations and traditional holiday policies across the financial sector.
The United States Postal Service designates Memorial Day as an official holiday, resulting in no mail delivery and complete closure of post office retail operations. This federal service disruption affects both personal and business mail delivery schedules, requiring advance planning for time-sensitive postal needs.
UPS and FedEx suspend pickup and delivery services on Memorial Day, with UPS Store locations potentially closed and FedEx Office implementing modified hours. These shipping service interruptions impact online commerce delivery schedules and require consideration for urgent shipping needs around the holiday.
Restaurant chains provide extensive dining options
Fast food establishments including McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Chipotle, and Chick-fil-A maintain Memorial Day operations, providing convenient dining options for families and individuals during holiday activities. These quick-service restaurants support busy holiday schedules with familiar menu options and efficient service.
Casual dining chains such as Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Cheesecake Factory remain open for Memorial Day dining experiences. These full-service restaurants accommodate larger groups and special meals that many families prefer during holiday celebrations and gatherings.
The widespread restaurant availability during Memorial Day reflects the hospitality industry’s recognition that many consumers prefer dining out during federal holidays rather than cooking at home. This service availability supports both convenience and celebration aspects of Memorial Day observances.
Grocery chains ensure food access continues
Major grocery chains including Kroger family stores, Trader Joe’s, Food Lion, Publix, and Whole Foods maintain Memorial Day operations to support food shopping needs. These grocery options ensure continued access to fresh ingredients, prepared foods, and beverages that support holiday gatherings and meals.
Walmart’s grocery operations continue alongside general retail services, providing comprehensive shopping options for Memorial Day needs. Sam’s Club’s modified hours still accommodate bulk food purchases for larger gatherings, though with shortened availability periods.
Costco’s complete closure represents the notable exception among major grocery retailers, requiring advance planning for bulk food purchases intended for Memorial Day events. This closure affects customers who rely on Costco for large-quantity items and specialty products.
Specialty retail maintains holiday service
Electronics retailer Best Buy operates Memorial Day hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., supporting technology purchases and entertainment needs during the long weekend. Outdoor retailers Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s maintain 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours, serving customers preparing for Memorial Day outdoor activities.
REI operates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Memorial Day, providing outdoor gear and equipment for hiking, camping, and recreational activities popular during the long weekend. Pet retailers Petco and PetSmart remain available for pet care needs during family gatherings and outdoor activities.
Office supply stores Office Depot and OfficeMax maintain 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours, supporting business and organizational needs during the holiday period. These specialty retailers recognize that Memorial Day activities often require specific products and services beyond general retail offerings.
The comprehensive availability of retail, dining, and specialty services during Memorial Day 2025 provides extensive options for consumers while requiring awareness of specific closures in financial and postal services. Planning ahead ensures successful navigation of holiday shopping and service needs.
