On Memorial Day 2026, most major retailers across the United States will remain open, giving consumers ample opportunity to shop for last-minute holiday essentials. However, government offices and the stock market will be closed in observance of the holiday.
What happened
Retail chains such as Target and Walmart confirmed they will operate during their regular hours on Monday, May 25. Walmart locations are expected to be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Other retailers open on Memorial Day include Home Depot, Lowe’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Kohl’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Michaels, Petco, and Sierra.
Major grocery stores also plan to be open, including ALDI, Food Lion, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. For dining options, popular fast-food restaurants like Applebee’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and McDonald’s will serve customers on the holiday.
Nevertheless, some businesses will remain closed. Costco warehouses will not operate on Memorial Day. Non-essential government offices and post offices will be closed nationwide. Additionally, certain UPS retail locations may be closed, and FedEx will have modified hours or closures at some sites.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will also observe Memorial Day, resulting in a full market closure. Trading will resume on Tuesday, May 26.
Why it matters
Memorial Day is a federal holiday marking the unofficial start of summer and honoring military personnel who died in service. Understanding which businesses remain open or closed helps consumers plan their holiday shopping and activities. The closure of government offices and financial markets also affects payroll processing, mail delivery, and stock trading.
Background
Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May. It is traditionally marked by family gatherings, outdoor activities, and retail sales events. Retailers often stay open to accommodate shoppers taking advantage of holiday discounts. Meanwhile, federal holidays usually result in the closure of non-essential government agencies and financial markets.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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