Memorial Day 2025: Which Stores Are Open & Which Are Closed?
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May.
As the nation pauses on May 26, 2025, to honor the military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Memorial Day remains both a solemn federal holiday and the unofficial start of summer. Alongside visits to cemeteries, parades, and patriotic remembrances, many Americans also take advantage of the long weekend to shop, travel, and prepare for summer with family gatherings and outdoor celebrations.
However, as with most federal holidays, Memorial Day affects the operating hours of numerous businesses, including retail stores, grocery chains, and service providers. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just need to know where you can grab last-minute essentials, here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s open and closed on Memorial Day 2025.
Understanding the Significance of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has been observed since 1868 to commemorate fallen soldiers. Initially honoring Union soldiers of the Civil War, it has evolved into a day of national remembrance for all U.S. military personnel who died in service, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all who served, Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home.
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May. This year, it falls on May 26. While many will mark the day with traditions such as visiting gravesites and flying the American flag, others will navigate adjusted business hours.
Major Grocery Stores: Mostly Open, With Exceptions
According to Quartz, most grocery stores are expected to maintain standard hours on Memorial Day, though some services — such as pharmacies — may be limited or unavailable.
- Publix: Stores will be open, but in-store pharmacies will be closed.
- Food Lion and Ingles: Operating under regular business hours.
- Kroger, Safeway, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s: All will be open, with hours varying by location.
Shoppers should still verify with their local store, as hours may differ slightly depending on the region.
Retailers: Widely Open, With Notable Exceptions
Memorial Day weekend has become a cornerstone of retail sales events, particularly in home improvement and apparel sectors. Most major retailers will be open, though again, local variations can apply.
Open (Hours May Vary):
- Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA
- Kohl’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack
- Petco, PetSmart
- Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar
- Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Rite Aid, Walgreens
Closed:
- Costco: As is typical for many federal holidays, Costco will be closed on Memorial Day.
Dining and Coffee Chains: Mostly Operational
Restaurants and coffee shops typically remain open on holidays, and Memorial Day 2025 is no exception. However, operating hours may be shortened or modified, depending on location and franchise ownership.
Open (Check Local Hours):
- McDonald’s
- Pizza Hut
- Domino’s
- Dunkin’
- Starbucks
- Sweetgreen
Closed:
- Raising Cane’s will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Plan Ahead and Shop Smart
As Memorial Day continues to serve as both a day of reflection and a seasonal turning point, consumers should anticipate minor disruptions to their regular routines.
For instance, federal holidays impact mail and package delivery services. USPS, FedEx, and UPS will not deliver regular mail or packages on Memorial Day. Only premium or holiday-specific services, if available, may be operational.
While most major retailers and grocery chains will remain open, varying hours and service availability — especially for pharmacies and shipping services — mean it’s best to call ahead or check online before heading out.
Whether you’re laying flowers at a grave, firing up the grill, or simply enjoying a well-earned day off, make sure to observe the day with both gratitude and awareness.
