Today is Memorial Day, which means millions of people have the day off to host barbecues, tackle DIY projects, or just relax. As a federal holiday tracing its roots back to the Civil War era’s Decoration Day, the last Monday in May always shifts the usual business schedules across the country. The Uniforms Holiday Bill of 1971 permanently moved the observance to create a three-day weekend, triggering widespread closures for government agencies and banks as the Federal Reserve pauses operations. But if you need last-minute hot dog buns or sunscreen, you still have plenty of options.
Most major retailers are treating today like a normal Monday. If you are wondering about the big chains, Target and Walmart are keeping their doors open for regular operating hours. You can also grab groceries at ALDI, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods without an issue. Hardware giants like Home Depot and Lowe’s are fully operational to handle the influx of weekend home improvement projects and customers looking to shop as Memorial Day sales heat up across the retail sector.
There is one exception in the warehouse club space. Costco is entirely closed today. The company takes a divergent approach from its retail competitors, according to details confirmed in a CBS News holiday breakdown, treating the federal holiday as a mandated rest day for its staff. If you rely on bulk items for your cookout, you will have to look elsewhere today.
Fast food chains generally follow the open-door trend. McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are serving customers as usual. If you want chicken fingers, you need to adjust your plans. Raising Cane’s is keeping its restaurants closed, an operating choice reported by the Hindustan Times that stands out against its direct competitors.
You will also need to wait until Tuesday for official business. Post offices are closed, and standard delivery services from FedEx and UPS are paused for the day. The stock market, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, is also taking the day off.