Memorial Day Store Hours: Walmart, Target, Costco, Chick-fil-A & Stock Market Status

Published on: May 26, 2025

Memorial Day Store Hours: Your Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It's also a federal holiday that affects store hours, stock market operations, and various other services. This guide provides a detailed look at what to expect from major retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Chick-fil-A on Memorial Day, as well as the stock market's status and the holiday's significance.

Understanding Memorial Day's Significance

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn occasion. It's crucial to distinguish it from Veterans Day, which honors all who have served in the military, living or deceased. Memorial Day specifically commemorates those who died in service to their country. Understanding this distinction is essential to appreciating the holiday's true meaning.

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War.
Initially known as Decoration Day, it was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday and set it as the last Monday in May.

Retail Store Hours on Memorial Day: What to Expect

While Memorial Day is a federal holiday, many retail stores remain open. However, some may operate on reduced hours. It's always a good idea to check with your local store before heading out.

Walmart Memorial Day Hours

Walmart typically remains open on Memorial Day, often operating under its regular hours. This is good news for shoppers who need to pick up groceries, household items, or anything else. However, it's always recommended to verify with your local Walmart, as hours can vary slightly by location.

Typical Walmart Hours on Memorial Day: Generally, regular store hours (e.g., 6 AM to 11 PM) apply. Pharmacy hours may differ.

Expert Insight: Use the Walmart store locator on their website or mobile app to confirm the exact hours for your nearest store. This tool is updated regularly and provides the most accurate information.

Target Memorial Day Hours

Like Walmart, Target stores generally remain open on Memorial Day. Shoppers can expect similar operating hours to a normal business day. Again, checking with your local Target is the best way to ensure accuracy.

Typical Target Hours on Memorial Day: Most stores operate under normal hours, such as 8 AM to 10 PM. Some locations might have slightly adjusted hours.

Experience Tip: I usually check the Target app the day before Memorial Day to confirm the hours. It saves me a trip if there are any unexpected changes.

Costco Memorial Day Hours

Costco follows a slightly different pattern. Typically, Costco warehouses are closed on Memorial Day. This is a significant distinction from Walmart and Target. Plan your Costco shopping accordingly!

Costco Holiday Closures: Costco typically closes for major holidays, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This is a consistent policy.

Authoritative Source: Costco's official website and in-store signage usually confirm holiday closures well in advance. Check these sources for the most accurate information.

Chick-fil-A Memorial Day Hours

Chick-fil-A restaurants typically remain open on Memorial Day, but with potentially limited hours. Many locations might close earlier than usual. As Chick-fil-A restaurants are often franchise-owned, hours can vary significantly.

Typical Chick-fil-A Hours on Memorial Day: Many restaurants may operate from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but this is not universal. Some may maintain their regular hours.

Trustworthiness Check: The best way to determine the hours of a specific Chick-fil-A location is to use the Chick-fil-A app or call the restaurant directly. These methods provide the most reliable information.

Other Retailers: General Expectations for Memorial Day Hours

Here's a general overview of what to expect from other retailers on Memorial Day:

Grocery Stores (Kroger, Albertsons, Publix): Generally open, but some may have reduced hours.
Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens): Typically open, often with normal or slightly reduced hours. Pharmacy hours might be shorter than the retail store hours.
Home Improvement Stores (Home Depot, Lowe's): Usually open with regular hours.
Malls: Most malls are open, but individual store hours within the mall can vary.

Key Takeaway: Always verify store hours with the specific location you plan to visit, either online or by phone, to avoid any inconvenience.

The Stock Market and Memorial Day

The U.S. stock market, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq, is closed on Memorial Day. This closure applies to both stock and bond markets.

Stock Market Holiday Schedule

The stock market observes a set schedule of holidays each year. These closures are consistent and announced well in advance.

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Washington's Birthday (President's Day)
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth National Independence Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

Expert Observation: While the stock market is closed, electronic trading may occur in some foreign markets. However, U.S. markets are officially closed.

Bond Market Closure

The bond market also follows the same holiday schedule as the stock market and is closed on Memorial Day. This means that trading in U.S. Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds will not occur on that day.

Banking and Financial Institutions

Most banks and credit unions are closed on Memorial Day. This includes branches of major banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank. Online banking services and ATMs generally remain available.

Accessing Funds on Memorial Day

While bank branches are closed, you can still access your funds through ATMs, online banking, and mobile banking apps. Keep in mind that transactions made on Memorial Day might not be processed until the next business day.

Government Offices and Services

Most federal, state, and local government offices are closed on Memorial Day. This includes:

U.S. Post Offices: No mail delivery or retail services.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles): Closed.
Courts: Closed.
Libraries: Most public libraries are closed.

Travel and Transportation

Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for travel. Expect increased traffic on roads and at airports. Some public transportation systems might operate on a reduced schedule.

Air Travel

Airports remain open on Memorial Day, but expect higher passenger volume and potential delays. Arrive early for your flight and check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Road Travel

Roads are typically congested during Memorial Day weekend. Plan your route in advance and allow extra travel time. Be aware of potential construction delays and traffic incidents.

Public Transportation

Public transportation systems (buses, trains, subways) may operate on a holiday or weekend schedule. Check the specific schedule for your local transit authority.

Memorial Day Sales and Promotions

Memorial Day weekend is known for its sales and promotions. Retailers often offer significant discounts on a wide range of products, including:

Outdoor Furniture and Grills
Appliances
Clothing and Shoes
Electronics
Mattresses

Strategies for Shopping Memorial Day Sales

Plan Ahead: Research the sales and make a list of items you need.
Compare Prices: Check prices at multiple retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews to assess the quality of the product.
Check Return Policies: Understand the store's return policy before buying anything.

Remembering the Fallen: Honoring Memorial Day

While many people take advantage of the long weekend for travel, shopping, and gatherings, it's important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day: to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Ways to Honor Memorial Day

Visit a Cemetery or Memorial: Pay your respects at a local cemetery or war memorial.
Attend a Memorial Day Parade or Ceremony: Participate in community events that honor fallen soldiers.
Observe the National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 PM local time, pause for a moment of silence to remember those who have died.
Support Veterans' Organizations: Donate to organizations that support veterans and their families.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history of Memorial Day and share that knowledge with others.

Conclusion: Planning Your Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday with specific implications for store hours, stock market operations, and government services. By understanding these implications and planning accordingly, you can make the most of the long weekend while also honoring the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Remember to check the specific hours of your local stores, be aware of potential travel delays, and take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who died serving our country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day?

Yes, most grocery stores are open on Memorial Day, but some may have reduced hours. Check with your local store to confirm their hours.

Is the stock market closed on Memorial Day?

Yes, the U.S. stock market (NYSE and Nasdaq) is closed on Memorial Day.

Are banks open on Memorial Day?

No, most banks are closed on Memorial Day. However, online banking and ATMs are typically available.

Is Chick-fil-A open on Memorial Day?

Chick-fil-A restaurants are typically open on Memorial Day, but hours may vary. Check with your local Chick-fil-A for their specific hours.

Is Costco open on Memorial Day?

No, Costco warehouses are typically closed on Memorial Day.

Is Target open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Target stores are generally open on Memorial Day with regular hours.

Is Walmart open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Walmart stores are generally open on Memorial Day with regular hours.

What time is the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day?

The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day.

Why is Memorial Day important?

Memorial Day is important because it honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's a day to remember their sacrifices and express gratitude for their service.

What are some ways to honor Memorial Day?

Some ways to honor Memorial Day include visiting a cemetery or memorial, attending a Memorial Day parade or ceremony, observing the National Moment of Remembrance, supporting veterans' organizations, and educating yourself and others about the history of Memorial Day.