Labor Day Store Hours 2024: Walmart, Target, Costco & Grocery Open?

Sep 01, 2025

Labor Day 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Store Hours & Holiday Closures

Labor Day, the first Monday of September, marks the unofficial end of summer and a day to celebrate the American worker. While many enjoy a day off, Labor Day also presents questions about store hours and whether essential services remain operational. This comprehensive guide answers your burning questions about Labor Day hours for major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, your local grocery store, and the operational status of services like UPS.

Understanding Labor Day: A Brief Overview

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the first Monday of September. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the prosperity and well-being of the country. Many businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on Labor Day, giving people a long weekend to relax and enjoy the end of summer.

Is Walmart Open on Labor Day 2024?

Yes, generally, Walmart stores are open on Labor Day. However, it's always a good practice to check your local Walmart's hours, as they may vary depending on location. You can find the specific hours for your local Walmart by:

Using the Walmart store locator on the Walmart website.
Using the Walmart mobile app.
Calling your local Walmart directly.

Walmart typically offers sales and promotions on Labor Day, making it a popular shopping destination for many. Expect departments like electronics, home goods, and clothing to feature special deals.

Is Target Open on Labor Day 2024?

Similarly to Walmart, Target stores are usually open on Labor Day. Target is a common destination for back-to-school shopping deals, and many consumers expect to find these deals available over the holiday weekend. While most Target locations will operate under normal hours, verifying your local store's specific hours is always recommended. Here's how you can do that:

Visit the Target store locator on the Target website.
Use the Target app on your smartphone.
Call your local Target store directly to confirm their Labor Day hours.

Is Costco Open on Labor Day 2024?

Unlike Walmart and Target, Costco warehouses are typically CLOSED on Labor Day. Costco observes several major holidays, including Labor Day, as a day of closure. This is consistent with Costco's policy of providing its employees with time off to spend with family and friends. Therefore, plan your Costco shopping accordingly and stock up before Labor Day weekend. Verify by visiting the Costco website.

Costco Holiday Closures: A General Guideline

Costco typically closes on the following holidays:

New Year's Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4th)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

It's always a good idea to double-check the Costco website or call your local warehouse to confirm holiday closures, as there may be occasional exceptions.

Grocery Store Hours on Labor Day 2024

Grocery store hours on Labor Day can vary significantly depending on the chain and location. Most major grocery chains, such as Kroger, Safeway, and Publix, are generally OPEN on Labor Day, but they may operate with reduced hours. Local and regional grocery stores may have different policies, so it's crucial to check with your specific store.

How to Check Your Local Grocery Store's Labor Day Hours

Follow these steps to determine the Labor Day hours of your local grocery store:

Visit the store's website: Most grocery chains have websites with store locators and holiday hours information.
Use the store's mobile app: Many grocery stores offer mobile apps that provide store hours, weekly ads, and other useful information.
Call the store directly: The most reliable way to confirm Labor Day hours is to call your local store and speak with a representative.
Check social media: Some stores will post their holiday hours on their social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).

Specific Examples of Grocery Store Hours (Check Locally for Accuracy):

Kroger: Typically open, but may have reduced hours. Check local store listings.
Safeway: Usually open, but verify hours on their website.
Publix: Generally open, with possible adjusted hours. Confirm with your local store.
Whole Foods Market: Usually open, but it's best to confirm.
Trader Joe's: Often open with regular or slightly reduced hours, check your location.
Aldi: Typically open with limited hours on holidays.

UPS Labor Day 2024 Schedule: Is UPS Delivering?

UPS observes Labor Day as a holiday, and most UPS services will be CLOSED on Labor Day, September 2, 2024. This means there will be no pickup or delivery services for most packages, including UPS Ground, UPS Air, and international services.

UPS Services Affected on Labor Day:

No Package Pickup: UPS will not pick up packages from businesses or residences.
No Package Delivery: Standard UPS delivery services will be suspended.
UPS Stores Closed: Most UPS Store locations will be closed.

UPS Express Critical: The Exception

The only UPS service that will be available on Labor Day is UPS Express Critical^®. This service provides expedited, time-critical shipping for urgent situations. However, it comes at a premium cost and is typically reserved for emergencies.

Planning Your Shipping Around Labor Day

If you need to ship or receive packages around Labor Day, it's essential to plan ahead. Here are some tips:

Ship packages before Labor Day weekend: To ensure your packages arrive on time, ship them a few days before the holiday.
Check the UPS website for holiday schedules: Visit the UPS website for the official Labor Day service schedule and any updates.
Factor in extra transit time: Be aware that packages shipped immediately after Labor Day may experience slight delays due to increased volume.

Navigating Labor Day Sales and Deals

Labor Day is a popular time for retailers to offer sales and discounts, making it an excellent opportunity to save money on various items. However, navigating these sales effectively requires a strategy.

Types of Labor Day Sales

End-of-Summer Clearance: Many retailers use Labor Day to clear out summer inventory, offering deep discounts on clothing, outdoor gear, and seasonal items.
Back-to-School Sales: While back-to-school shopping may be winding down, some retailers continue to offer deals on school supplies, electronics, and clothing.
Home Improvement Sales: Labor Day is a popular time for home improvement projects, and retailers often offer discounts on tools, appliances, and building materials.
Appliance Sales: Look for deals on major appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Mattress Sales: Labor Day is a prime time to buy a new mattress, with many retailers offering significant discounts and promotions.

Tips for Smart Labor Day Shopping

Make a list: Before you start shopping, create a list of the items you need or want to avoid impulse purchases.
Set a budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend and stick to your budget.
Compare prices: Check prices at different retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Use online price comparison tools.
Read reviews: Before buying an item, read reviews from other customers to assess its quality and value.
Check return policies: Understand the retailer's return policy before making a purchase in case you need to return the item.
Beware of scams: Be cautious of overly good deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams.
Shop early: Popular items may sell out quickly, so shop early in the Labor Day weekend for the best selection.

Understanding Holiday Pay for Employees

Labor Day is a federal holiday, but whether or not employees receive holiday pay depends on their employment status, company policies, and state laws. There is no federal law requiring private employers to pay employees extra for working on holidays or to give them paid time off.

Who Typically Receives Holiday Pay?

Government Employees: Federal, state, and local government employees typically receive paid time off for Labor Day.
Salaried Employees: Salaried employees in the private sector may receive holiday pay depending on their employer's policies.
Union Employees: Employees who are members of a union may have holiday pay benefits outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

Employer Policies on Holiday Pay

Private employers are free to set their own policies regarding holiday pay. Some employers may offer the following:

Paid Holiday: Employees receive their regular pay for the day, even if they don't work.
Time-and-a-Half: Employees who work on Labor Day receive 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.
Double Time: Some employers may offer double-time pay for working on holidays.
Compensatory Time Off: Employees may receive compensatory time off (comp time) to be used at a later date.

State Laws on Holiday Pay

Most states do not have laws requiring private employers to provide holiday pay. However, some states have laws that address specific industries or situations. It's essential to check your state's labor laws to understand your rights as an employee.

Beyond Retail: Other Services on Labor Day

While retail store hours are a common concern on Labor Day, it's also important to consider the status of other essential services.

Postal Service (USPS)

The United States Postal Service (USPS) observes Labor Day as a holiday. Post offices are closed, and there is no regular mail delivery. Priority Mail Express is the only service that continues on this holiday, but it comes with increased pricing. Plan accordingly for mailing needs.

Banks

Most banks are closed on Labor Day, including major national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Online banking services and ATMs remain available, but branch services are unavailable. Plan any banking transactions accordingly.

Public Transportation

Public transportation schedules may be affected on Labor Day. Many public transportation systems operate on a reduced holiday schedule, with fewer buses and trains running. Check the website or app of your local public transportation agency for specific schedules.

Government Offices

Federal, state, and local government offices are typically closed on Labor Day. This includes courthouses, DMVs, and other government agencies. Plan any necessary visits to these offices accordingly.

Libraries

Public libraries are generally closed on Labor Day. Check the website of your local library for specific holiday hours.

Conclusion: Planning Your Labor Day

Labor Day is a time for celebration and relaxation, but it's also essential to be aware of store hours and service closures. By checking the hours of your local stores, planning your shipping needs, and understanding holiday pay policies, you can make the most of your Labor Day weekend. Enjoy the end of summer and the well-deserved day off!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Labor Day Store Hours

Are most stores open on Labor Day?

Generally, yes. Many major retailers and grocery stores are open on Labor Day, but their hours may be reduced. Costco is a notable exception, typically being closed on Labor Day.

How can I find out the exact hours of a store near me on Labor Day?

The best ways to find out the exact hours are:

Check the store's website and use their store locator.
Use the store's mobile app.
Call the store directly.
Check the store's social media pages.

Is UPS delivering on Labor Day?

No, UPS observes Labor Day as a holiday, and most services are closed. The only exception is UPS Express Critical.

Do I get paid extra for working on Labor Day?

It depends on your employment status, company policies, and state laws. There is no federal law requiring private employers to pay extra for working on holidays.

Are banks open on Labor Day?

No, most banks are closed on Labor Day.

Is the Post Office open on Labor Day?

No, post offices are closed on Labor Day, and there is no regular mail delivery.

What kind of sales can I expect on Labor Day?

You can expect to see end-of-summer clearance sales, back-to-school sales, home improvement sales, appliance sales, and mattress sales.

Should I shop early for Labor Day sales?

Yes, it's a good idea to shop early in the Labor Day weekend for the best selection of popular items.

Are government offices open on Labor Day?

No, federal, state, and local government offices are typically closed on Labor Day.

What if a store's website has conflicting information about holiday hours?

The best course of action is to call the store directly to confirm their Labor Day hours. Websites might not always be up-to-date.