Memorial Day, observed on May 27 this year, is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and mourns the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The long weekend is also considered the unofficial start of summer and a popular time for travel and sales.
Many businesses will be open during Memorial Day weekend, but some will be closed. Here's what we know about which stores and services will be open or closed on Memorial Day based on available information:
Government Buildings: Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed on Memorial Day.
Banks and Stock Market: U.S. stock markets and banks are closed on Memorial Day.
FedEx and UPS: Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Memorial Day.
Retailers: Costco is the only major retailer that will be closed on Memorial Day. The vast majority of other retailers, including Big Lots, BJ's Wholesale Club, CVS, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, IKEA, Kroger family of stores (including Fred Meyer and Fry's Food), Lowe's Rite Aid Sprouts Target Trader Joe's Walgreens Walmart Wegmans Whole Foods will be open with regular hours. Some retailers may have shortened hours or closed early, so it is best to check with your local store for specific hours.
Restaurants: Most fast-food restaurants and many sit-down restaurants will be open on Memorial Day, but some may have limited hours. It's always a good idea to call ahead and confirm the hours of operation for your preferred restaurant.
Travel: AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday period, an increase of 4% from last year. If those projections are accurate, that would come close to the record of 44 million Memorial Day weekend travelers in 2005.
Memorial Day History: Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday in May.