Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, marks the unofficial start of summer. This federal holiday is a solemn occasion to honor the brave members of the U.S. armed forces who have lost their lives in service to the country. In 2024, Memorial Day falls on May 27, a day when many Americans will enjoy a break from school and work.
Retail Operations on Memorial Day
While Memorial Day is a time for reflection and honor, it is also a day when many national retailers remain open to accommodate holiday shoppers. Notably, giants such as Walmart and Target will welcome customers on Memorial Day.
Similarly, all Food Lion locations and most Kroger grocery stores will operate during regular hours. However, shoppers should be aware that Aldi stores will have limited hours.
In contrast, Costco will close its doors on this Day, adhering to its tradition of recognizing major holidays. Shoppers should verify the hours of local retailers as there may be closures or modified operating hours.
Financial Services Taking a Break
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will pause trading, reflecting the observance of the holiday across financial sectors. Similarly, the Federal Reserve and most major banks will not conduct business, giving employees a day to commemorate. However, for those needing to manage their finances, ATMs and online banking services will be available.
Postal and Shipping Services Schedule
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will halt mail delivery on Memorial Day, and most UPS shipping services will follow suit. However, UPS stores will offer limited openings, and the express critical service will be available for urgent deliveries.
FedEx will also close most of its operations, except for its custom critical service which caters to urgent, sensitive, or potentially hazardous shipments.
Planning for Memorial Day
As Memorial Day approaches, consumers need to plan their activities and shop around the closures and services available. Whether it’s a quiet day of remembrance or catching up on shopping deals, knowing what services are available can help make the most of this federal holiday.
