Monday, October 12, 2020 is Columbus Day. It’s a controversial holiday. First celebrated in the eighteenth century, it was a well-established American holiday for years. However, in the twenty-first century, with recognition of the flaws inherent in celebrating Christopher Columbus, celebrations around the holiday have changed.
Columbus Day is a Federal Holiday
Despite the fact that it’s a controversial holiday, Columbus Day is still one of the ten federal holidays that occur throughout the year. Note that not every state recognizes the holiday. Several states mark Indigenous Peoples Day instead. But there are a lot of services that close for federal holidays, regardless of whether or not the state recognizes the day.
What Closes on Federal Holidays
Since Columbus Day is a federal holiday, certain things will be closed. For example, government offices and services will be closed on Monday October 12, 2020. Courthouses will close down. Libraries will close down.
The post office will be closed. Furthermore, there won’t be any mail delivery that day. However, other shipping services, such as UPS, should be open.
Banks are also closed on Columbus Day. Credit unions usually are, too. There are a few exceptions. For example, banks inside of big retail stores sometimes stay open on Columbus Day. If they do, then they may have limited hours.
Professional services are usually closed for Columbus Day. For example, doctors, dentists, and lawyers may take the day off.
Are Schools Open on Federal Holidays?
While schools are typically closed on federal holidays, the controversy around Columbus Day makes it a little bit different. Some schools are open while other schools are closed. Check with your school to find out what the rules are. Remember that the rules might have changed since last year if your school is doing distance learning due to COVID-19.
Columbus Day Parades During COVID-19
Speaking of the coronavirus pandemic, remember that most cities have canceled Columbus Day parades in 2020. If you often attend the parades, then you might need to find something else to do. Remember, though, that a lot of other people will be trying to find things to do as well. Therefore, stores and restaurants will likely be busy.
As you’ll see below, most retail stores are open on Columbus Day. Most restaurants will be open as well. So, on the one hand, you do have a lot of options. But if other people have the same idea, then the stores might be very busy. With social distancing and limited capacity, this could mean long waits to get into the stores this year.
Retail Stores Open on Columbus Day
Although government offices close for the federal holiday, most other things remain open. In particular, most retail stores are open on Columbus Day. Of course, this can vary, especially if you like to shop at small independently-owned businesses.
Big Stores Open on Columbus Day
The big stores that you can find in most cities are likely to be open on Columbus Day. For example, Walmart is open on Columbus Day. Notably, Walmart stores have other services within them – such as vision centers, banks, pharmacies, etc. Those may or may not be open on Columbus Day. If open, they may have limited hours. Check with your local branch if you need to use those services.
Other big stores that are open on Columbus Day include:
- Barnes and Noble, which should be open from 9 am – 10 pm
- Best Buy, which usually has a Columbus Day sale although there’s been no 2020 sale announcement, yet
- Bed Bath and Beyond, which is usually open from 9 am – 9:30 pm
- BJ’s Wholesale, open 9 am – 9 pm; their extended holiday hours begin about a month later
- Burlington, although closed some holidays, they stay open for Columbus Day
- Costco, which is typically open from 10 am – 8:30 pm on Mondays, including Columbus Day
- Dollar Tree, open 9 am – 9 pm
- DSW, which only closes on Christmas Day and not on any other holidays
- Home Depot, which usually has a Columbus Day sale although there’s been no 2020 sale announcement, yet
- Kohl’s, open regular store hours
- Lowe’s, which only closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, will be open on Columbus Day
- Macy’s, which only closes on Christmas, and therefore will be open on Columbus Day
- Marshalls, which is typically open 10 am -9 pm
- Mattress Firm, open regular hours
- Pottery Barn, which should be open 11 am – 6 pm
- Staples, usually open 8 am – 9 pm but varies by location
- TJ Maxx; like many other retailers, they only close on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
- Target, which is typically open from 8 am – 10 pm but may vary by location on Columbus Day
These stores, and other retail stores, will usually maintain their usual Monday store hours. Occasionally, though, these stores will have limited hours. During the retail changes that have taken place during COVID-19, it’s best not to assume.
Other Types of Stores Open on Columbus Day
If you’re interested in retail shopping on Columbus Day, then you should be happy to know that stores are likely open. While you’re out, you may want to get all of your shopping and errands done. Therefore, you’ll want to know which other types of businesses are open. Other than government offices, most things are open. For example:
- Almost all grocery stores are open on Columbus Day. Independent grocers are, too, although this can vary.
- Drug stores including Walgreens and CVS are open. Their pharmacies are usually open as well, but call ahead if you want to be sure.
- Restaurants will most likely be open on Columbus Day. For example, Chipotle hours will be normal.
- Gas stations are open on Columbus Day.
These stores generally stay open regular Monday hours on Columbus Day. However, you may find them adopting a Sunday or holiday schedule. If you’re uncertain, call in advance.
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