Which Retail Stores Are Open/Closed on MLK Day 2026?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January, and in 2026, it falls on Monday, January 19. While government offices and banks close, most retail and service businesses remain open, often with holiday sales.

What Retail Stores Are Open and Closed on MLK Day?

Most stores, parks, restaurants, and gyms will be open on MLK Day 2026. While closures are rare, some locations may operate on reduced hours, especially in smaller towns or independently owned businesses.

Grocery Stores

Open with regular hours unless otherwise noted locally. This includes:

• Walmart
• Kroger
• Publix
• Costco
• Aldi
• Whole Foods
• Trader Joe’s

Always check your local store’s website or app for updates.

Department Stores

Open and often running sales. Malls will also be open. Retailers expected to operate include:

• Macy’s
• Nordstrom
• Ross
• TJ Maxx
• Marshall’s
• Kohl’s
• Target
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Primark

What Retailers Have Sales on MLK Day?

While not as aggressive as Black Friday, MLK Day sales often include discounts on tech, home goods, and mattresses:

• Amazon: Deals on electronics, appliances, and home essentials.
• Best Buy: Discounts on laptops, TVs, smartwatches, and headphones.
• Mattress Firm: MLK Day mattress sales on select brands.
• Wayfair and Overstock: Clearance on furniture and décor.

Hardware and Sporting Goods Stores

Open with regular hours, including:

• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Ace Hardware
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• REI
• Bass Pro Shops

Family Entertainment

Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and local attractions are generally open.

Also, MLK Day is notably one of the fee-free days for National Parks in 2026, so parks that normally charge admission will be free to enter.

Restaurants

Chain restaurants will be open, including:

• Applebee’s
• Olive Garden
• Chili’s
• McDonald’s
• Starbucks

Local restaurants may vary, so call ahead to confirm.

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Open, but pharmacy counters may have reduced hours:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• Rite Aid
• Duane Reade

What’s Closed on MLK Day?

• Federal, state, and local government offices
• Post offices (USPS)
• Most banks and credit unions
• Public schools and libraries
• Stock markets (NYSE, Nasdaq)

What are your plans for MLK Day 2026? Will you be shopping, volunteering, or enjoying the day off? Let us know in the comments.

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Amanda Blankenship

Amanda Blankenship is Chief Editor at District Media, Inc., leading content strategy, quality assurance, and editorial operations across high-traffic personal finance sites like SavingAdvice.com and CleverDude.com. A Wingate University graduate with a BA in Communications (Journalism focus), she brings over a decade of experience in digital publishing, writing, and team leadership in the personal finance space.