Which Retailers Are Open/Closed on Memorial Day 2026?

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest shopping periods before summer officially begins. Millions of Americans spend the long weekend buying grilling supplies, patio furniture, appliances, mattresses, and travel gear while retailers compete with major holiday sales. However, not every store keeps its doors open on Memorial Day, which can create problems for shoppers trying to handle last-minute errands. Knowing which retailers are open and closed on Memorial Day 2026 can save you from wasting time driving to locked stores during the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day 2026 and Retail Shopping

Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25, and honors the military service members who died serving the United States. Over time, the holiday has evolved into both a day of remembrance and one of the biggest retail weekends of the year. Retailers often begin advertising Memorial Day sales weeks in advance, especially on appliances, grills, mattresses, and summer products. Many families use the long weekend to prepare for cookouts, vacations, and outdoor projects before school lets out for summer. Experts say Memorial Day shopping has become nearly as important to retailers as Black Friday in categories like home improvement and outdoor living.

What People Usually Buy During Memorial Day Sales

Certain products almost always dominate Memorial Day sales events because they line up with seasonal shopping habits. Grills, patio furniture, lawn equipment, coolers, outdoor décor, and gardening supplies are among the biggest sellers during the holiday weekend. Mattress companies also heavily promote Memorial Day discounts, with some brands offering their deepest markdowns before Labor Day. Electronics, appliances, luggage, and summer clothing also see large promotions as retailers try to kickstart summer spending. According to shopping analysts, Memorial Day is historically one of the best weekends of the year to buy appliances and outdoor items before peak summer pricing arrives.

Which Retailers Are Closed on Memorial Day 2026?

Most major retailers remain open on Memorial Day, but there are a few important exceptions shoppers should know about. Costco remains one of the most notable retailers that closes all warehouse locations nationwide for Memorial Day each year. Both independent holiday trackers and recent retail reports confirm Costco warehouses will close on Monday, May 25, 2026, as part of the company’s employee-focused holiday policy.

Several government-related services also close on Memorial Day, including banks, post offices, courthouses, and federal offices. UPS and some FedEx services may pause or operate on modified schedules because of the federal holiday.

Smaller locally owned businesses may also choose to close for the holiday weekend. If you plan to shop at a local boutique, hardware store, or specialty shop, calling ahead is still the safest option.

Which Retailers Are Open on Memorial Day 2026?

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of major retail chains are expected to remain open on Memorial Day 2026. Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Best Buy, Macy’s, Petco, and Michaels are all expected to operate during regular or slightly modified hours.

Many retailers are also using Memorial Day to launch major sales events. Home Depot has already begun offering discounts on patio furniture, grills, tools, and appliances ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Lowe’s is similarly promoting sales on outdoor power equipment, grills, flowers, and patio sets while confirming stores will remain open during normal hours.

Here are some of the major retailers expected to remain open on Memorial Day 2026:

• Walmart
• Target
• Home Depot
• Lowe’s
• Best Buy
• Macy’s
• TJ Maxx
• Marshalls
• HomeGoods
• Petco
• Michaels
• Ace Hardware
• Barnes & Noble
• Bass Pro Shops
• Cabela’s
• Kohl’s
• Tractor Supply Company
• REI
• Dollar General
• Dollar Tree

Many grocery stores and convenience stores will also stay open, although pharmacy counters inside stores may operate with reduced holiday hours.

Some Retailers May Use Modified Hours

Even stores that remain open on Memorial Day may not operate with completely normal schedules. Aldi locations, for example, are expected to close earlier than usual at some stores during the holiday. Sam’s Club has also announced adjusted Memorial Day hours for 2026, including earlier shopping access for Plus members.

In certain states, holiday laws may also impact shopping. Massachusetts, for instance, restricts alcohol sales before noon on Memorial Day under its so-called “noon rule,” affecting stores like Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Sam’s Club.

Experts recommend checking store locators online before visiting because local ordinances, staffing shortages, weather events, or regional policies can still affect individual store hours.

Most Retailers Stay Open, But Costco Remains the Big Exception

If you’re planning a Memorial Day shopping trip in 2026, most major retailers will remain open and heavily promote holiday sales throughout the weekend. Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and many grocery stores are all expected to operate normally, giving shoppers plenty of options for last-minute needs. Costco continues to stand out as one of the few major retailers that closes entirely for Memorial Day, so members will need to shop ahead of time.

Holiday weekends can also bring larger crowds, limited inventory, and traffic delays, especially at home improvement stores and grocery chains. Planning ahead and checking local store hours online can help avoid unnecessary frustration during one of the busiest retail weekends of the year.

Which stores do you usually shop at during Memorial Day weekend? Have you ever accidentally shown up at a retailer only to find it closed?

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Amanda Blankenship

Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media.  With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.