Columbus Day

Is Target Open Columbus Day 2018?

October 4, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship 2 Comments

Columbus Day is Monday and, while many people will be getting ready for a three-day weekend, others are looking forward to holiday sales. Because it is a federal holiday, there is a gray area as to what will be open and what’s closed. Target is one of America’s favorite retailers and often holds great holiday sales. Those wanting to head out shopping may be wondering, “is Target open Columbus Day?”

Is Target Open Columbus Day?

Yes. Target will be open on Columbus Day. Although it isn’t really considered to be a huge shopping holiday, most retailers will be open on Monday. Most of Target’s deals will center around Halloween and the usual household items. So, what specific deals will Target have on Columbus Day?

Target Columbus Day Deals

Target has deals circulating every week. However, there are no Columbus Day-specific deals. If you want to get a great deal at Target every day, check out the Target REDcard. Shopping with your REDcard will get you an additional 5% off your entire purchase every time you shop at Target.

If you’re looking for specific deals, check your local Target ad for the week of October 8. You can find the ad on online, in your newspaper, or in your local Target.

What is Target’s Holiday Schedule?

Most Target locations are open during normal business hours on most holidays (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Outside of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, Target operates on these hours.

Some holidays may provide extended hours. For instance, Target is open longer on Black Friday. However, Columbus Day is not a holiday that will provide any extended hours (opening at 6 a.m. and closing at midnight). It should also be noted that many locations have shorter hours on Sunday.

Target pharmacies and stores located within Target may open later on regular business days and holidays. The photo center keeps regular store hours. Check out Target’s holiday schedule and store hours here.

Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart

Is the Post Office Open Columbus Day 2018?

October 1, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship 1 Comment

Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 8 this year. Even though many people may not know what Columbus Day is all about, they’ll have the day off and enjoy a three-day weekend. However, some of your favorite stores and other businesses may be closed. This may leave you wondering, “Is the post office open Columbus Day?”

Is the Post Office Open Columbus Day?

No. The post office will be closed Columbus Day. Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, post offices will be closed on Monday, October 8. Physical USPS locations will be closed. There will also be no mail delivery.

All USPS employees will have the day off. So, if you need to interact with someone at USPS, you won’t be able to do so on Monday. However, some services will still be available.

You’ll still be able to use the self-service options at your local post offices, such as buying stamps and sending letters or small packages. Some locations may have a self-service system for printing postage in the lobby as well. You will also be able to access your personal P.O. box.

These services are generally available to customers at USPS 24/7. If you are wondering what services, if any, will be available at your local post office, you may want to give them a call and verify what will be available on Monday.

Is the Post Office Open Columbus Day Weekend?

Although many of you will have a three-day weekend, that isn’t the case for USPS workers. Mail will still run on Saturday and, depending on your local P.O.’s regular hours, they will be open on Saturday, October 6 as well. So, if your post office is usually open, it will be open this Saturday and closed on Sunday, as usual.

Keep in mind, there are three more federal holidays in which the post office will be closed this year. These holidays will also impact the post office’s regular schedule:

Veterans’ Day: Monday, November 12, 2018 (Veterans Day observed)
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 22, 2018
Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25, 2018

If you have any questions about your local post office holiday hours or the services that will be available to you, give them a call and ask. The customer service number is 1-800-275-8777.

Photo: jelm6

What’s Open and What’s Closed Columbus Day 2018?

September 30, 2018 By Alexa Mason 1 Comment

With Columbus Day fast approaching, many people wonder what’s open on Columbus Day and what’s closed. Since it is a federal holiday, certain organizations choose to close to mark the occasion. If you’re planning on running errands, make sure you know what’s open before you head out.

What’s Open on Columbus Day?

On Columbus Day, you won’t see as many closures as you would on other major holidays, like Christmas. However, not every organization chooses to open, allowing their staff to take a day off in celebration of the holiday.

Here is an overview of what is and isn’t open on Columbus Day.

Retail Stores

Generally, chain retail stores are open on Columbus Day. This includes retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, many of whom also hold sales to mark the occasion.

If you go out shopping on Columbus Day, you may find great pricing on remaining summer items, and back-to-school goods may go on clearance. You may also find exceptional deals on shoes as well as a range of home goods.

It’s important to note that small business owners may close their stores on Columbus Day, as they set their own schedules. If you want to shop at a “mom and pop” location, call in advance to make sure they are open.

Grocery Stores

By and large, major grocery stores are open on Columbus Day. Some locations may have limited hours, such as by closing early for the holiday. If you intend to grocery shop on Columbus Day, check with your preferred store to see if they have adjusted their schedule before you head out the door.

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Chain drugstores, like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS, commonly open on Columbus Day. However, they may be on reduced holiday hours, especially at the pharmacy counter.

Local or independent pharmacies may or may not close for the holiday. Each drug store has their own policies, so call ahead if you were wanting to stop by on Columbus Day.

Gas Stations

Chain gas stations and their convenience stores usually open on Columbus Day, though the store may operate using holiday hours instead of their regular schedule. Similarly, independent gas stations may close their stores for the holiday, though this isn’t always the case.

However, if you use a debit or credit card, you can still pay at the pump at nearly any gas station, even if the store isn’t open.

Restaurants

Nearly all chain restaurants are open on Columbus Day, though some may use holiday hours instead of their regular schedule. Independent restaurants may choose to close in recognition of the holiday.

If you plan to head to a restaurant on Columbus Day, call ahead to confirm that they will be open.

Credit Unions and Banks

Financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, usually close on Columbus Day. You will not have access to a teller at a branch, and phone support is typically unavailable.

There are some exceptions as Wells Fargo, TD Bank, and a few others may choose to open. If you want to handle transactions with a teller, you should call your branch to see if they are not closing on Columbus Day.

Even if your bank isn’t open, you can still use ATMs or bank online. However, transfers and deposits may not go through until the next business day or later.

U.S. Stock Exchanges and Bond Markets

On Columbus Day, the NYSE and the NASDAQ are open. However, the bond market, or SIMFA, will close in recognition of the holiday.

Government Offices – Federal, State, and Local

In most cases, government offices of all kinds close on Columbus Day. However, there are a few exceptions.

For example, Washington State government offices are open on Columbus Day. Similarly, organizations that handle issues of public safety, like police departments and fire stations, don’t close entirely. However, not all customer-oriented services may be available.

National parks also remain open for Columbus Day.

Post Offices

Post offices will close for Columbus Day. There will be no mail delivery, and you cannot receive assistance inside the post office.

However, post office boxes in unsecured portions of the building remain accessible. Additionally, self-service kiosks may also be on-site, allowing you to handle certain activities on your own.

Schools

Schools may or may not be open on Columbus Day, depending on where you live. Unlike many other federal holidays, closing for Columbus Day isn’t universal, so you should contact your area’s schools in advance to see if they will be open.

Did you already know what’s closed Columbus Day? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

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Photo: Ed Schipul

Will Schools Be Open or Closed on Columbus Day 2018?

September 7, 2018 By Alexa Mason 1 Comment

Will schools be closed on Columbus Day? The holiday, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year, is a federal holiday. Generally, schools close on federal holidays. However, not all states observe Columbus Day.

States That Do Not Observe Columbus Day

For example, states like Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, South Dakota, and Vermont do not observe the day. Each of these states have decided they would no longer celebrate Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492. However, this doesn’t always mean they don’t observe other holidays on this year’s Columbus Day, October 8, 2018.

Other Observed Holidays

For example, South Dakota celebrates Native American Day. The state chooses to celebrate this day instead because Columbus discovered a land that was already inhabited by people (native Americans).

Hawaii observes Discover’s Day in honor of the Polynesian discoverers of Hawaii, which falls on the same date. States such as Oregon and Vermont observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day. So, although they don’t observe Columbus Day, some schools in these states are closed.

Columbus Day is the second federal holiday of the school year. In the past, most schools celebrated Columbus Day, but currently, it’s less likely to be observed. As far as public schools go, there is no federal law requiring schools to be open or closed on this day. Each state can choose whether or not to observe the holiday at a government level.

Are Businesses Open Or Closed On Columbus Day?

Most establishments have rules which are a little easier to follow. Retail outlets are usually open. Post offices and banks will be closed. Because of this, you can expect a one-day delay in processing through USPS or your bank on Columbus Day. Convenience stores, liquor stores, grocers and many other businesses will remain open on Monday, October 8, 2018. Libraries typically close in observance of the holiday. Public transit will still be available, but some cities will slow down to a weekend schedule.

Are Schools Open or Closed On Columbus Day?

When it comes to most businesses, Columbus Day schedules are pretty black-and-white as to whether they will be open or closed. Schools, however, are a bit trickier to figure out. It takes a bit of digging to find out whether schools will be open or closed on Columbus Day. There is no real set standard as to whether or not your school district will remain open on Columbus Day. Often, schools on the East Coast close in observance of Columbus Day and most schools on the West Coast remain open.

Keep in mind that this isn’t set in stone. Students in larger cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami will typically have to go to school, while students in cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago might have the day off.

Consult Your School District’s Calendar

If you aren’t sure whether your school district will have class on Columbus Day, look at the district’s online school calendar. Plus, if there’s no school, your kids will probably be sure to let you know. You can also call the school to confirm whether it will be open or closed. Chances are, your child will have school, as Columbus Day is observed and celebrated less and less.

For more on this topic check out our article on why schools might be open on Columbus Day.

Photo Credit: Claus Rebler

Will Schools Be Open or Closed on Columbus Day 2017?

October 6, 2017 By Alexa Mason 2 Comments

Will schools be closed on Columbus Day? The holiday, which is celebrated on the second Monday of October each year, is considered to be a Federal holiday. Generally schools close on Federal holidays, however, not all states observe Columbus Day. States like Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon and South Dakota do not observe the day. Each of these states decided that they would not celebrate Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the New World in 1492. Just because they don’t celebrate Columbus Day, however, doesn’t mean they don’t observe other holidays on October 9. For example, South Dakota celebrate Native American Day. The state chooses to celebrate this day instead because Columbus discovered a land that was already inhabited by people (native Americans). Do the schools in these states close on Columbus Day even though they don’t observe it?

Columbus Day is the second Federal holiday of the school year. Just because it is a Federal holiday, however, does not mean that schools will be closed. Most schools used to celebrate Columbus Day but it is trending now in the opposite direction. As far as public schools go, there is no federal law prohibiting school is held on this day. It’s up to each state if it is observed at a government level, as mentioned earlier.

Most establishments have easier to follow rules. Retail outlets will more than likely be open. Post offices and banks will be closed. Because of this, you can expect a one-day delay on processing through USPS or your bank. Convenience stores, liquor stores, grocers and many other businesses will remain open on Monday, October 9. Libraries typically close in observance of the holiday. Public transit will still be available but some cities will slow down to a weekend schedule.

Each of these places are pretty black-and-white as to whether they will be open or closed on Columbus Day. Schools, however, are a bit trickier to figure out. It takes a bit of digging to find out whether schools will be open or closed on Columbus Day. There is no real set standard as to whether or not your school district will remain open on Columbus Day and this article will not tell you if your specific school is open or closed. As a general rule of thumb, however, schools on the East Coast close in observance of Columbus Day and most schools on the West Coast remain open.

It is still a gamble though. Some states on the East Coast plan to keep their schools open while others will close. Larger cities like Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami will have school while cities like New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago will close.

If you aren’t sure whether your school district will have class on Monday, look at the district’s online school calendar. It will outline what days your children have off. You can also give your child’s school a call to confirm whether they will be open or closed. Chances are, however, that your child will have school as Columbus Day is seemingly being celebrated less and less.

For more on this topic check out our postings on why schools might be open on Columbus Day.

Photo: Claus Rebler

Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day 2017?

October 4, 2017 By Alexa Mason 1 Comment

Columbus Day is next Monday. Although you may not know what Columbus Day is all about you should know that it is a Federal holiday and some of your favorite stores and most government businesses will be closed on that day. Columbus Day falls on the second Monday of October each year and this year the holiday falls on Monday, October 9.

United States Postal Service locations are typically open on Mondays. USPS, however, is a government-run business and generally closes its doors on Federal holidays. Will the post office open on Columbus Day?

Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day?

No. The post office will be closed on Columbus Day. Columbus Day is a Federal holiday and because the post office is part of the Federal government, post offices will observe the holiday and be closed on Monday, October 10. All physical post offices will be closed and there will be no mail delivery.

USPS employees will have the day off on Monday so you will not be able to interact with anyone employed by the postal service. You will be able to use some of the self-service options at your local P.O. location though. Most post offices have drop slots where you can drop off letters and small packages to be processed. If you have a post offices box you will also be able to access your P.O. box on Monday with no problem. Some USPS locations also have weighing machines in the lobby area so that you can purchase and print postage for items you’d like to send on Monday.

If you are curious as to what services will be available to you on Columbus Day it will depend on what services are regularly available to you 24/7. These services vary from location to location. If you have questions about what may be available to you on Columbus Day you may want to call and verify the services that will be available on Monday.

Is the Post Office Open on Columbus Day Weekend?

While post offices will be closed on Columbus Day, will the post office be open over the Columbus Day weekend? Whether or not the post office will be open over the weekend depends on your local office. Most post offices are closed on Sunday, October 8 because post offices are generally closed on Sundays. Some USPS locations are open on Saturdays so if your local post office is usually open on Saturday, it will be open this Saturday, October 7.

Schedules and opening hours vary from location to location. If you are wondering about your local post office Saturday hours contact the office to confirm the hours it will be open over the weekend.

The post office will also be closed on the following Federal holidays for the remainder of this year:

Veterans’ Day: Saturday, November 11, 2017
Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 23, 2017
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25, 2017

If you have any questions about your local post office holiday hours or the services that will be available to you, give them a call and ask. Their customer service number is 1-800-275-8777.

Photo: jelm6