
Retail Stores
Most retail stores are open. Memorial Day has become an event to drive traffic to stores at the beginning of the summer season through Memorial Day sales. Due to this, most retail outlets remain open on Memorial Day. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Macys and Sears will all be open on May 25. The one major retailer which closes its doors for the day is Costco. You can see the list of stores which will be open and closed here.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are open. For those who find they need to stop by their local grocery store to get food on May 25, you’ll be happy to know that all major grocery store chains will be open. It’s important to note that some of the grocery stores will be open for holiday hours, and not their regular Monday hours. If you plan to go to the store in the evening, you may want to call to confirm they will be open when you are planning to go.
Drugstores
Drug stores are open. All three of the major national drugstores (Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens) will be open for business on Memorial Day. Most local and independent drugstores should also be open, but you will want to call to confirm and to check their hours.
Federal, State and Local Government Offices
Government offices are closed. Since Memorial Day is a federal holiday, all government offices at the federal state and local level are closed as long as they are nonessential. Those government entities which are considered vital, such as police departments and fire stations, will remain open.
Stock Markets
Stock markets are closed. While the stock markets don’t close on every federal holiday, the two major stock markets (the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ) will both be closed on Memorial Day.
Banks & Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions are closed. The vast majority of banks and credit unions will be closed on Monday, May 25. There aren’t a few exceptions, but they are far and few between. You can see a complete list here.
US Postal Service
Post office branches are closed. Since the United States Postal Service is part of the federal government, post office branches will be closed on Memorial Day. There will be no mail delivered as well. Both Federal Express and United Postal Service will also be closed to observe the holiday.
Schools
Schools are closed. The vast majority of both public and private schools observe federal holidays. These institutions will not be open in order to observe the holiday.
Libraries
Libraries are closed. Libraries typically observe federal holidays, so most will be closed on May 25.
Garbage Service
Garbage service is closed. For those who typically have their garbage picked up on Monday, that service may not run depending on what city or town you live in. In many cases, garbage service is rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, but you should check with your local garbage service to confirm.
Restaurants
In most cases, restaurants are open. If you plan to eat out on Memorial Day, you’ll be happy to know that most major chain restaurants will remain open. If you’re planning to go to a local restaurant, you will want to call to confirm that they will be open. Many independently owned restaurants close on Monday as their day off for the week, so keep this in mind.
Gas Stations
Gas stations are open. Those traveling over the Memorial Day weekend should have no problem finding gas. Most gas stations will remain open to cater to the holiday traffic, and if there is one that closes, there should be plenty of others around to fill the void.
(Photo courtesy of Dawn Paperin)