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What Retail Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve 2020?

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What Retail Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve 2020?

It’s Christmas Eve. You just remembered that you have a few gifts left to purchase. Where can you go to get that last minute shopping done? Most retail stores are open on Christmas Eve. However, they often have limited hours, so they might close earlier than you would expect. Here’s a look at what retail stores will be open on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Christmas Eve Store Hours for Major Stores

There are certain go-to stores that you can always kind of assume might be open for shopping. Stores like Costco, Target, and Walmart do close for somme major holidays. However, they’re often a good bet if you’re looking for a store that’s open. So, let’s first take a look at the Christmas Eve 2020 hours for those stores:

BJ’s Wholesale

Wholesale stores like BJ’s are usually open on Christmas Eve. BJ’s has extended their holiday hours this year. They’re open from 9 am – 10 pm Mondays – Saturdays and 9 am – 8 pm on Sundays. That’s for now until December 23, 2020. However, they’ll close at 6 pm on Christmas Eve 2020.

Costco Christmas Eve Shopping Hours

Most Costco stores will be open from 9 am – 5 pm on Thursday, December 24, 2020. However, the first hour of shopping is dedicated to people age 60+ during the COVID pandemic. Therefore, you might need to wait until 1o am to shop at Costco on Christmas Eve. Store hours do vary some by location so double-check your store location in advance.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club will use their holiday Sunday hours on Christmas Eve. Therefore, they’ll be open from 9 am until 6 pm.

Target Christmas Eve Hours

Target announced that they have extended their store hours in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Therefore, you have a lot of opportunity to go shopping before the holidays. You should take advantage of that if you can, rather than waiting until the last minute. Although store hours may vary by location, most Target stores are open from 7 am – midnight every day until the holidays.

So, what about Christmas Eve? Most Target locations will still open at 7 am on Thursday, December 24, 2020. However, they will close at 8 pm. They won’t be open until midnight like they are in these weeks leading up to the holiday. Still, 8 pm is pretty late for Christmas Eve shopping, so if you have to get some last minute things then it is a good place to shop.

Walmart Is Open on Christmas Eve

Walmart is one of those stores that doesn’t close very often. However, things are different this year. They closed on Thanksgiving Day for the first time in decades. And so it’s no surprise that they’ll be closed on Christmas Day this year as well. But what about Christmas Eve?

Walmart stores will open at their regular time on Christmas Eve. However, they will close early. Most locations close at 6 on Christmas Eve. Check the Store Locator for the store nearest you to get exact times for that location.

Other Retail Stores Christmas Eve Shopping Hours

Here are some of the other stores that are open on Christmas Eve for holiday shopping, according to Offers.com:

Academy Sports + Outdoors

Like Target and many other stores, Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering extended shopping hours in the days leading up to Christmas. They’ll be open from 7 am – midnight December 18 – 23, 2020. However, they do close a bit earlier on Christmas Eve. Their Christmas Eve store hours are 7 am – 6 pm.

At Home

Likewise, At Home has extended their shopping hours starting December 7th and running through the day before Christmas Eve. They’ll be open from 9 am – 10 pm Mondays – Saturdays and from 9 am – 9 pm on Sundays. They, too, will close at 6 pm on Christmas Eve.

Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble is offering extended holiday shopping hours, as well. From December 14 – 23rd, they’ll be open 9 am – 9 pm Monday – Saturday and 9 am – 8 pm on Sundays. On Thursday, December 24th, they’ll still open at 9 am. However, they will close at 6 pm for Christmas Eve.

Bass Pro Shops

6 pm is a popular closing time for retail stores that choose to stay open on Christmas Eve. Bass Pro Shops are open 9 am – 6 pm on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Cabela’s, which is a subsidiary off Bass Pro Shops, is also open 9 – 6 on Christmas Eve.

Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Bed, Bath, and Beyond store hours vary by location. They should open at their regular time on Christmas Eve. However, they will close at 5 pm.

Belk

If you want to get your Christmas presents at Belk, then try shopping there December 21 – 23 when the store is open 9 am – 10 pm. However, if you miss that window, you’ll be happy to know that they’re also open on Christmas Eve. In fact, they open early at 8 am that day. They close at 6 pm on Christmas Eve.

Best Buy

Best Buy is open regular store hours on Christmas Eve. This means most locations will be open 11 am – 7 pm. The only difference from usual is that they won’t offer their after-hours curbside pickup, which is available for one hour before stores open and one hour after they close on regular days. On Christmas Eve, it’s just 11 am – 7 pm, even for curbside pickup.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Like with Belk, the best shopping days at Dick’s Sporting Goods are in the days leading up to the holiday. From 12/20 – 12/23, the stores are open from 8 am – 11 pm. Stores open early on Christmas Eve – at 7 am. However, they also close early – at 6 pm.

GameStop

GameStop is usually open from 10 am – 10 pm. However, on Christmas Eve, they shift that to two hours earlier. Therefore, they’ll still be open for twelve straight hours on Christmas Eve 2020. However, it will be from 8 am – 8 pm.

Hobby Lobby

Do you want to pick up some crafting supplies for gift wrapping? Hobby Lobby will be open from 9 am – 5:30 pm on Christmas Eve

Home Depot

Most Home Depot locations are typically open from 6 am – 9 pm. They’ll likely still open t 6 am on Christmas Eve. However, they’ll close at either 5 pm or 7 pm depending on location. If you want to get some Home Depot supplies before the holiday, try to get there between 6 am and 5 pm to be on the safe side.

IKEA

If you’re brave enough to venture into an IKEA during the busy holiday season, then you’re in luck. They’ll be open 10 – 5 on Christmas Eve.

Kohl’s

Most Kohl’s locations are open from 8 am – midnight. However, they’ll close early – at 6 pm – on Christmas Eve.

Lowe’s

Typically open from 6 am – 9 pm, Lowe’s stores will close early – at 6 pm or 7 pm depending on location.

Macy’s

Most locations will stay open regular hours – 8 am – 10 pm.

Mall Stores Such as Dillard’s, JC Penney, and Gap

Most of the stores in the mall will keep whatever the mall’s holiday hours are. Therefore, store hours vary a lot by location. That said, 6 pm remains a popular closing time. Stores like Dillard’s, JC Penney and the Gap will likely close at about 6 pm in most locations.

Michael’s

If you want to pick up craft kits, wrapping supplies, or last-minute decor then Michael’s is a great spot to do so. The store will open early on Christmas Eve – 7 am instead of 8 am. However, they’ll close at 6 pm.

Neiman Marcus

This popular store has extended holiday hours from 10 am – 9 pm through December 23rd. However, they’ll close at 6 pm on December 24th.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom stores will be open from 8 am – 5 pm for last minute holiday shopping on Christmas Eve 2020.

Old Navy

Most Old Navy stores are open 7 am – 7 pm on Christmas Eve. However, some stores located in malls may have different Christmas Eve hours. Check with your location before heading out to shop.

REI

Want to get some great outdoors stuff for someone on your holiday gift list? REI should be open from 9 am – 5 pm on Christmas Eve.

Ulta

Ulta is usually open from 9 am – 7 pm. However, they’re going to shift that an hour early for Christmas Eve. Therefore, you can shop at Ulta from 8 am – 6 pm on December 24, 2020.

World Market

Put together a terrific food gift basket and get a bunch of other great gifts at World Market. They’ll be open from 10 am – 6 pm on Christmas Eve.

Additionally, Good Housekeeping reports that the following stores will likely be open on Christmas Eve 2020, with limited store hours, although not all have yet been confirmed: Apple, Big Lots, and Sears.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

What is the Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

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Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

A price match guarantee is a store’s promise. They promise that if you find an item they sell offered by another retailer at a lower price then they will match that low price. However, each store differs in their interpretation of this promise. Walmart already has some of the lowest prices in the nation. Nevertheless, you can sometimes save money if you know the details of the price match guarantee at Walmart.


What is a Price Match Guarantee?

A price match guarantee, without any limitations, is a store’s promise to give you the lowest price in the market on any particular item. They essentially say, “we believe we have the lowest price. However, if you find the identical item elsewhere at a lower price, then we will match that.”

This is a way that retailers solidify their reputation for offering low prices. They do it because:

  • They know that they already offer low prices and so will often already have the lowest price in the marketplace.
  • It looks good to customers who like low prices to advertise that they will always give the lowest price.
  • In many cases, when there’s actually a lower price out there in the marketplace, most customers don’t bother to take advantage of it anyway. So they get the credibility without having to actually pay the piper.
  • It increases brand loyalty. People want to shop where they believe they’ll find the lowest prices.

However, there are always exceptions, limitations, and rules to a price match guarantee.

What is the Price Match Guarantee at Walmart

Since there always are those exceptions, you have to look carefully at each store’s policies. The price match guarantee at Walmart (available on their website) has four key limitations:

1. Walmart Only Matches Prices on Exactly Identical Items

This is one of the most common price match guarantee limitations. After all, the entire concept is that they offer the lowest price on the same item in the marketplace. Therefore, it’s important that you check to make sure that your item is truly identical before you submit it for a price match guarantee at Walmart. Things to look for:

  • Is it the cheaper item the same brand as the one at Walmart?
  • Are you looking at the same size?
  • How many of the item is in a box or container?
  • Is there a model number? If so, then it must match exactly.
  • Did you find an item with a lower price at another retailer but it’s in a different color? Yes, even the color must be identical for it to qualify for the price match guarantee at Walmart.

2. The Item Must Be In Stock at Both Places

If you want to compare prices on an item that’s for sale online, then the item must be in stock at both places. In other words, Walmart must have the item in stock. Plus the other retailer must have the item in stock. If either store does not have the item in stock then it doesn’t qualify for the price match option.

Some stores offer “rain checks” for purchase of items that are not currently in stock. In other words, if you find the item cheaper elsewhere, but it’s not available at Walmart, you can secure the lower price when it becomes available. However, Walmart DOES NOT offer that option. If it’s not in stock in both stores, it doesn’t qualify.

3. Price Match Guarantee at Walmart is Limited to One Item Per Day

If you do a lot of shopping at Walmart then you might have a lot of items to try to get the lowest price on. If you’re a savvy shopper, then you might realize that you have multiple items that qualify for a price match guarantee at Walmart. However, you can’t take advantage of them all at once.

4. Only Certain Retail Prices Get Matched

This is the most important limitation on the price match guarantee at Walmart. You can’t just go to any online retailer in the world, find a cheaper price, and get a price match. In fact, you can only get the price match if you find a lower price at very specific online retailers.

Walmart will match a lower price if you find at one of these online stores:

  • Academy
  • Amazon
  • Auto Zone
  • BabiesRUs
  • Basspro
  • Bed, Bath, and Beyond
  • Best Buy
  • Cabelas
  • Chewy
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Dollar General
  • Family Dollar
  • Home Depot
  • JC Penney
  • Kmart
  • Kohl’s
  • Lowes
  • Michaels
  • Newegg
  • Office Depot.com
  • O’reilly Auto
  • Pep Boys.com
  • Petco
  • Petsmart
  • Sears
  • Staples
  • Target
  • Walgreens

In other words, Walmart is basically saying, “these are our direct competitors. Therefore, we want to make sure that you shop with us instead of them. As a result, we’ll match their lowest prices if you find something in stock on their sites that you can’t find at the same or lower price on the Walmart.com site.”

Additional Limitations on the Walmart Price Match Guarantee

In addition to those core rules, Walmart specifically outlines many instances in which people might expect to get their price match guarantee but actually will not qualify. Walmart does not offer price matching for:

  • If you’re shopping from Hawaii or Alaska; price match guarantee is only for continental United States Walmart shopping
  • When their own item is later discounted in price; you don’t get the difference back just because the price went down
  • Third-party and Marketplace seller prices
  • Damaged items, used items, or even items that have been refurbished
  • Various discounts (applied at checkout, percentage off, dollar off, bundles, rebates, coupons, etc.)
  • Similarly, items where the price requires a membership, a minimum quantity, or can’t be determined outside of extra charges such as shipping
  • Prices during Black Friday weekend; the price match guarantee at Walmart is effectively out of commission from Thanksgiving Day through the end of CyberMonday

As you can see, there are a lot of limitations on the store’s price match guarantee. You probably aren’t going to save a lot of money taking advantage of this offer. Nevertheless, if you’re online anyway, then you might as well search those sites listed above for a better price on any items in your Walmart.com cart before you check out.

How to Get the Walmart Price Match

If you think that you do qualify, then here’s what to do to request the price match guarantee at Walmart:

  • Contact Walmart Customer Care. Do this BEFORE you place your online order.
  • Give them the exact details of the lowest price offer at another online retailer. Make sure that you provide them with as much information as possible.
  • If they confirm that you do get the discount, they will provide information on how to obtain the lower price.

Can You Get Price Match In the Walmart Store?

Most of this information applies to shopping online at Walmart.com. However, you can take advantage of some price match guarantee deals at the Walmart store cash registers as well.

If you find a price at the store for an identical item that’s available for a lower price at either Walmart.com or Jet.com, then you can request the lower price at the register. Notify the cashier about the price difference before they ring up the item. Provide them with the details about the lower price. They will look it up and may have to consult a supervisor. If you qualify, you’ll get the lower price on the spot.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

What Retailers Are Open on Columbus Day 2020?

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retailers open and closed on columbus day

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.


Some people opt to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead. Others opt not to mark the holiday at all. But what about retailers? What about services such as the post office? Here’s a look at what stays open, and what closes, on Columbus Day.

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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How to Get a Duplicate Receipt From Walmart

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How to Get a Duplicate Receipt From Walmart

You purchased something at Walmart. Then you lost the receipt. There could be several reasons that you want to get a duplicate receipt. How will you go about getting one? Luckily, Walmart provides several options.

Why You Would Want a Duplicate Walmart Receipt

Here are some of the reasons that you might want to know how to get a duplicate receipt from Walmart:

  • Perhaps you need to return the item and want the receipt in hand to facilitate that process.
  • Maybe you gifted the item but the recipient wants to return it.
  • Maybe you scan your receipts each month to look for savings and you no longer have that Walmart receipt.
  • Or perhaps you just like to have all of your receipts for your records and you can’t find one for something that you know you purchased at Walmart.

Returns are probably the most common reason that people seek a duplicate Walmart receipt. If you do not have a receipt for your purchase, then you can typically only get a Walmart Gift Card for your return. On the other hand, if you paid cash and have your receipt, then you can typically get cash back. Moreover, if you paid with a credit card and have the receipt, you can usually get the amount refunded directly back to the credit card. In other words, you have more options about how to receive your return refund if you do have a receipt.

How to Get a Duplicate Walmart Receipt

There are several options available to you if you want to get a duplicate Walmart receipt. Before we begin, you should know that it’s far easier to get the receipt if you paid with a credit card. If you paid with debit, gift card, or cash then you still have some options. But, in the future, you might want to pay with a credit card to facilitate accessing duplicate receipts from Walmart.

Use Walmart’s Store Receipt Locator Online

If you paid for your purchase with a credit card, then you can easily go online to get a duplicate receipt. Walmart offers a receipt locator tool. Also called their Receipt Lookup service, it’s a fairly straightforward system for finding and downloading your receipt. Here are the basic steps:

  • Go to the website linked above.
  • Enter the location of the Walmart store where you made the purchase (such as the city and state).
  • Enter the date of the purchase.
  • Insert the total amount of the receipt that you’re looking for. (Your credit card statement will provide this and the date of purchase.)
  • Enter the last four digits of the credit card that you used to make the purchase.

The tool will find your receipt for you. Then you can download and print it. You now have your duplicate receipt for your records, a store return, or whatever else might motivate you to need a copy.

Use Your Walmart.com Account

If you made your purchase online rather than at a physical location, then you can go to your online account to print a duplicate receipt. Simply find the order in your account history. Expand it to see all of the details. Then print directly from your computer.

And for the future, it might help you to know that you can actually store all Walmart receipts for in-store purchases in an online account. There are two ways to do this. One is to scan the QR code on your receipt at the time of purchase then add it to your online purchase history; here’s how.

The other is to link your phone number with your online Walmart account. Then enter that phone number at checkout. Alternatively, you can use Walmart Pay with your mobile phone. Or you can shop using a credit card that’s store in your Walmart.com account. All of these options will store your in-store Walmart receipts online. Then you can easily print duplicate receipts when you need them.

Call the Walmart Hotline / Customer Care Team

Walmart has an Electronics Payment Hotline. You can use this hotline to get a duplicate receipt for items that you purchased using a credit card or a debit card. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • The location of the store where you made the purchase
  • The date of the purchase
  • Full number from the debit or credit card that you used to make the purchase
  • Fax machine to receive the duplicate receipt from Walmart.

The phone number for the Walmart Electronics Payment Hotline is 479-277-2643.

Alternatively, you can contact their 800 number at 1-800-925-6278 (1-800-WALMART). That’s their Customer Care Team number. Their FAQ/help page that provides information on using the Walmart Receipt Lookup took notes that if you made your purchase with a form of payment other than a credit card then this Customer Care number is the best way to get help for a duplicate receipt.

Go to the Store

Another way to get a duplicate receipt from Walmart is to go to the store’s customer service counter. Make sure that you go to the same location where you initially made the purchase. You will still need to know the date of the purchase. You will also need to know the credit card that you used to make the purchase. If you have that information then they can print out a duplicate receipt for you.

How to Make a Walmart Return without a Receipt

Sometimes your efforts will fail. You’ll try to get a duplicate receipt, and you just can’t access one. This is most likely the case if you paid cash for the item. However, you can return some items to Walmart without a receipt. You’ll need to present a photo ID that they’ll store in their system as a way to counteract returns of stolen items.

Once you do that, you can return the item for:

  • A replacement of the exact same item
  • Cash if the item’s value is less than $25
  • Walmart gift card if the item’s value is $25 or over

As you can see, Walmart provides several options to assist you with returns. You can get duplicate receipts fairly easily if you paid with a credit card. Setting up a Walmart.com account will assist you in better storing your receipts in the future.

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If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started. If you want to be able to customize your blog on your own domain and need hosting service, we recommend trying BlueHost. They offer powerful hosting services for $3.95/month!

Is Costco Closed on Labor Day 2020?

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Is Costco Closed On Labor Day

Monday, September 7, 2020, is Labor Day. Since it’s a federal holiday, many locations close. For example, all government offices (aside from those required for public safety) won’t open. Additionally, some retailers choose to close as well, which lets their workforce have a day off. But not all stores do, which can be a little confusing for shoppers. If you were hoping to head to Costco this Labor Day and are trying to figure out if the warehouse stores or business centers will be open, here’s what you need to know.

Is Costco Closed on Labor Day?

Yes, Costco is closed on Labor Day 2020. Even though Costco warehouses are typically open on a Monday, the retailer shuts down, allowing its employees to have a full day off for this holiday.

If you were hoping to head to one of the Costco Business Centers, you can’t on Labor Day. Those locations also rely on the same holiday schedule, as holiday closures are set by the corporate office and apply universally. That means they won’t be open either.

Is the Costco Gas Station Closed on Labor Day?

Costco gas stations will not have employees on-site on Labor Day. This means that certain options – like paying in cash or picking up some snacks – might not be available.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get fuel. With pay at the pump options, you can fill up any time, even when a Costco employee isn’t available. That means, technically, Costco gas stations never close; your service options just may be limited. You take advantage of this low-cost fuel option on Labor Day, as long as you have a debit or credit card that you can use at the pump.

Does Costco Have a Labor Day Sale?

With Costco closing on Labor Day, the retailer doesn’t have an official Labor Day sale. But, even with that, you can still get great deals. Costco has sales flyers brimming with discounts.

The Costco September 2020 coupon book is valid starting September 2, so the deals in that ad will be available during Labor Day weekend. You can find the Costco September sale flyer on the Costco website.

Costco 2020 Holiday Schedule

When you compare Costco to other major retailers, the chain closes more frequently for holidays. For example, Walmart and Target are open on Labor Day, unlike Costco

However, that doesn’t mean Costco closes every time there’s a holiday, federal or otherwise. Here’s what the Costco 2020 holiday schedule has in store for shoppers this year:

  • New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 20: Costco is open
  • Valentine’s Day: Friday, February 14: Costco is open
  • Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 17: Costco is open
  • Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, March 17: Costco is open
  • Good Friday: Friday, April 10: Costco is open
  • Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 11: Costco is open
  • Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 12: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Monday After Easter: Monday, April 13 (Monday): Costco is open
  • Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 10: Costco is open
  • Memorial Day: Monday, May 25: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Father’s Day: Sunday, June 21: Costco is open
  • Independence Day: Saturday, July 4: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Labor Day: Monday, September 7: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Columbus Day: Monday, October 12: Costco is open
  • Halloween: Saturday, October 31: Costco is open
  • Veteran’s Day: Wednesday, November 11: Costco is open
  • Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26: Costco closes for the holiday
  • Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24 (Thursday): Costco is open, but closes early
  • Christmas Day: Friday, December 25: Costco closes for the holiday
  • New Year’s Eve: Thursday, December 31: Costco is open, but closes early
  • New Year’s Day: Friday, January 1: Costco closes for the holiday

Early Shutdown Days

For the two days where the retailer shuts down early, most Costco locations will end their days around 6:00 pm. However, stores aren’t required to follow the exact same schedule, so certain locations may close later or earlier. On those days, it’s best to confirm the operating hours of your nearest Costco before going shopping.

It’s also important to note that many Costco warehouse stores offer extended hours on Black Friday. Usually, the Black Friday schedule is announced within a few weeks of the event.

Finally, even if Costco locations are closed on holidays, shoppers can head to Costco.com to make purchases. The website is always operational, barring an exceedingly rare technical issue, so you may be able to tackle your shopping list even if it’s a holiday.

Costco Normal Business Hours

On normal business days, most Costco warehouses have a similar opening and closing schedule. In 2020, the typical operating hours are:

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

It’s critical to understand that the schedule listed above is just an average. Some stores open or close at different times, and certain locations are offering special hours for vulnerable populations – usually early in the morning – due to the COVID-19 pandemic still being a concern.

Additionally, Costco hours are subject to change. If there’s a major COVID-19 resurgence, the retailer may have to adjust its schedules for safety reasons.

If you want to head to a Costco Business Center, don’t rely on a warehouse store’s operating hours to figure out when to go. Those locations maintain different schedules. Here’s an overview of an average Business Center’s operating hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

For the Salt Lake City Business Center, there’s a different schedule. It runs:

  • Monday through Friday: 7:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

COVID-19 may also impact Costco Business Center schedules. If you have to go out of your way to get to one, you might want to call ahead to make sure it’ll be open.

Have you ever wished that Costco was open on Labor Day? Are you less concerned about holiday closures because you aren’t shopping in-store as often because of COVID-19? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How to Donate Items to Goodwill Online Auction

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Goodwill Online Auction

If you’re a regular Goodwill shopper, then you probably have a favorite local store near you. However, did you know that some of the best stuff that Goodwill has to offer is actually not in those stores at all? Instead, the really good stuff often goes to the Goodwill Online Auction. Here’s what you need to know about shopping at, and donating items to, this online aspect of Goodwill.

Not All Goodwill Stores Are Created Equal

I recently read a terrific book by Adam Minter called Secondhand: Travels in the New Global Garage Sale. Until reading it, I really had no idea that each Goodwill store is significantly different than the next. Of course, I knew that each one has its own things since everything for sale is donated. Heck, on any given day my Goodwill has an entirely different selection from what it had the day before. Still, after reading this book, I really came to understand how entirely different each store is from the next.

It makes sense, of course. People usually donate their goods to the store closest to them. Therefore, more affluent locations will have different items than poorer places. But it’s even more intricate than that, because what you drop off at one store isn’t necessarily sold at that location. It all gets sorted and sent to the places where it can garner the most money. If something doesn’t sell at one location, it might get sent to another location and sold at a lower price.

So, not all Goodwill stores are created equal. You’ll get different things at different locations on different days. And then when you throw in the Goodwill Online Auction, things get even more nuanced.

What is the Goodwill Online Auction?

ShopGoodwill.com is the home of the Goodwill Online Auction. It is operated by Goodwill of Orange County. However, more than 100 different US and Canadian Goodwill locations list items on the site.

High-value items are pulled out of the stores and sold on this website. For example, if you were to donate vintage items, collectibles, brand-new luxury items, or other things that are high value for the store, these might end up in the Goodwill Online Auction. Electronics, jewelry, and art are popular items to purchase through this tool. You can even buy vehicles through this channel!

Buyers register on the site, free of charge. It’s an online auction site; in fact, it’s the first one ever created by a non-profit organization. You can filter and search for different items. Then you bid on them as you would on other auction bidding websites. Like with many of these sites, there’s sometimes a “Buy Now” option for people who are willing to pay the suggested price to lock in the sale. The earnings from the site go to support the many different programs that Goodwill offers to help people in need gain job skills, literacy, and more.

Can You Donate Items to Goodwill Auction?

The only way that an item is listed for auction on the site is when a Goodwill organization lists it. In other words, you can’t go on the site and sell something; it’s for buyers only. You also can’t choose to donate an item specifically to the auction site. However, if you donate high-quality goods to your local Goodwill, then they might end up on the auction site.

You can always ask your local Goodwill store if they are one of the locations participating in this aspect of the business. Either way, though, if you donate high-value items to Goodwill then you’ll help the organization out, whether they sell it through a physical store or online. In addition to selling items through ShopGoodwill.com, they also sell some things, particularly books, through eBay and Amazon.

Find a donation center near you here. Don’t forget to request a receipt for your donation so that you can claim it on your taxes since it’s a charity donation.

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