Each year, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, with gatherings, city-wide events and more. But some stores and offices are closed in observance of the federal holiday.
As the day gets underway, here’s a breakdown of what’s opened and closed on Memorial Day, and what the holiday stands for.
What is Memorial Day and why do we celebrate it?
Celebrated on the last Monday of May each year, Memorial Day is a holiday to honor U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The holiday is observed in part by the National Moment of Remembrance, which encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence.
Are banks, stock markets open?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, which means banks are closed. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are also closed on Monday, with regular trading hours resuming Tuesday.
Is mail delivered?
The United States Postal Service observes Memorial Day as one of its 11 holidays for 2026. No mail will be delivered, and post offices will be closed.
What stores are open on Memorial Day?
Many stores are open during normal business hours on Memorial Day, though others may operate on a holiday schedule. Here are some of those:
- Aldi (modified hours)
- Home Depot
- Jewel-Osco
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Mariano’s
- Sam’s Club (modified hours)
- Target
- Tony’s Fresh Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Stores closed for Memorial Day
Originally established during the Civil War, Memorial Day honors those who have died in military service for the U.S.
