Memorial Day 2025 is set to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans expected to travel over the long weekend. As families and friends gear up to honor the nation’s fallen heroes on Monday, May 26, many are also preparing for backyard barbecues, pool parties, and summer kick-off celebrations. For those making last-minute plans, knowing which stores, restaurants, and grocery chains are open is crucial for smooth Memorial Day preparations.
Memorial Day Preparations – Latest News on Store, Restaurant, and Grocery Hours
This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 26, and the landscape for holiday shopping and dining is favorable for those needing to pick up supplies or grab a meal on the go. Most major retail stores, grocery chains, and restaurants will keep their doors open, though some will operate on adjusted schedules. The only major exception is Costco, which will close all locations for the holiday. Banks and post offices will also be closed, so plan accordingly if you need to handle financial or mailing tasks.
Quick Reference: Memorial Day 2025 Hours
| Category | Open/Closed | Notable Exceptions/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Stores | Mostly Open | Costco closed; check local hours for Ace Hardware |
| Grocery Stores | Mostly Open | Costco closed; Aldi limited hours |
| Restaurants | Mostly Open | Hours may vary; check apps for specifics |
| Banks/Post | Closed | All major banks and post offices |
Memorial Day Preparations – Retail Stores: Who’s Open and Who’s Not
Retailers know Memorial Day is a prime shopping day, with many Americans taking advantage of holiday deals and the unofficial start of summer. Here’s what to expect from the nation’s biggest chains:
- Target: Open regular hours, but check your local store for specific times.
- Walmart: Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., maintaining standard hours.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s: Both open for business as usual, perfect for last-minute gardening or home improvement needs.
- Costco: Closed nationwide, so plan your bulk shopping ahead of time.
- Sam’s Club: Open with special holiday hours—8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members.
- TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, HomeGoods: All open, but hours vary by location.
- Macy’s: Open regular hours.
For smaller chains and local hardware stores like Ace Hardware, hours may vary since many are independently owned. Always call ahead or check online before heading out.
Memorial Day Preparations – Grocery Stores: Stock Up Without Stress
Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just need to grab snacks for a picnic, most grocery chains are open on Memorial Day. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Walmart, Target, Meijer, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Wegmans: All open regular hours.
- Kroger Family Stores (including Ralphs, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, and more): Open, but check your local branch for specific hours.
- Aldi: Open but with limited holiday hours—check the store locator for details.
- Albertsons Family Stores (Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, etc.): Open, but pharmacy hours may be reduced.
- Sam’s Club: Special holiday hours as noted above.
- Costco: Closed for the holiday.
Pharmacies inside grocery stores may be closed or have reduced hours, so call ahead if you need prescriptions filled.
Memorial Day Preparations – Restaurants: Where to Eat Out or Grab Coffee
If you’d rather dine out or pick up food, Memorial Day offers plenty of options. Most national chains will be open, but hours can vary by location.
- McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, IHOP: All plan to be open, though some may adjust hours.
- Starbucks, Dunkin’: Open, but check the app or website for your local store’s schedule.
- Local Restaurants: Many will remain open, especially in busy areas, but always confirm ahead of time.
Apps and online locators are your best friends for up-to-the-minute information on restaurant hours.
Tips for Smooth Memorial Day Preparations
With record travel and busy stores expected, a little planning goes a long way:
- Shop Early: Beat the crowds by heading out in the morning.
- Check Local Hours: Even chains with standard hours may vary by location.
- Use Store Apps: Many retailers and restaurants update holiday hours in real-time.
- Prepare for Traffic: If you’re traveling, AAA recommends hitting the road before 11 a.m. Friday, noon Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, or 2 p.m. Monday to avoid the worst congestion.
- Expect Weather Delays: Severe weather is forecasted in some regions, so keep an eye on local updates.
Memorial Day Preparations – The Bottom Line
Memorial Day preparations are easier than ever in 2025, with most stores, restaurants, and grocery chains open to help you celebrate and honor the holiday. The only major closures are Costco and most banks and post offices. Whether you’re shopping for a barbecue, grabbing takeout, or stocking up on essentials, you’ll find plenty of options available. Just remember to double-check local hours and plan ahead for a seamless holiday experience.
Make your Memorial Day memorable—shop, dine, and celebrate with confidence, knowing exactly where to go and when.
Ready to make the most of your Memorial Day preparations? Check your favorite stores’ and restaurants’ hours now, and share this guide with friends and family to keep everyone in the know!