Every January, Americans wake up to a new year filled with resolutions, celebrations, and—often—an urgent need to restock their refrigerators or grab a few forgotten essentials. It’s also when the question inevitably arises: are stores open on New Year’s Day?
The answer is yes, many stores across the United States will open their doors on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, though not all. Some major retailers will remain closed, and many that stay open will operate on reduced hours. Knowing which places are available can make your first day of 2026 far less stressful and help you plan errands, shopping trips, or post-holiday exchanges efficiently.
Understanding New Year’s Day Operations in 2026
New Year’s Day is both a federal holiday and one of the few national breaks that impacts nearly every business sector in the U.S. While it’s not as widely shut down as Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s still observed by many companies.
For shoppers, the day can feel unpredictable. Some grocery chains open at dawn while others close entirely. Department stores might open later, and pharmacies may only operate limited counters. Yet, the good news is that essential retailers—like convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations—remain accessible across most of the country.
Planning your day in advance is key. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s open, what’s closed, and what you should know before you head out on January 1, 2026.
Major Retail Chains Open on New Year’s Day
Most large national retailers will remain open on January 1, with slightly shorter hours to accommodate both shoppers and employees. Many of these chains adjust their schedules based on regional traffic, so it’s always best to check local listings before visiting.
Here’s what to expect from the country’s biggest stores:
- Walmart: Open normal hours. Most 24-hour stores will operate as usual, though smaller neighborhood locations may close early.
- Target: Open with adjusted hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Some urban stores may shorten the evening schedule further.
- Kroger and affiliates (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers): Open with modified hours, generally closing by early evening.
- Safeway and Albertsons: Operating on limited schedules; most open mid-morning and close around 6 or 7 p.m.
- Publix: Open throughout the day, usually between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Whole Foods Market: Open but closing earlier than normal, usually by 8 p.m.
- CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid: Open for both retail and pharmacy needs. 24-hour locations will operate as usual, while smaller stores may close early.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Open, typically from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect for those tackling home improvement projects to kick off the year.
- Dollar General and Family Dollar: Most stores open regular hours to meet demand for last-minute essentials.
This mix of accessibility allows most Americans to find what they need on the first day of 2026, whether it’s cleaning supplies, groceries, or home goods.
Stores Remaining Closed on New Year’s Day
Not every retailer opens its doors on January 1. Several well-known companies close completely for the day to give their employees time off. These include:
- Costco: All U.S. locations will be closed.
- Sam’s Club: Closed nationwide on New Year’s Day.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: All locations closed for the holiday.
- Trader Joe’s: Known for its limited holiday schedule, all stores will be closed on January 1.
These closures are consistent with long-standing corporate policies that prioritize family time for employees. Each retailer will reopen on Thursday, January 2, following standard hours.
Grocery Stores: Modified Hours and Early Closures
For those who forgot key ingredients for their New Year’s dinner or need to restock after hosting, grocery stores remain a lifeline. Most will open, but not all for the full day.
Here’s what to expect across popular grocery chains:
- HEB: Stores across Texas open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Meijer: Many locations operate 24 hours, though some regions may shorten hours.
- Wegmans: Open regular hours, catering to customers throughout the day.
- Stop & Shop: Open but closing early in the evening.
- Giant Food and Giant Eagle: Most locations open with limited hours.
- Food Lion: Open with adjusted hours; most close around 7 p.m.
If you plan to visit a grocery store, aim for mid-morning to avoid last-minute rushes. Early shoppers often find fewer crowds and better product availability.
Pharmacies and Medical Services
Pharmacies are an essential service on any holiday, and January 1 is no exception. Most major chains will remain open for retail shopping, though their pharmacy counters might operate for reduced hours.
- CVS: Open; 24-hour locations maintain full operations, but pharmacy counters often close around 6 p.m.
- Walgreens: Most stores open. Many 24-hour branches keep regular hours, while smaller locations adjust based on local demand.
- Rite Aid: Operating with shortened hours; many close by 5 or 6 p.m.
Hospital pharmacies and urgent care centers will remain available in major cities. However, most local clinics and private practices will be closed until January 2.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
When everything else is closed, gas stations and convenience stores are often your best bet. Fortunately, nearly all major convenience chains remain open 24 hours on New Year’s Day.
- 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa: Fully open nationwide.
- Sheetz and QuikTrip: Maintain regular schedules, offering food, drinks, and fuel.
- Pilot and Love’s Travel Stops: Open to serve travelers and long-distance drivers.
While most stations operate as normal, keep in mind that smaller independent gas stations might close or run reduced hours in smaller towns.
Department Stores and Malls
If you’re hoping to spend gift cards or exchange items from Christmas, many department stores and malls will open on January 1, though not all.
- Macy’s: Open, typically from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Kohl’s: Open limited hours, usually 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- JCPenney: Open mid-morning until early evening.
- Dillard’s: Open in most states with adjusted hours.
Shopping malls across the country will open around 10 a.m. Local boutique hours may vary, but anchor stores often set the schedule. New Year’s Day is also a major day for clearance sales, making it a favorite for bargain hunters.
Home and Furniture Stores
For anyone beginning the year with organization or renovation projects, home improvement and furniture stores will be ready to help.
- Home Depot: Most locations open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lowe’s: Open similar hours, with seasonal discounts on storage and hardware.
- IKEA: Open, usually from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Menards: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Retailers often highlight “New Year, New Home” sales during the first week of January, offering deals on home décor, storage solutions, and cleaning products.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Fast Food Chains
New Year’s Day dining options are abundant, especially for those not in the mood to cook.
- Starbucks: Open nationwide with slightly reduced hours. Most stores open later than usual.
- Dunkin’: Many open around 8 a.m., depending on location.
- McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell: Franchise-operated, but the majority will remain open for regular service.
- Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, and Olive Garden: Open for lunch and dinner, often starting at 11 a.m.
Local diners, brunch cafés, and family-owned restaurants may open later or close entirely, depending on community traditions.
For those celebrating at home, food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats will operate normally, though delivery times may be slower due to driver availability.
Banks, Government Offices, and Postal Services
As a federal holiday, New Year’s Day means most banks, post offices, and government offices will be closed.
- Financial institutions will resume operations on Thursday, January 2.
- ATM and mobile banking services remain functional throughout the holiday.
- No mail delivery or pickup will occur on January 1, but packages in transit through private carriers like FedEx or UPS will continue processing, with most home deliveries resuming January 2.
Public offices, including DMVs, courts, and local government buildings, will also close for the day.
Transportation and Travel Services
Airports across the United States will remain open on New Year’s Day. Airlines will operate on normal or slightly reduced schedules depending on demand. Passengers should plan ahead for potential weather-related delays common during early January travel.
Public transportation systems in major cities will generally follow Sunday or holiday schedules. Buses, subways, and commuter trains will continue running but with lower frequency.
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft will be fully operational but may apply surge pricing during morning and evening peaks. Taxi services will also be available in urban centers but limited in smaller towns.
Online Shopping and Delivery Services
For those who prefer avoiding crowds, online shopping is an excellent option. Retail websites and apps will remain active through the holiday, allowing customers to place orders for pickup or delivery once physical stores reopen.
Grocery delivery platforms like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Shipt will continue operating in most major markets, though order volumes may lead to limited delivery windows. Planning ahead ensures smoother service.
Why Some Businesses Choose to Close
Companies that remain closed on New Year’s Day do so for reasons beyond logistics. For many retailers, it’s about preserving tradition and supporting employee well-being.
Businesses such as Costco and Trader Joe’s have built strong reputations for valuing work-life balance. Allowing staff a full day off fosters loyalty and maintains morale, especially during the busy holiday season.
While closures may inconvenience some shoppers, many consumers appreciate this stance, understanding that retail employees deserve the same opportunity to rest and celebrate as their customers.
Tips for an Easy New Year’s Day Shopping Experience
If you plan to run errands or make purchases on January 1, a few simple strategies can help streamline the experience:
- Shop early in the day. Morning hours are typically less crowded, especially at grocery stores.
- Call ahead or check online. Holiday hours can vary by region, even within the same chain.
- Bring patience. Staffing levels are lower, so lines might move slower than usual.
- Look for seasonal deals. Retailers use New Year’s sales to clear out holiday inventory, offering discounts on decorations, clothing, and electronics.
- Stay organized. Make a list before heading out so you can finish errands efficiently and enjoy the day.
With a bit of preparation, your New Year’s Day shopping can be smooth, affordable, and stress-free.
Looking Ahead to January 2 and Beyond
Once stores resume regular hours on Thursday, January 2, retailers will roll out new seasonal promotions. Shoppers can expect discounts on fitness equipment, storage solutions, winter clothing, and electronics as part of early-year “reset” sales.
The first few weeks of January also mark the start of inventory clearances for home goods and outdoor supplies. Many major retailers use this period to transition from holiday items to spring merchandise, creating excellent opportunities for budget-conscious shoppers.
So, are stores open on New Year’s Day? Many are, though not all. Plan early, check your local hours, and shop smart to make the first day of 2026 easy, productive, and maybe even a little fun. What’s your go-to New Year’s Day store tradition? Share your plans and experiences below!