As Americans welcome a new calendar year, one practical question surfaces across households nationwide: what grocery stores are open on New Year’s Day? January 1, 2026, falls on a Thursday and is observed as a federal holiday, but food shopping does not come to a complete halt. While banks and government offices close, grocery retailers follow a different playbook, with many remaining open under adjusted schedules.
This in-depth guide explains which grocery stores operate on New Year’s Day, which ones close, how hours typically change, and how shoppers can plan efficiently without last-minute surprises.
Why New Year’s Day Grocery Hours Matter
New Year’s Day often comes after late celebrations, family gatherings, and stocked refrigerators that still seem to run out of something essential. From breakfast staples and fresh produce to beverages and household necessities, grocery access on January 1 plays a significant role in how smoothly the day unfolds.
Retail grocery chains understand this demand. Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, New Year’s Day is widely treated as a partial holiday in the retail world. Many grocery stores open their doors, though often with shorter hours or reduced services.
How Grocery Stores Typically Handle New Year’s Day
Grocery chains generally fall into three categories on New Year’s Day:
- Open with regular or near-regular hours
- Open with reduced or holiday hours
- Closed for the full day
Policies vary by company and location, but national trends remain consistent across most regions of the United States.
Major Grocery Chains Open on New Year’s Day
Most large grocery retailers stay open on January 1, giving shoppers plenty of options.
National and Regional Supermarkets
Kroger and affiliated stores
Kroger stores, along with regional banners such as Fry’s, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers, are open on New Year’s Day. Many locations operate close to normal business hours, though some may close earlier in the evening.
Albertsons family of stores
Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, and similar banners are open on New Year’s Day. Holiday hours are common, particularly in the evening.
Publix
Publix locations are open on January 1 with modified schedules. Most stores open later in the morning and close earlier than usual.
Winn-Dixie
Winn-Dixie grocery stores typically maintain normal operating hours on New Year’s Day, especially in southeastern states.
H-E-B
H-E-B stores remain open on New Year’s Day. Some locations may shorten hours slightly, but shoppers can expect full grocery access.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts stores are open and often operate on standard daily hours, making them a reliable option for fresh produce and specialty items.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods locations are open on New Year’s Day with adjusted schedules that often resemble Sunday hours.
Big-Box Retailers With Grocery Departments
Big-box stores play a major role in New Year’s Day shopping due to their extended hours and wide inventory.
Walmart
Walmart stores are open nationwide on New Year’s Day. Many locations operate on regular hours, making Walmart one of the most dependable options for grocery shopping on January 1.
Target
Target stores remain open on New Year’s Day, including those with full grocery sections. Store hours may vary by location.
Warehouse Clubs and Bulk Grocery Stores
Warehouse clubs follow stricter holiday schedules than traditional grocery chains.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s locations are open on New Year’s Day, though typically with reduced hours. Fuel stations generally remain operational as well.
Costco
Costco warehouses are closed nationwide on New Year’s Day. This closure is consistent across all U.S. locations.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club stores are also closed for the entire day on January 1.
Grocery Stores Closed on New Year’s Day
Some popular grocery chains choose to fully observe the holiday.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s stores are closed on New Year’s Day. The chain consistently shuts down for the holiday regardless of location.
Aldi
Aldi grocery stores are closed nationwide on January 1.
These closures make it important for shoppers who rely on these stores to plan ahead or choose alternatives.
Convenience Stores and Neighborhood Markets
For last-minute needs, convenience stores are among the most reliable options.
Gas station convenience stores
Most gas station convenience stores remain open on New Year’s Day, with many operating 24 hours. They are ideal for basic groceries, beverages, and snacks.
Dollar and small-format stores
Many dollar stores and independently operated neighborhood markets remain open, often with reduced hours.
Pharmacy Hours Inside Grocery Stores
Even when grocery stores are open, pharmacy departments often follow separate schedules.
- Pharmacy counters may open later or close earlier
- Some grocery pharmacies close while the main store remains open
- Prescription services may be limited on January 1
Shoppers needing medication should verify pharmacy hours directly with their local store.
Shopping Tips for New Year’s Day
Planning ahead can make New Year’s Day shopping faster and less stressful.
Confirm Local Hours
Holiday schedules vary by location. Store apps and local listings often provide the most accurate information.
Shop Earlier
Morning and early afternoon shopping reduces the risk of encountering early closures or limited inventory.
Expect Reduced Staffing
Departments such as bakery, deli, seafood, and prepared foods may operate with limited hours or selections.
Have a Backup Store
If your primary grocery store is closed, big-box retailers or convenience stores usually remain open.
Alcohol and Special Purchase Considerations
Alcohol sales on New Year’s Day depend on state and local regulations. Some states allow full sales, while others impose holiday or Sunday-style restrictions. Shoppers should be aware of local laws when planning purchases.
What This Means for Shoppers in 2026
For most Americans, grocery access on New Year’s Day 2026 will be widely available. While a few well-known chains close for the holiday, the majority of grocery stores, big-box retailers, and convenience stores remain open, often with adjusted hours.
Understanding these patterns allows households to plan meals, manage leftovers, and start the year smoothly without unnecessary errands or delays. Whether shopping for essentials or restocking after celebrations, options remain plentiful across the country.
Later in the day, many shoppers still search online for what grocery stores are open on New Year’s Day, highlighting how important clear, accurate information is during the holiday transition.
If you shopped on New Year’s Day, share which stores were open in your area and help other readers plan with confidence.