Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial kickoff to summer — it’s also one of the most chaotic days of the year for shoppers. Between last-minute cookout runs, early-bird deal hunters, and the annual panic of “Wait, is Costco open today?”, millions of Americans hit the internet every Memorial Day morning with the same burning questions.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here’s everything you need to know before you leave the house on May 25, 2026.
The Big Picture: Most Stores Are Open — But Not All
Good news first: the majority of major retailers, grocery chains, and restaurants will be open on Memorial Day 2026. The holiday falls on Monday, May 25, and while it is a federal holiday, most private businesses treat it like any other busy weekend day — with the added bonus of huge sales.
The bad news? A few key players shut their doors entirely. And if you’re counting on them for your cookout shopping list, you could be left scrambling.
Store-by-Store Breakdown
Target — Open
Target is one of the most shopped destinations over Memorial Day weekend, and 2026 is no different. Most Target locations are open during regular business hours. The retailer typically rolls out deep discounts on patio furniture, grills, summer clothing, home appliances, and electronics — making it a prime stop for holiday weekend shopping.
Pro tip: Check your local store’s hours on the Target app or website before heading out, as some locations operate on slightly adjusted schedules.
Costco — Closed
Here it is — the answer that surprises people every single year: Costco is closed on Memorial Day 2026.
Costco is one of the few major retailers that consistently closes its warehouse doors for select holidays, and Memorial Day is firmly on that list. If you were planning to stock up on bulk beverages, party platters, or a flat of water bottles, you needed to visit before the weekend.
Don’t get caught off guard — save this one for next year’s calendar.
Walmart — Open
Walmart stores will be open on Memorial Day 2026, operating on their standard hours. Whether you need groceries, charcoal, paper plates, or a last-minute lawn chair, Walmart has you covered. Expect Memorial Day promotions across multiple departments, from outdoor living to consumer electronics.
Aldi — Open (with possible reduced hours)
Aldi fans, you’re mostly in luck. Most Aldi locations plan to be open on Memorial Day 2026, though some stores may operate on reduced holiday hours. If you’re making a grocery run specifically to Aldi, a quick check of your local store’s hours online can save you a wasted trip.
Sam’s Club — Open
Sam’s Club steps up as a solid Costco alternative on Memorial Day. The warehouse retailer will be open with the following holiday schedule:
- Plus Members: Entry from 8:00 a.m.
- Club Members: Entry from 9:00 a.m.
- Closing time: 8:00 p.m.
If Costco was your go-to for bulk shopping and you forgot to plan ahead, Sam’s Club is your best bet today.
Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Meijer, Food Lion — Open
The major grocery chains are largely staying open for business on Memorial Day 2026. Whether you shop at Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Meijer, or Food Lion, you should be able to grab everything on your list — though hours may vary by location.
What’s Definitely Closed Today
While retailers are mostly open, several essential services will not be operating on Memorial Day 2026:
Banks
Most bank branches across the U.S. are closed. ATMs and mobile/online banking remain fully functional, but don’t plan on visiting a branch or making any in-person transactions today.
USPS Post Offices
Mail delivery is suspended, and post office locations are closed for the holiday. If you were waiting on a package, it’ll arrive Tuesday.
UPS & FedEx
Expect significant disruptions to pickup and delivery operations. Some specialty services may still run in select areas, but assume standard shipments won’t be moving today.
Stock Market
If you were planning to make any trades, hold off. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are closed for Memorial Day 2026. Markets resume Tuesday, May 26.
It’s Also One of the Best Shopping Days of the Year
If you’re not just shopping out of necessity but actually hunting for deals, Memorial Day 2026 is your moment. Retailers across the board are slashing prices on:
- Mattresses — one of the best times of year to buy
- Patio furniture and outdoor grills — massive seasonal discounts
- TVs and electronics — significant markdowns at Best Buy, Walmart, and Target
- Kitchen appliances — refrigerators, dishwashers, and more
- Summer clothing and travel gear — clearance and seasonal deals
- Home goods — bedding, curtains, rugs, and décor
Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are expected to see high foot traffic all day, so if you’re going for deals, get there early.
Quick Reference Summary
| Store / Service | Open on Memorial Day 2026? |
| Target | ✅ Yes (regular hours) |
| Walmart | ✅ Yes (regular hours) |
| Aldi | ✅ Yes (may have reduced hours) |
| Sam’s Club | ✅ Yes (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) |
| Kroger / Publix / Whole Foods | ✅ Yes |
| Costco | ❌ No — Closed |
| Banks | ❌ No — Closed |
| USPS Post Offices | ❌ No — Closed |
| UPS / FedEx | ❌ Limited operations |
| NYSE / NASDAQ | ❌ No — Closed |
Final Word
Memorial Day 2026 is a great day to shop, grill, and enjoy the long weekend — just make sure you’re not making an unnecessary drive to a closed Costco. Most of what you need is available today. Plan around the closures, take advantage of the sales, and enjoy the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Costco open on Memorial Day 2026?
No. Costco is closed on Memorial Day 2026. All warehouse locations across the country are shut for the entire day, with no exceptions and no reduced hours. There is no in-store shopping, no order pickup, and no workaround. If you need bulk groceries or warehouse items today, Sam’s Club is your best alternative and is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Q: Is Walmart open on Memorial Day 2026?
Yes. Walmart is open today and operating on its regular store hours. Most Walmart locations run standard hours 365 days a year, making it one of the most reliable shopping destinations on any holiday. Walmart is also running Memorial Day sales this weekend across outdoor living, electronics, and home furnishings.
Q: Is Target open on Memorial Day 2026?
Yes. The majority of Target stores are open today during their regular business hours. Target is one of the busiest retailers during Memorial Day weekend and typically runs promotions across patio furniture, grills, summer clothing, home goods, and electronics. It is worth checking your specific store’s hours on the Target app before heading out, as individual locations can occasionally adjust their holiday schedule.
Q: What are Sam’s Club hours on Memorial Day 2026?
Sam’s Club is open today with the following schedule. Plus Members can enter starting at 8:00 a.m. Regular Club Members can enter starting at 9:00 a.m. All locations are expected to close at 8:00 p.m. Sam’s Club is the strongest alternative to Costco today, carrying bulk groceries, beverages, electronics, and household supplies.
Q: Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day 2026?
Yes, most major grocery stores are open today. Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Meijer, Food Lion, and Aldi are all expected to be open. Some locations may operate on slightly adjusted hours compared to a normal Monday, so it is a good idea to check your local store online or call ahead before making the trip. Trader Joe’s locations in particular tend to get very busy on holiday mornings, so going early is advisable.
Q: Is Aldi open on Memorial Day 2026?
Aldi is expected to be open at most locations today. However, Aldi operates on a model where individual store hours can vary more than at large national chains. Before you make the drive, take thirty seconds to check your specific location’s hours on the Aldi website or Google Maps, as some stores may be running reduced holiday hours.
Q: Are banks open on Memorial Day 2026?
No. Virtually all bank and credit union branches in the United States are closed today because Memorial Day is a federal holiday. ATMs remain fully accessible and operational, and mobile banking apps work normally. Any wire transfers or ACH transactions initiated today may be delayed by one business day. If you need in-person banking services, you will need to wait until Tuesday, May 26.
