Memorial Day Store Hours: Is Costco, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot Open?
Memorial Day is a significant federal holiday in the United States, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Observed annually on the last Monday of May, it's a day for remembrance, reflection, and paying respect to the fallen. As families plan their Memorial Day weekend, a common question arises: Which stores are open, and what are their hours?
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the operating hours of major retailers like Costco, Walmart, Target, and Home Depot during Memorial Day. Additionally, we'll delve into what being a federal holiday means for other services, such as the stock market and delivery services like UPS.
Understanding Memorial Day
Before diving into store hours, it's essential to understand the essence of Memorial Day. It's more than just a day off or the unofficial start of summer; it's a solemn occasion to honor military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, attending parades, and participating in moments of silence to honor the fallen. It’s also a time for families to come together, often with barbecues and outdoor activities, while keeping the spirit of remembrance alive.
Retail Store Hours on Memorial Day
Most major retailers remain open on Memorial Day, but it's always a good idea to check with your local store for any specific changes to their hours. Here’s a general overview:
- Walmart: Typically open during regular hours.
- Target: Usually operates on a normal schedule.
- Home Depot: Generally open, often with special holiday hours.
- Costco: May have reduced hours.
Let's take a closer look at each of these retailers.
Costco's Memorial Day Hours
Costco is known for its bulk goods and exclusive member deals. However, its holiday hours can vary. In general, Costco warehouses may operate with reduced hours on Memorial Day. It's advisable to check with your local Costco to confirm their specific hours for the holiday.
A Reddit user shared their experience of Costco's work environment, highlighting the challenges faced by employees. This perspective underscores the importance of respecting store employees, especially during busy holiday periods. According to this Reddit post, employees often handle multiple roles and face demanding workloads.
Walmart's Memorial Day Hours
Walmart, being one of the largest retailers in the United States, usually remains open on Memorial Day. Shoppers can typically expect regular store hours, but it’s always wise to verify with your local Walmart, as hours can vary by location.
Target's Memorial Day Hours
Target also typically maintains its regular hours on Memorial Day. Known for its trendy merchandise and affordable prices, Target is a popular shopping destination for many. Confirming the hours of your nearest Target can help ensure a smooth shopping experience.
Home Depot's Memorial Day Hours
Home Depot is a go-to store for home improvement needs, and it usually remains open on Memorial Day. Many locations even offer special holiday hours, making it convenient for customers to tackle their home projects. Check with your local Home Depot for their exact hours.
Are Other Services Open on Memorial Day?
Beyond retail stores, it's essential to know the status of other services on Memorial Day:
- Is Memorial Day a Federal Holiday? Yes, Memorial Day is a federal holiday. This means that federal government offices are closed, and non-essential government employees have a day off.
- Is the Stock Market Open on Memorial Day? No, the stock market is closed on Memorial Day. This includes the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq.
- Is UPS Open on Memorial Day? UPS observes Memorial Day, and most services are closed. However, UPS Express Critical service is usually available.
- Is Publix Open on Memorial Day? Grocery chain Publix is typically open on Memorial Day, but hours may vary, so check with your local store.
- Is Aldi Open on Memorial Day? Aldi stores often have limited hours on Memorial Day. Confirm with your local Aldi for specific hours.
The Significance of Store Openings on Memorial Day
The decision of whether to keep stores open on Memorial Day often sparks debate. On one hand, it provides convenience for shoppers and boosts the economy. On the other hand, some argue that it detracts from the solemnity of the holiday and puts undue pressure on retail employees.
Many companies try to strike a balance by offering holiday sales while also observing moments of silence or making charitable contributions to support veterans' causes. It's a way to acknowledge the holiday's significance while still meeting consumer needs.

Costco Finds and Community Insights
Costco is a treasure trove of unique finds, as highlighted in various Reddit discussions. From gold bars to prime briskets, Costco offers a wide array of products that often become talking points within online communities.
One Reddit user shared their experience of purchasing gold bars from Costco after a successful night at the casino. According to this Reddit post, the user turned their winnings into a mini investment by buying 20 grams of gold right off the shelf. This anecdote underscores the diverse and sometimes unexpected offerings at Costco.
Another Reddit thread discussed the quality of briskets from Costco, with users sharing tips on how to achieve the perfect bark when smoking them. According to this Reddit post, achieving a better bark involves controlling the smoking temperature, using the right wood pellets, and managing moisture levels. This highlights the sense of community and knowledge-sharing among Costco shoppers.

These discussions reflect the unique shopping experience that Costco offers and the sense of community that it fosters among its members.
Cooking and Meal Ideas for Memorial Day
Memorial Day is often celebrated with barbecues and outdoor gatherings. Here are some cooking and meal ideas inspired by Reddit discussions:
- Prime Rib Eye from Costco: A Reddit user shared their method for preparing prime rib eye from Costco, involving a reverse sear and a dry brine. According to this Reddit post, the key is to dry brine the steak for 3 hours, oven sear it in a cast iron skillet, and rest it for 45 minutes.
- Sous Vide Rib Eyes: Another Reddit user discussed their plan to sous vide rib eyes from Costco, followed by smoking and searing. According to this Reddit post, the user considered dry brining the steaks overnight and sous viding them at 130-132°F for 2 hours.

These ideas provide inspiration for delicious meals to enjoy with family and friends on Memorial Day.
Additional Insights from Reddit Communities
Reddit serves as a valuable platform for sharing insights and experiences related to various topics. Here are some additional insights from Reddit communities that may be relevant to Memorial Day:
- Electric Riding Mower from Costco: A Reddit user sought feedback on a 42” riding mower from Costco, inquiring about its performance and durability. According to this Reddit post, the user was particularly interested in its run time and ability to handle sloped lawns.
- Costco Delivery: A Reddit user inquired about the value of far Costco deliveries for Instacart shoppers. According to this Reddit post, the user wanted to understand what makes it worth it for a driver to travel long distances for a large stock-up order.
- Taking Breaks at Costco: A Reddit user shared their experience of taking a break at Costco to breastfeed their baby. According to this Reddit post, the user appreciated the ability to tap out and relax in the quiet while nursing.
Conclusion
Memorial Day is a time for honoring the brave individuals who have served and sacrificed for the United States. While many retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot typically remain open, it’s always best to check with your local store for specific hours. Costco may operate on reduced hours, so verifying is essential.
Remember that Memorial Day is more than just a shopping holiday; it’s a day for remembrance and gratitude. Take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the day and honor those who have given their lives for their country.