Constitution Day and shopping plans
Constitution Day, or Citizenship Day, is celebrated each year on September 17. Constitution Day was created to remind Americans of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and the freedoms and rights Americans enjoy. Although the day is meaningful in a historical sense, it is not a federal holiday that would typically close most businesses. Unlike on Labour Day, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, therefore, most retailers and grocery stores are open.
For shoppers looking to see if they can purchase their groceries or household items on Constitution Day 2025, the short answer is yes.
Is Trader Joe’s open on Constitution Day?
Yes, Trader Joe’s will be operating on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The food store chain shuts down very few major holidays, like Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Constitution Day is not one of them.
Most Trader Joe’s stores will follow their regular operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, hours can sometimes vary by location, so it’s always a beneficial idea to check your local store online before heading out.
Will Aldi be open?
Yes, Aldi stores shall be open on Constitution Day 2025 as well. Aldi only ever closes on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Constitution Day doesn’t fit into their closing calendar.
Aldi stores are estimated to maintain typical hours, normally from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for most locations. However, because some stores have varied schedules slightly, customers are encouraged to verify hours with the local Aldi store.
Publix stores and pharmacies
Publix grocery stores will be open for business on Constitution Day. Regular store hours, which typically run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., will be in effect. There is one exception to note: while the grocery stores will be open, Publix pharmacies may have reduced schedules or may be closed.
If you need to go out to get a prescription filled, it’s a good idea to call ahead or look online for your pharmacy’s hours before you leave.
Sam’s Club hours, September 17
Sam’s Club, the warehouse membership club, will also be open on Constitution Day. Like with some federal holidays where Sam’s Club has reduced hours, Constitution Day is not expected to affect business.
That means:
- Plus Members are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Club Members can shop from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Gas stations connected to Sam’s Club locations will also be open during normal hours.
- Other Major Grocery Chains on Constitution Day
If you’re not shopping at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix, or Sam’s Club, here’s a quick look at what to expect from other popular grocery stores on September 17:
- Walmart: Open regular hours, usually 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Kroger and family of stores (Ralphs, King Soopers, Fry’s): Open regular hours.
- Costco: Open (contrary to Labor Day or Thanksgiving, Costco does not close on Constitution Day).
- Target: Stores open, hours are variable by location.
- Whole Foods: Open normal hours.
- Meijer: Open 6 a.m. to midnight.
- Food Lion, Winn-Dixie, Harveys, and Harris Teeter: Open regular hours.
- Lidl and Sprouts Farmers Market: Open regular hours.
Why stores stay open on Constitution Day
One large reason that so many grocery stores remain open is that Constitution Day isn’t a federal holiday with mandatory closings. Schools that take federal money can celebrate the day through educational programming, but business—especially retail and grocery store businesses—continues as usual.
What that translates to is that consumers are able to continue their regular routines, be it stocking up on pantry items, grabbing last-minute ingredients to whip up for supper, or simply making a midweek trip to the grocery store.
Shopping tips
If you do happen to go shopping on Constitution Day 2025, a couple of simple reminders are:
Check local hours – While most chains follow standard hours, store hours may vary by store. A quick online check or phone call can save time.
Pharmacy hours may be different – even where grocery sections are open, in-store pharmacies may close early or be closed for the day.
Plan ahead – Constitution Day falls in the middle of the week this year (Wednesday, September 17), so you may find more populated stores after work.
Membership stores – If you are shopping at Costco or Sam’s Club, take note if your membership type will affect opening times.
The bottom line
On Constitution Day 2025, consumers have no reason to fear empty parking lots or closed doors. Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix, and Sam’s Club will all be open for business, as will nearly every other major U.S. supermarket chain.
For all of us, Constitution Day is a moment to reflect on history and yet carry on with the daily work. So whether you get new vegetables, pantry essentials, or bulk foods, you can be sure that your local grocery store will be accessible to you.
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