Walmart, grocery stores, and retailers plan their Labor Day hours
Labor Day is on Monday, September 1, 2025, and already several Americans are planning family cookouts, last-minute shopping trips, and a last summer getaway. When it pertains to shopping, though, specifically at large retailers such as Walmart, individuals have a single concern: will stores be closed or open for the holiday?
The good news for shoppers is that Walmart locations nationwide will be open. Here’s what you need to know about Walmart’s hours and which other grocery and retail chains will be open or closed this Labor Day.
Why we celebrate Labor Day
Labor Day is more than a three-day weekend. It’s a federal holiday that honours the social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The first Labor Day occurred on September 5, 1882, in New York City. Over the next decade, more than 20 states had adopted the holiday. President Grover Cleveland declared the first Monday in September a national holiday in 1894 when he signed it into law. Today, it’s both a celebration of workers and an unofficial end-of-summer getaway.
Walmart’s Labor Day hours
If you need groceries, back-to-school items, or same-day necessities for your barbecue, Walmart will be open on Labor Day.
- Hours: Most Walmart stores will be on their regular schedule — 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Services: Pharmacies and specialised services inside Walmart may have shortened hours, so it’s best to check with your store’s hours.
- Locations: Stores in the major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago will be open, so wherever you are, you should be able to make a stop.
So yeah, Walmart is a safe option if you require a last-minute stop on the holiday.
Grocery stores open on Labor Day
If Walmart is not your first choice, numerous other grocery store chains will be open on September 1. They include:
- Kroger family stores (King Soopers, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Smith’s, and others)
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Sam’s Club (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members)
- Meijer (6 a.m. to midnight)
- Publix
- Aldi
- Whole Foods
- Food Lion
- Winn-Dixie
- Harris Teeter
- Wegmans
- Lidl
- Sprouts Farmers Market
An exception is Costco, which is closed on Labor Day, as the company traditionally closes for most major holidays.
Retail stores open on Labor Day
For those planning back-to-school shopping or just looking for sales, most major retailers will also be open. Stores confirmed to be operating include:
- Target
- TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and HomeGoods
- Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware
- Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom, and Kohl’s
- Victoria’s Secret
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- IKEA
- REI (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Burlington
- Barnes & Noble
- Office Depot and OfficeMax (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- PetSmart and PetCo (hours vary, some earlier closing at 6 p.m.)
- Tractor Supply Company (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Belk
With all of these options open, Labor Day shopping is convenient to fit in — though hours may differ slightly by store.
What will be closed on Labor Day?
Though many retailers and grocery stores will be open, not everything is business as usual. Here’s what will be closed on September 1:
- Banks: Major banks will be closed, but ATMs and online services will be available.
- Post Offices: USPS offices will be closed, and there will be no regular mail delivery.
- Stock Market: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will both be closed for the holiday.
- Government offices: Federal, state, and local government offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.
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Planning for September 1
Whether you’re barbecuing in New York, heading to the beach in Miami, or just enjoying a day off in Los Angeles or Chicago, Walmart will be open for you to grab whatever you may need. Most other grocery stores and retail shops will also be open; just remember that Costco and banks will be closed, and government services won’t be available.
Labor Day offers the perfect chance to relax, spend time with loved ones, and host one final summer party — with the added assurance that your shopping needs are met.
Key takeaway: Walmart stores will be open on Labor Day 2025 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Most grocery stores and retail businesses will also be open, while Costco, banks, and post offices will be closed.