After a quiet Easter Sunday, shoppers in the US will need to brace themselves for another round of store closures. This time, it’s for Memorial Day on May 26, and one of the biggest retailers, Costco, has already confirmed it will close all its stores nationwide for the full 24 hours. The move comes just weeks after its Easter closure, leaving many customers caught off guard.
Memorial Day Closures: What You Need to Know
Memorial Day is a major public holiday in the US, held on the last Monday of May every year. It is a time for Americans to honour fallen soldiers who died while serving in the military. Many businesses, including government offices and postal services, also take a break on this day.
Costco has announced on its website that it will shut down all stores for the day to give its employees time with their families. The closure means shoppers will have to find alternative places to buy groceries or other essentials.
Which Other Stores Are Open?
Luckily, not all major retailers are closing. Target and Walmart, two of the biggest names in US retail, will be open on Memorial Day. This gives shoppers solid options for their everyday needs, from food and clothes to electronics and cleaning supplies.
Sam’s Club, another membership-based store similar to Costco, will also remain open. According to its website, it will run on a special schedule:
- Plus members: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Club members: 10 AM to 6 PM
This will help reduce pressure on the few big stores that remain open that day.
What About Delivery and Postal Services?
If you’re expecting a delivery or planning to send a parcel on Memorial Day, here’s what you should know:
- UPS will be closed, so there will be no pick-up or delivery services.
- FedEx will have limited services. Most operations such as FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, Home Delivery, and Freight will be shut. However, some FedEx Office locations may remain open, but with modified hours.
- USPS (United States Postal Service) will also be closed, as Memorial Day is a federal holiday.
So, it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you need something shipped before or after the long weekend.
Natural Grocers Also Closes on Memorial Day
Another big name that will not be open is Natural Grocers. With over 162 stores across 20 states, the retailer is known for its healthy and organic products. The company traditionally closes for major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
In a warm statement, the company said it believes holidays should be spent with loved ones. It added: “At the end of the day, it’s the people we love that make it all worthwhile.” Staff will be paid holiday wages for the day off.
As the US gears up to honour Memorial Day on May 26, customers need to prepare for another day of retail disruptions. With Costco and Natural Grocers closed, and services like UPS and most of FedEx also paused, early planning is key.
Thankfully, stores like Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club will stay open and ready to serve. Whether you’re shopping for groceries or sending a package, make sure to check hours ahead of time to avoid surprises.