US Labour Day 2025: Which Stores, Shops Are Open And What Services Are Suspended

As Americans prepare for Labour Day 2025 on 1 September, the federal holiday honouring workers' contributions will see a mix of closures and opportunities. Many shops will remain open for last-minute purchases, while essential services such as mail delivery will be suspended.

This day off marks the unofficial end of summer, blending barbecues, travel, and sales events. Yet, federal status means disruptions to routine services. Shoppers should verify local hours, as variations occur nationwide.

Major Retailers Open for Labour Day 2025 Shopping Spree

Walmart stores stay open across the US, typically from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., ideal for grabbing barbecue essentials or back-to-school items. Target follows suit with normal hours, often 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., drawing crowds for holiday deals on electronics and apparel.

Home Depot remains accessible for home projects, operating 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in most locations, featuring discounts on tools and appliances. Lowe's mirrors this, open during regular hours to capitalize on end-of-summer sales.

Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney welcome customers with standard operations, promoting Labor Day bargains on clothing and furniture. TJ Maxx and Marshalls also open normally, offering discounted home goods.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: Stock Up Before Suspensions Hit

Most grocers keep doors ajar for holiday meal prep. Kroger banners—including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter, run usual hours, around 6 a.m. to midnight. Trader Joe's operates 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Whole Foods stays open, though check locally for variations.

Aldi faces limited hours, often closing by 6 p.m., so plan early visits. Publix and regional chains like Stop & Shop maintain regular schedules for fresh produce and meats.

Pharmacies provide continuity: CVS locations open with varying hours, pharmacies included. Walgreens follows regular store times, but non-24-hour pharmacies close, urging advance prescriptions.

• Key stats: According to the US Census Bureau, July 2025 retail sales rose 0.5% from June and 3.9% year-over-year, signaling strong consumer spending heading into holidays
• Official data: US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a civilian labor force of 170.342 million as of July 2025, reflecting sustained workforce engagement

Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A serve as usual, though some spots adjust for crowds. 'vary by location,' and some stores may 'occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs,' a Starbucks spokesperson told today.com.

X posts like @azcentral What's open and closed on Labor Day? played an important role in making people aware of what's open and what's not.

Suspended Services: Banks, Post Offices, and Shipping Disruptions in 2025

Federal holidays trigger widespread closures. Banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citi shut branches, following Federal Reserve guidelines, no in-person transactions occur. ATMs and online banking persist for urgent needs.

USPS suspends all retail operations and regular mail delivery on September 1, impacting millions of packages. Priority Mail Express runs limited service, but standard pickups halt until Tuesday.

Shipping giants follow suit: UPS pauses pickups and deliveries, closing most stores except Express Critical. FedEx mirrors this, with modified Office hours and no standard freight, Custom Critical available 24/7.

Stock markets like NYSE and Nasdaq close, pausing trading. Government offices, DMVs, courts, and libraries shutter nationwide.

Public transit varies by city; Amtrak runs reduced schedules, while many local buses operate normally. Trash collection delays affect some areas, per municipal notices.