Memorial Day is one of the biggest holidays in the United States. It’s a time to honor fallen military service members, spend time with family, enjoy backyard cookouts, travel, and kick off the unofficial start of summer. But with gatherings, road trips, and BBQs comes one very common question:
“Are grocery stores open on Memorial Day?”
The good news is that most grocery stores across the United States are open on Memorial Day, although some locations may operate with reduced holiday hours.
If you suddenly realize you forgot hamburger buns, ice, hot dogs, charcoal, soda, or potato salad ingredients, there’s a strong chance your local grocery store can still save the day.
Why Grocery Stores Usually Stay Open on Memorial Day
Unlike holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, Memorial Day is not considered a major retail shutdown holiday. In fact, it’s one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Millions of Americans host parties, attend picnics, travel, and prepare meals for friends and family.
Because of this high demand, most supermarkets and retailers remain open to serve shoppers. Many stores even run special Memorial Day sales and promotions during the holiday weekend.
Major Grocery Chains Typically Open on Memorial Day
Most national grocery chains are expected to remain open on Memorial Day, though hours may vary by location.
Commonly open stores include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Publix
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
- Wegmans
- Food Lion
- Harris Teeter
- Meijer
- Stop & Shop
- Ralphs
- Smith’s
- CVS
- Walgreens
Many stores operate close to their regular schedule, while others shorten hours slightly.
Stores That May Have Limited Holiday Hours
Even if stores are open, not every department may operate normally. Pharmacies inside grocery stores are often affected by holiday schedules.
Stores that may reduce hours include:
- ALDI
- Sam’s Club
- Some local supermarkets
- In-store pharmacy counters
For example, ALDI often opens with limited holiday hours on Memorial Day.
Some pharmacies may close early or remain closed altogether, even if the grocery section stays open.
Grocery Stores Commonly Closed on Memorial Day
While most supermarkets stay open, a few major retailers traditionally close for the holiday.
One of the biggest closures is usually Costco. Multiple reports indicate Costco warehouses close nationwide for Memorial Day to give employees the day off.
That means if Costco is your go-to place for bulk BBQ supplies, you’ll want to shop ahead of time.
Best Time to Shop on Memorial Day
If you need to make a grocery run on Memorial Day, timing matters.
The busiest shopping periods are usually:
- Late morning
- Early afternoon
- Right before dinner
For a faster and less stressful trip, try shopping:
- Early in the morning
- Late in the evening
- The day before Memorial Day
Holiday weekends can lead to crowded parking lots, long checkout lines, and low stock on popular grilling items.
Most Popular Memorial Day Grocery Items
Memorial Day shopping trends tend to revolve around cookouts and outdoor gatherings. Some of the most-purchased grocery items during the holiday include:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Steak
- Chicken wings
- Chips
- Watermelon
- Soda
- Beer and drinks
- Ice cream
- Condiments
- Charcoal
- Paper plates and cups
Stores often prepare by increasing inventory on these seasonal products before the holiday weekend begins.
Are Convenience Stores Open Too?
Yes. Most convenience stores and gas stations remain open on Memorial Day as well.
That includes places like:
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Speedway
- Sheetz
- Wawa
These stores are especially useful for last-minute snacks, drinks, ice, and fuel during road trips.
Tips Before Heading Out
Even though most grocery stores are open, it’s still smart to:
- Check your local store’s holiday hours online
- Call ahead if you need pharmacy services
- Expect heavier crowds than usual
- Shop earlier to avoid empty shelves
- Order pickup or delivery if available
Holiday schedules can vary by state, city, or individual franchise location.
Final Thoughts
Yes, most grocery stores are open on Memorial Day, making it easy to grab last-minute supplies for cookouts, parties, and family gatherings. Major chains like Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Publix generally stay open, although some locations may shorten hours for the holiday.
However, not every retailer follows the same schedule. Costco is one notable exception and is typically closed nationwide for Memorial Day.
The safest approach is always to check your local store before leaving home. A quick online search or phone call can save you time and frustration during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.