What’s Open and Closed on Labor Day
Labor Day is the unofficial end of the summer holiday and start of the school season. It is also one of the biggest holiday shopping seasons of the year. Over $2 billion in online sales were generated during the 2018 Labor Day weekend. The average American spends about $150 every Labor Day.
However, Labor Day is also a federal holiday, so plenty of businesses and municipal, state, and federal-related businesses will be closed. Before you go out and enjoy Labor Day, here is a list of what’s open and closed on Labor Day.
Retail
Almost all of the large retail and convenience stores will be open on Labor Day. Theses include, but are not limited to, 7-Eleven, Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath, and Beyond, Best Buy, BJs Wholesale Club, Bravo Supermarkets, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Hobby Lobby, J.C. Penny, Kmart, Kroger, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, and more.
Most major supermarkets and grocery stores will be open as well. The only major retailer that is closed in observance of Labor Day is Costco. Keep your eyes open for deals. If you are interested, you can get a Samsung Galaxy S10e 128GB Factory Unlocked smart device for $535, at a discount of $115.
Pharmacies
All of the big pharmacies will be open on Labor Day. These include CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. If you patronize a smaller, independent pharmacy then it’s a good idea to call ahead before you head out. Walgreens is now offering numerous buy-one-get-one free sales, 25% discounts on selected products, and even free flu shots.
Restaurants
Almost all major restaurants and eating establishments will be open. These include Applebees, Benihana, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Boston Market, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chilis, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Hooters, IHOP, McDonald’s P.F. Chang’s Red Lobster, Sizzler, Sonic Drive-In, TGI Fridays, and more.
Small and independent restaurants have their schedules, so call ahead and never assume that they are open.
Gas Stations
Gas stations will be open on Labor Day. It’s a big holiday weekend, most retailers and restaurants will be open, so there will be many consumers who need gasoline. However, gas stations may operate on Sunday, holiday, or ad hoc operating hours, so gas up early.
Municipal, State, and Federal Offices and Public Services
Your local police department, fire department, courthouse, all public offices vital for public safety, will be open. All national parks will be open as well. However, almost all other non-vital federal, state, and municipal offices will be closed.
For example, your local DMV will be closed. Banks and credit unions will also be closed. You should be able to access ATMs, but some transactions might be delayed a day due to the holiday depending on the bank. The post offices will be closed.
There won’t be any garbage pick up services. All libraries and school will be closed as well. The stock market will also be closed in observance of Labor Day.
Budget Before You Shop
Many Labor Day sales will last until mid-September, so shop around. Even though many consumers will buy retail goods and enjoy barbecues this Labor Day weekend, most will buy computers, smart devices, tablets, household goods, and back-to-school supplies.
Make the most of the available sales and discounts to save on your usual household expenses, instead of buying thing you may not need. Or worse, racking up more debt.
Read More
Scoring the Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
Weekly Roundup: Laboring All Day Edition
Backyard Weddings – To Do or Not To Do?
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.