What you should know about Labor Day and its history
There’s more to Labor Day than just barbecues, special deals, and a long weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the national holiday.
Banks and post offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, for Labor Day. However, most major restaurant, grocery and retail chains will remain open on the holiday. The stock exchange will also be closed.
Companies like Walmart, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A and Target will keep their doors open on the federal holiday this year. One notable exception is Costco, whose warehouses will be closed on Labor Day.
Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrating “the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Its origins date back to the late 19th century, when labor activists lobbied for a federal holiday “to recognize the many contributions of workers to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, and by 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed a law on June 28, 1894, making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
Here’s what you need to know about Labor Day opening hours and closings this year.
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Is Walmart open on Labor Day? View hours
Most Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Labor Day, a company spokesperson told USA TODAY. However, hours may vary by location. It’s best to contact your local Walmart or check the online store directory before heading to the store.
Is Costco open on Labor Day?
According to Costco’s website, warehouses will be closed on Monday, September 2nd.
Is Target open on Labor Day?
Target stores will be open on Labor Day, the company told USA TODAY. Store hours vary by location, so check with your local store for specific holiday hours.
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Labor Day?
- All US Postal Service Facilities will be closed to retail and there will be no regular mail delivery to residential and commercial customers on Monday, Sept. 2, the USPS confirmed to USA TODAY.
- Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank And JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Labor Day, the companies confirmed to USA TODAY. Capital One Cafes will remain open.
- UPS Pickup and delivery services will not be available on Labor Day and UPS Store locations may be closed, the company’s website says. Check with your local store for exact hours.
- Most FedExAccording to the company’s website, pickup and delivery services will not be available on September 2. FedEx Office hours will also be changed, so it’s best to check with your local store for exact hours.
Are Home Depot, Lowe’s or Ace Hardware open on Labor Day?
- The most Home Depot Stores will be open on Labor Day, but hours may vary by location, so check with your local store for exact hours.
- Lowe’s The shops are open during regular business hours on Monday.
- Ace Hardware The stores are independently owned and operated and opening hours may vary by location. Customers are asked to check with their local stores for holiday opening hours.
Are pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid open on Labor Day?
- Walgreens The locations will be open during regular business hours on Labor Day, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.
- A majority of Rite Aid Locations will be open on Labor Day, but customers are asked to check Rite Aid’s website for holiday store hours.
Restaurants open on Labor Day
The following restaurants are open on September 2nd. Opening hours are shown for the businesses that offered them.
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Dunkin’
- Chick-fil-A
- Wendy’s
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Cracker Barrel
- Olive Garden; 11am to 10pm
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Waffle House
- I jump
- First watch: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Applebee’s
- Golden Corral
- Hooters
- Longhorn Steakhouse; 11am to 10pm
- Red lobster
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House; 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Grocery stores are open on Labor Day
Here are the grocery stores open on September 2nd. The opening hours are listed with the companies that offered them.
- Walmart; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Most stores in the Kroger group of companies (Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smith’s Food and Drug).
- 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; 6am to midnight
- Publix
- Aldi
- Whole foods
- Food Lion
- Winn-Dixie
- Harris Teeter
- Giant Eagle
- Wegman’s
Costco’s warehouses are closed on Monday.
Retail stores open on Labor Day
The shops listed below are open on September 2nd. The opening hours are listed with the companies that offered them.
- Goal
- TJ Maxx
- Marshalls
- Household goods
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Ace Hardware
- Macy’s
- JCPenney
- Nordstrom
- gap
- Old Navy
- Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- IKEA; 10am to 9pm
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- REI; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Burlington
- Staples
- Office Depot and OfficeMax; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- PetSmart; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- PetCo
- Tractor Supply Company; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Belk
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on X. @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].
