Summer doesn’t officially end until Sept. 22, but the wind down certainly kicks off on Labor Day. For many workers, it’s a chance to take a breather and brace for the rush to the end of the year, but for the second year in a row, it’s more complicated than most people would like.
Traditionally, the pre-fall season is a time of gatherings and cookouts. But the COVID-19 Delta variant’s spread could impact people’s plans to assemble with others.
If you do decide to host friends or family, you should be able to find materials for that barbecue easily enough. And if you prefer a day of solo home maintenance or upgrades, now that lumber is back at a reasonable price level, that shouldn’t be a problem either.
Some retailers are closed, though. And if you’re hoping to take care of some personal business when you’re off work, you may have a hard time.
Here’s a look at who’s open and closed on Labor Day 2021, plus a few informational nuggets about the holiday.
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day, held on the first Monday of September, honors the U.S. labor movement. The day has been an official federal holiday since 1894.
Are banks open on Labor Day?
No, they’re not. Because Labor Day is a federal holiday, banks will be closed. You can, however, still use ATM machines to get cash or put money into your account.
Will there be any mail delivery on Labor Day?
Don’t expect any mail or packages to arrive. The U.S. Postal Service does not operate on Labor Day. UPS has no pickup or delivery service that day—and all UPS store locations are closed. (UPS Express Critical service is available, though.) FedEx will suspend deliveries as well and FedEx Office stores will have modified hours. Be sure to call before you head there—and keep in mind that any packages you drop off won’t go out until Tuesday.
Is the stock market open on Labor Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets are all closed. They’ll reopen on Tuesday.
Are government offices open on Labor Day?
City, county, state, and federal offices are closed.
Which department stores are closed on Labor Day?
Most major retailers are open on Labor Day, often offering notable discounts as they clear out summer merchandise at a discount. Costco, though, is the exception to this rule, opting to give its employees the day off. Small businesses could be closed as well, as staffing crises continue to be widespread. [Can we add a beat of elaboration about these crises and ideally link to a story that describes them?]
Are liquor stores open on Labor Day?
It depends on where you live. Because liquor sales and distribution are controlled by the state in about half the country, those stores are required to be closed.
However, that doesn’t apply in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
Check with your local store to see if they’ll be open there.
Which restaurants are closed on Labor Day?
Like most retailers, restaurants generally stay open on Labor Day, though be sure to call ahead, since some places may not have sufficient staff to remain open. Chick-Fil-A will have reduced hours, closing at 6 p.m.
Which department stores are open on Labor Day?
Bass Pro Shops– Open on Labor Day
Bed Bath & Beyond – Open on Labor Day
Belk – Open on Labor Day
Best Buy – Open on Labor Day
Cabella’s – Open on Labor Day
CVS – Open on Labor Day
Dillards – Open on Labor Day
Home Depot – Open on Labor Day
Ikea – Open on Labor Day
J.C. Penney – Open on Labor Day
Kmart – Open on Labor Day
Kohl’s – Most store are open.
Lowe’s – Open on Labor Day
Macy’s – Open on Labor Day
Michael’s – Open on Labor Day
Old Navy – Open on Labor Day
Rite Aid – Open on Labor Day
Target – Open on Labor Day
T.J. Maxx – Open on Labor Day
Walgreens – Open on Labor Day (Some pharmacies may have reduced hours, however)
Walmart – Open on Labor Day.
Which grocery stores are open on Labor Day?
Labor Day, for many celebrants, revolves around cookouts and day drinking. If you run out of hot dog buns, ketchup or beer, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting more. It’s worth noting, however, that even if a store is listed below as open, it’s wise to check with them to make sure they don’t have reduced hours.
Aldi – Open on Labor Day.
Bi-Lo – Open on Labor Day.
Food Lion – Open on Labor Day
Harris Teeter – Open on Labor Day
Ingles – Open on Labor Day
Kroger – Open on Labor Day
Publix – Open on Labor Day.
Safeway – Open on Labor Day
ShopRite – Open on Labor Day
Stop and Shop – Open on Labor Day
Trader Joe’s – Open on Labor Day
Wegman’s – Open on Labor Day
Whole Foods – Open on Labor Day
Winn-Dixie – Open on Labor Day
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