Labor Day is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday of every September. This year it falls on September 6.
Sometimes known as the "unofficial end of summer," Labor Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of the country's workforce.
The U.S. Department of Labor explains: "The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being."
Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882 in New York City before it became a legal holiday on June 28, 1894.
Are Stores Closed on Labor Day?
As it is a federal holiday, many businesses are closed on Labor Day but many retailers remain open on the day.
Below we look at the 2021 Labor Day store hours at some retail chains across the country. Some stores may be open on reduced hours on Labor Day. Some may also be offering modified services and have safety restrictions in place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
For all stores, contact your local venue to check their exact Labor Day hours (as daily hours typically vary by branch) and to confirm any COVID-19 restrictions that may be in place before you visit.
Walmart
Most Walmart branches are open on Labor Day. From June 5, the retail chain extended its hours to be open from 6 a.m. local time.
Target
Most branches of Target are open on Labor Day. Daily opening times are typically from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Home Depot
Most Home Depot locations are open on Labor Day. They are usually open daily from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Costco
All Costco stores are closed on Labor Day. Normal daily hours of operation are from around 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time during the week and from around 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time during weekends.
Costco also advises: "Warehouse hours have temporarily changed due to precautions related to Coronavirus." See the Costco website for the latest information.
Best Buy
Most Best Buy locations are also open on Labor Day. Their normal daily hours are from around 8 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. local time.
Macy's
Most Macy's stores also remain open on Labor Day. Opening times are typically from around 11 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. local time.
CVS
Most branches of the pharmacy chain are open on Labor Day. Typical daily hours are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time but some may be open 24 hours a day.
Rite Aid
Most Rite Aid stores are also open on Labor Day. Normal daily hours of operation are also from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time. Some locations may be open 24 hours daily.
Walgreens
Most branches of the pharmacy chain are also open on Labor Day. Typical daily hours are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, but some may be open 24 hours a day.
Sam's Club
Most Sam's Club stores are open on Labor Day. Normal hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time for all members. But on Labor Day, stores will be closing at 6 p.m. local time. All plus members can access stores from 8 a.m. (including on Labor Day), according to the Sam's Club website.
Whole Foods
Most branches of the health food chain are open on Labor Day. Typical daily store hours are from around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Trader Joe's
Most locations of the grocery chain are also open on Labor Day. Normal daily hours of operation are from around 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.
Kroger
Most branches of the supermarket chain are open on Labor Day. Daily opening times are typically from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time.
Lowe's
Most Lowe's stores are open on Labor Day. Typical daily hours are from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
Publix
Most branches of the Publix are open on Labor Day. Normal daily hours are from around 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time.
