Labor Day 2026 is officially here, and if you’re planning a last-minute cookout or simply need to stock up on groceries for the long weekend, you might be wondering: which grocery stores are actually open today?
Here’s the short answer: Most major U.S. grocery chains are open on Labor Day 2026, but hours can vary significantly by location. Some stores are operating on reduced schedules, while a few—most notably Costco—are closed entirely for the holiday.
Quick Answer: Many major U.S. grocery stores are expected to operate on Labor Day 2026, but holiday hours can vary by chain and location. Always confirm your local store’s schedule before visiting.
Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7 this year. While it’s a federal holiday that shuts down government offices, banks, and the postal service, the grocery and retail sector largely remains open to serve shoppers who need last-minute items for holiday gatherings.
Which Grocery Stores Are Open on Labor Day 2026?
Below is a comprehensive list of major grocery chains and their expected Labor Day status for 2026. Remember that these are general guidelines, and individual store hours may differ.
| Grocery Store | Labor Day Status | Typical/Reported Hours | What Shoppers Should Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Open | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. (varies) | Regular hours at most locations |
| Kroger | Open | 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. (varies) | Pharmacy and clinic hours may vary |
| Target | Open | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (varies) | Regular hours at most locations |
| Trader Joe’s | Open | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Regular hours at most locations |
| Whole Foods | Open | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Regular hours at most locations |
| Aldi | Open | 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (varies) | Limited holiday hours |
| Wegmans | Open | 6 a.m. – 12 a.m. | Some departments may have limited hours |
| Stop & Shop | Open | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Pharmacies may be closed |
| Sam’s Club | Open | Plus: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Club: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Reduced holiday hours |
| Publix | Open | Varies by location | Check local store for hours |
| Food Lion | Open | Normal business hours | Operating during regular hours |
| Lidl | Open | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Regular hours |
| BJ’s Wholesale | Open | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Regular hours |
| Acme | Open | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (varies) | Check local store |
| ShopRite | Open | Varies by store | Check local store |
| Costco | Closed | Closed nationwide | One of the few major retailers closed for Labor Day |
Which Grocery Stores Are Closed on Labor Day 2026?
Costco is the most notable exception among major grocery retailers. All Costco warehouse locations are closed on Labor Day 2026. The warehouse club traditionally closes on several major holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Most other major grocery chains remain open, though some operate on reduced schedules. It’s always wise to confirm before heading out.
Labor Day Grocery Store Hours 2026
Holiday hours can differ from normal hours in several ways:
- Reduced hours: Some stores may open later or close earlier than usual. Aldi, for example, is reportedly operating with limited hours on Labor Day.
- Earlier closing times: Many stores that normally stay open late may close earlier in the evening.
- Later opening times: Some locations may delay opening by an hour or two.
- Pharmacy schedules: Store pharmacies often operate on different schedules from the main grocery section. Kroger, for instance, has noted that pharmacy and clinic hours may vary on the holiday.
- Regional differences: Hours can differ by region, so a store open in one state might have different hours in another.
Is Costco Open on Labor Day 2026?
No. Costco warehouses are closed on Labor Day 2026. This is consistent with Costco’s holiday schedule, as the chain also closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and several other major holidays. If you need to shop at Costco, plan ahead and visit before Monday.
Is Walmart Open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. Walmart stores are generally open on Labor Day, typically operating under normal business hours. Walmart is also offering Labor Day deals on thousands of items, according to its website. As with other major holidays, individual locations may make minor adjustments, so customers should still confirm hours with local stores.
Is Trader Joe’s Open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. Trader Joe’s stores are expected to be open on Labor Day this year, operating during regular hours. As a general policy, the grocery chain does not offer coupons, discounts, or holiday sales, according to its website.
Is Aldi Open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes, but with limited hours. Aldi is open on Labor Day but reportedly operating on reduced holiday hours, with one source indicating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers should check their local store for specific hours.
Is Whole Foods Open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. Whole Foods is open on Labor Day, with typical hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. As always, hours may vary by location.
How to Check Your Local Grocery Store Hours
Before making a trip, here are the most reliable ways to confirm your local store’s hours:
- Official Store Locator: Visit the chain’s website and use the “Find a Store” feature to get the most accurate hours for your specific location.
- Official Mobile App: Most major chains have apps that provide real-time store information, including holiday hours.
- Google Business Listing: Many stores update their Google Business listings with holiday hours.
- Call the Store: If you’re in doubt, calling the store directly is the most foolproof method.
Are Grocery Store Pharmacies Open on Labor Day?
Not necessarily. Grocery stores and their pharmacies may operate on different schedules. Kroger, for example, has stated that pharmacy and clinic hours may vary on Labor Day. Stop & Shop pharmacies are reportedly closed on Labor Day even though the grocery store remains open. If you need a prescription filled, check the pharmacy’s specific hours.
What Grocery Stores Should You Check Before Heading Out?
Before you head out, take a moment to:
- □ Confirm the store location is open
- □ Check the specific holiday hours for that location
- □ Verify pharmacy hours separately if you need a prescription
- □ Confirm whether curbside pickup is available
- □ Check if delivery services are operating
- □ Note whether the store closes earlier than usual
Frequently Asked Questions
Are grocery stores open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. The vast majority of major U.S. grocery chains are open on Labor Day 2026, though some may operate on reduced hours.
What grocery stores are open on Labor Day?
Major chains including Walmart, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Aldi, Wegmans, Stop & Shop, Sam’s Club, Publix, Food Lion, Lidl, and BJ’s Wholesale are all expected to be open.
Is Costco open on Labor Day 2026?
No. Costco warehouses are closed nationwide for Labor Day 2026.
Is Walmart open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. Walmart stores are generally open on Labor Day, operating during regular hours.
Is Aldi open on Labor Day 2026?
Yes. Aldi is open but with limited holiday hours.
Are grocery store pharmacies open on Labor Day?
Not always. Many store pharmacies operate on different schedules from the main grocery section. Kroger pharmacies may have varying hours, and Stop & Shop pharmacies are reportedly closed on Labor Day.
Do grocery stores have reduced hours on Labor Day?
Some do. Stores like Aldi operate on limited hours, while many others maintain regular schedules. Hours vary by location.