As Americans prepare to celebrate the arrival of 2026, one question is already on shoppers’ minds — are stores open on New Year’s Day? The short answer is yes, many stores will open their doors on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, but several major retailers, banks, and government offices will remain closed for the federal holiday.
Whether you’re planning to grab groceries, run errands, or take advantage of post-holiday deals, knowing which stores are open and their hours can help you plan the first day of the new year efficiently.
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Major Retailers Open on New Year’s Day 2026
Most large retail chains will remain open on New Year’s Day, though many will operate on reduced schedules to allow employees some time off.
Stores confirmed to be open nationwide include:
- Walmart: Open regular hours. Most 24-hour locations will operate as usual, but smaller stores may adjust slightly.
- Target: Open, typically from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours vary by location.
- Kroger and affiliated chains (Ralphs, King Soopers, Fred Meyer): Open with shortened hours.
- Safeway and Albertsons: Open but closing earlier than normal in most areas.
- Publix: Open in most states from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Whole Foods Market: Open with limited hours, typically closing by 8 p.m.
- CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid: Most locations open; 24-hour stores will maintain regular service.
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Both open mid-morning and close early evening.
- Dollar General and Family Dollar: Open during standard hours in most cities.
Shoppers looking for household items, groceries, or quick essentials will have plenty of options throughout the day. However, it’s smart to double-check local hours online or by phone before heading out, as individual locations sometimes adjust based on regional demand or staffing.
Stores Closed on New Year’s Day
A few major retailers traditionally shut down operations for the holiday. These include:
- Costco: All U.S. warehouses and gas stations closed on January 1.
- Sam’s Club: Closed nationwide.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club: Closed across all states.
- Trader Joe’s: Every store closed on New Year’s Day.
Warehouse clubs and specialty grocery stores tend to honor full-day closures, a policy consistent with their long-standing approach to major holidays. These stores will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2026, under normal operating hours.
Grocery Stores Operating with Modified Hours
While large grocery chains stay open, most will run on modified schedules.
Typical hours for New Year’s Day include:
- HEB: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. across Texas.
- Wegmans: Normal hours for most locations.
- Meijer: Generally open 24 hours but may shorten hours in select regions.
- Stop & Shop: Open, closing early evening.
- Giant Food and Giant Eagle: Open with holiday hours.
For those needing fresh ingredients or household basics, early shopping is best. Most grocery stores experience a mid-afternoon rush as people stock up for New Year’s Day meals or gatherings.
Pharmacies, Gas Stations, and Convenience Stores
Pharmacies and convenience stores are the most reliable options on January 1.
- CVS and Walgreens: Remain open, but pharmacy counters may close earlier than the retail section.
- Rite Aid: Many open locations operate on reduced hours.
- 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa: All open 24 hours nationwide.
- Sheetz and QuikTrip: Continue full operations, including fuel and food service.
Gas stations attached to major brands such as Shell, BP, and Chevron will operate normally, though some service centers may not open until January 2.
For travelers, these convenience locations ensure access to snacks, drinks, and fuel while much of the country enjoys the holiday at home.
Home Improvement, Furniture, and Department Stores
Home improvement stores are popular stops for shoppers starting household projects in the new year.
- Home Depot: Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. nationwide.
- Lowe’s: Open on a similar schedule, generally closing by 7 p.m.
- IKEA: Open with adjusted hours, typically 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Menards: Most locations open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Department stores such as Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney will also be open, continuing post-holiday sales through January 1. Shoppers can expect clearance deals on winter apparel, home goods, and electronics.
Malls and Shopping Centers
Most shopping malls across the U.S. will be open on New Year’s Day, though hours vary by region and anchor store participation. Typically, malls open around 10 a.m. and close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Major anchor stores — such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom — often hold large clearance and inventory reduction events on the first day of the year, drawing heavy crowds. Smaller retailers inside the mall may open later in the morning or close earlier than the anchors.
For those planning to redeem gift cards or return items from Christmas, visiting early in the day can help avoid long lines.
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Fast Food Chains
Most national restaurant chains will open for business on January 1, catering to travelers, brunch-goers, and families celebrating the holiday.
- Starbucks: Open with adjusted hours. Most stores will open later than usual.
- Dunkin’: Open at most locations, though smaller branches may close early.
- McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Burger King: Open regular hours at franchise locations.
- Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel: Most open for lunch and dinner.
Local and independently owned restaurants may vary in hours or remain closed for the day, so it’s best to call ahead.
Banks, Government Offices, and Post Offices
Because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, all banks, post offices, and government agencies will be closed on January 1.
Financial institutions will not process transactions until Thursday, January 2. ATM machines and online banking platforms will continue operating for cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries.
U.S. Postal Service mail delivery will pause for the day, and all local and state offices — including DMVs and courts — will remain closed.
Public Transportation and Travel Services
Airports will remain open across the United States, with airlines operating on standard or modified holiday schedules. Travelers should confirm departure times before heading to the airport, as weather-related delays are common in early January.
City transit systems will operate on reduced or Sunday schedules in most metropolitan areas, including New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Amtrak and Greyhound services will continue running, although some routes may experience lower frequency.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft will operate 24 hours as usual, but prices may surge during early-morning and late-night hours around New Year’s celebrations.
How to Make the Most of New Year’s Day Shopping
Planning ahead can make your New Year’s Day smoother and help you take advantage of limited store hours. A few quick tips for an efficient shopping trip:
- Shop early. Morning hours tend to have smaller crowds and better product availability.
- Call ahead. Confirm local store schedules since hours can vary widely by region.
- Use mobile apps. Many retailers update hours and real-time crowd information through their official apps.
- Prepare for short staffing. Fewer employees may mean longer checkout times.
- Watch for holiday sales. Retailers often launch early-year clearance events that last through the weekend.
Online Shopping and Delivery Options
For those who prefer to skip the crowds, online shopping remains a convenient choice on New Year’s Day. Retailers’ e-commerce sites, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Best Buy, will continue processing orders.
Grocery delivery through Instacart, DoorDash, and Amazon Fresh will be available in most cities, though delivery windows may fill quickly due to high demand. Ordering early in the day ensures quicker turnaround times.
Why Some Retailers Choose to Close
The handful of companies that close on New Year’s Day do so to prioritize employee well-being and consistency. Retailers such as Costco and Trader Joe’s have long-standing policies that give staff the full day off on major holidays.
This approach reflects a broader trend in retail: balancing operational demand with employee quality of life. Many shoppers support the decision, noting that predictable closures make it easier to plan around holidays while giving workers valuable rest time.
What to Expect on January 2, 2026
Once stores reopen after the holiday, shoppers can expect a wave of early-year discounts. January traditionally marks the start of “clearance season,” with significant markdowns on leftover holiday inventory, winter clothing, and household items.
Electronics, fitness gear, and organizational supplies are top sellers in the first week of January. Most retailers will resume normal business hours and schedules on Thursday, January 2.
So, if you’re wondering “are stores open on New Year’s Day,” the answer is that most are — but plan ahead for shorter hours, crowded aisles, and a few closures. Check local hours, shop smart, and start 2026 off prepared and stress-free. What’s the first store you plan to visit on New Year’s Day? Share your plans below!