Enterthedeals 
Updated May 22, 2026. If you need groceries for Memorial Day 2026, plan around one big confirmed closure: Costco U.S. warehouses are closed on Memorial Day. Most traditional grocery stores are expected to be open, but hours can vary by location, so checking your local store before leaving is still the smart move.
Which Grocery Stores Are Closed on Memorial Day 2026?
The major grocery and warehouse chain to plan around is Costco. Costco’s official customer service holiday-closures page lists Memorial Day as one of the days when its U.S. warehouses are closed. For 2026, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, 2026.
That means you should make your Costco grocery run before Memorial Day if you need meat, produce, snacks, drinks, paper goods, grilling supplies, bakery items, party trays, or gas before the holiday cookout.
| Store | Memorial Day 2026 status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | Closed at U.S. warehouses | Shop ahead or use the Costco warehouse locator for nearby options before/after the holiday. |
| Independent grocers and local markets | Varies | Call ahead, especially for small stores, co-ops, ethnic markets, and specialty butchers. |
| Grocery stores inside malls, campuses, military bases, or mixed-use centers | Varies | Check the exact location because property-wide holiday hours may apply. |
Grocery Stores Likely Open, But Check Local Hours
Many national and regional grocery chains usually stay open on Memorial Day, sometimes with regular hours and sometimes with reduced holiday hours. The safest approach is to use the store locator for your exact location before making a last-minute grocery run.
| Store | Best hours check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Walmart store finder | Good for groceries, ice, drinks, grilling supplies, paper goods, and last-minute basics. |
| Target | Target store locator | Check local hours for grocery, pickup, same-day delivery, and holiday-weekend deals. |
| Kroger | Kroger store locator | Hours can vary by banner, pharmacy, fuel center, and local store. |
| Publix | Publix store locator | Check your local store for deli, bakery, pharmacy, and holiday service hours. |
| ALDI | ALDI store locator | ALDI holiday hours can be limited, so verify before relying on an evening trip. |
| Whole Foods Market | Whole Foods store locator | Useful for prepared foods, specialty grocery, desserts, and cookout extras. |
| Safeway | Safeway store locator | Confirm store, pharmacy, and pickup hours because holiday schedules may differ by department. |
What to Buy Before Costco Closes
If Costco is part of your Memorial Day shopping plan, do that trip before the holiday. Focus on bulk items that are hard to replace in one quick stop: burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chicken, buns, chips, bottled water, soda, paper plates, napkins, trash bags, sunscreen, fruit trays, desserts, charcoal, propane, and freezer items.
- Shop Saturday or Sunday before Memorial Day for better selection.
- Double-check gas station hours separately from warehouse hours.
- Use another grocery chain for Monday-only needs like ice, fresh produce, drinks, or forgotten condiments.
- Check delivery apps early because grocery pickup windows can fill up before holiday cookouts.
Why Memorial Day Grocery Hours Vary
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, but private retailers choose their own schedules. Large grocery chains may stay open for cookout traffic, while warehouse clubs, independent stores, pharmacies, bakeries, fuel centers, and deli counters may use different hours from the main grocery floor.
Quick Answer
Costco is the major grocery-related chain closed on Memorial Day 2026. Most other grocery stores are expected to be open, but holiday hours may be reduced. Check your exact location before leaving, especially if you need deli trays, bakery items, pharmacy pickup, fuel, curbside pickup, or late-night groceries.
