Independence Day arrives on July 4th, 2025! As millions of Americans plan cookouts, fireworks viewing, and gatherings, a common question arises: what businesses and services will be open? Navigating closures on this federal holiday requires planning. While government offices and banks typically close, many retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants remain open, though often with adjusted hours. This comprehensive guide provides essential information to help you know where you can shop, dine, and handle errands this Fourth of July.
Knowing which establishments are operating is key to a stress-free holiday. Whether you need last-minute barbecue supplies, forgot a picnic essential, or simply want to grab a bite, understanding the altered schedules is crucial. Expect widespread closures for official institutions but opportunities for retail therapy and essential shopping. Let’s dive into the details.
Government and Financial Closures on July 4th
As a federal holiday, Independence Day brings significant closures across governmental and financial sectors. These closures impact services that are tied to federal operations or banking regulations. Planning ahead for banking needs and mail services is highly recommended.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Major banks nationwide will be closed on July 4th, 2025. This is standard practice for federal holidays. While physical branches are closed, online banking services and ATMs remain accessible. However, note that transactions might not process until the next business day, typically the following Monday, July 7th. Plan deposits, withdrawals, or transfers accordingly.
Postal Services
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will suspend operations on Independence Day. There will be no mail pickup or delivery service on July 4th. USPS retail locations will also be closed. Normal postal services are expected to resume the next business day.
Stock Market
Financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, will be closed for trading on July 4th. Bond markets also observe the holiday closure. Trading is set to resume on Monday, July 7th.
County and Local Government Services
Many local and county government offices will also be closed. This often includes courts, libraries, and administrative offices. Residents should verify the status of specific local services, such as waste collection schedules, as these can vary by municipality. For instance, some areas in South Florida reported no garbage collection on July 4th, while public transit operated on modified weekend or Sunday schedules.
Retail Stores: Openings and Adjusted Hours
Good news for shoppers: many major retail chains will keep their doors open on the Fourth of July. This allows consumers to pick up forgotten items, take advantage of holiday sales, or simply browse. However, expect some stores to operate on reduced or modified schedules.
General Retailers and Department Stores
A wide array of general retail stores and department stores plan to be open on July 4th. This includes popular chains like Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and others. Shoppers looking for clothing, home goods, electronics, or general merchandise will likely find numerous options available. Many smaller local businesses may choose to close, so checking independent shops in advance is wise.
Home Improvement and Craft Stores
Need supplies for a DIY project or craft activities? Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are typically open. Craft stores like Michael’s also often operate on Independence Day. Be aware that these stores frequently have limited hours compared to their normal schedule. For example, Home Depot and Lowe’s were noted to close earlier, around 8 p.m.
Specific Store Details
Several specific retailers have confirmed their July 4th plans.
Walmart: Generally expected to operate during regular business hours across the U.S., often from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time. Walmart is known for only closing on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Target: Expected to be open, though specific hours can vary by location. Checking the store locator online is recommended.
Costco: A major exception. Costco stores will be closed on July 4th, consistent with their policy for most federal holidays.
Sam’s Club: Will be open but with limited hours, typically closing earlier than usual. Hours may even vary by membership type; reports suggest Plus members might have access from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Club members from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additional stores expected to be open include Bass Pro Shops, Belk, Best Buy, Cabella’s, CVS, Dillard’s, IKEA, Old Navy, Rite Aid, T.J. Maxx, Walgreens, Dollar General, Family Dollar, HomeGoods, Marshalls, Michaels, Menards, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Petco, PetSmart, and Staples. Keep in mind that hours for many of these, like Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, and Petco, can vary by specific location or may have reduced holiday hours. IKEA, for instance, was noted to close around 6 p.m.
Grocery Stores and Essential Shopping
Stocking up for barbecues and holiday meals is a top priority for many on July 4th. Fortunately, most major grocery store chains remain open, though adjusting hours is common.
Major Grocery Chains Open
Numerous popular grocery stores will be open on Independence Day, ensuring you can grab those last-minute burgers, buns, or drinks. This extensive list typically includes ALDI, Food Lion, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Publix, Sprouts Farmers Market, Winn-Dixie, ACME, Albertsons, Central Market, Giant Eagle, Hannaford, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Ingles, Jewel-Osco, Market District, Safeway, Shaws, ShopRite, Target, Tom Thumb Grocery Stores, Vons, and Walmart. Many of these aim to maintain regular hours, but confirmation is always best.
Grocery Stores with Limited Hours
Some grocery retailers will be open but plan to close earlier than usual.
ALDI: Will operate with limited hours, often closing earlier, around 4 p.m. in some locations.
Trader Joe’s: Stores plan to open normally but will close early, typically at 5 p.m.
Whole Foods Market: Many Whole Foods locations will have reduced hours, frequently closing around 6 p.m.
Sam’s Club: As mentioned under retail, Sam’s Club grocery sections are part of their membership store, closing at 6 p.m. for both Plus and Club members.
Big Y: Expected to be open with specific holiday hours, such as 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Milam’s Market (South Florida): Noted to be open until 4 p.m.
Remember that stores like ShopRite are often independently owned, leading to significant variation in holiday hours by location. Checking their online store locator is essential.
Restaurants and Fast Food Chains
If cooking isn’t on your July 4th agenda, many restaurants and fast-food chains will be open. Hours can vary significantly by location, especially for franchise operations.
Popular Dining Options Expected Open
A wide selection of dining establishments anticipate being open on July 4th. This includes major chains like Applebee’s, Arby’s, Bahama Breeze, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’, IHOP, KFC, LongHorn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, Olive Garden, Sonic, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Wendy’s, and Yard House. Upscale options like The Capital Grille are also often open. While many locations will operate normally, it’s always prudent to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website or app for local hours.
Coffee Shops
Craving your favorite coffee or holiday-themed drink? Starbucks locations are generally open on July 4th. However, specific store hours can vary widely depending on location. Use the Starbucks app or online store locator, or call your local store, to confirm their operating times.
Pharmacies
Access to pharmacy services is important, even on a holiday. While many drug stores are open, pharmacy departments within those stores or even within grocery stores frequently operate on reduced hours or close entirely.
Drug Stores and Pharmacy Departments
Major drug store chains like CVS and Walgreens will keep their retail sections open. However, their pharmacy counters often have different hours. Many pharmacy departments within CVS and Walgreens locations may close early or be completely closed on July 4th, particularly non-24-hour locations. Publix pharmacies are specifically noted to be closed on Independence Day. Pharmacies within other grocery stores like ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Shaws, Stop and Shop, Target, Tom Thumb, and Vons also often have reduced or closed hours. Always verify the specific pharmacy hours, not just the store hours, before planning a visit for prescriptions or consultations.
Shipping Services
Need to send or receive a package around the holiday? Standard shipping services are significantly affected by the July 4th federal holiday.
FedEx and UPS
UPS: Will not have standard pickup or delivery service on Independence Day. While select UPS retail locations might be open, it’s crucial to check with your local store for specific hours. Their Express Critical service, for urgent shipments, remains available via phone or online.
FedEx: Freight and logistics units will be closed. However, FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers often operate with modified holiday hours. The FedEx Custom Critical service is also available. Standard pickup and delivery services are generally suspended.
If you have critical shipping needs, exploring urgent or modified service options, or waiting until the next business day, July 7th, is typically necessary.
Check Before You Go: Essential Advice
Given the varying schedules, the single most important piece of advice for navigating July 4th business hours is to confirm before you visit.
Check Online: Most national retailers and large chains have store locators on their websites or mobile apps. These are usually updated with holiday hours.
Call Ahead: For smaller businesses, restaurants, or specific departments like pharmacies, calling the location directly is the most reliable way to confirm their exact operating hours for July 4th.
- Social Media/Local Listings: Check a business’s social media pages or their Google Business Profile, which may list special holiday hours.
- www.cbsnews.com
- www.tcpalm.com
- fortune.com
- www.today.com
- www.nbcmiami.com
Don’t rely solely on general statements. A store listed as “open” might still close several hours earlier than normal, impacting your plans. Taking a moment to verify ensures a smooth and frustration-free holiday outing. Enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are banks and post offices closed on July 4th?
July 4th, Independence Day, is a designated federal holiday in the United States. Federal holidays typically result in the closure of non-essential government institutions and services that follow the federal holiday calendar, such as the U.S. Postal Service and federal reserve banks. This federal status also leads to the closure of most commercial banks and the stock market, as they adhere to this holiday schedule. These closures allow employees to observe the national holiday.
Which major grocery stores are definitely open on July 4, 2025?
Many major grocery store chains plan to be open on July 4th, 2025, to accommodate holiday shoppers. Stores widely reported as open include Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Winn-Dixie. While most will be open, it’s important to note that some, like Trader Joe’s (closing at 5 p.m.), Whole Foods Market (closing at 6 p.m.), ALDI, and Sam’s Club (closing at 6 p.m.), will operate with limited or reduced hours. Costco, however, will be closed.
Is it necessary to check specific store hours on July 4th, even if a store is listed as ‘open’?
Yes, absolutely. Even if a store is listed as being open on July 4th, it is highly recommended to check their specific local hours before visiting. Many retailers and grocery stores operate on reduced or modified schedules for the holiday, often closing earlier than their normal operating times. Pharmacy departments within stores are particularly likely to have significantly different or closed hours. Checking online store locators, calling the specific location, or reviewing their social media ensures you have accurate information for your planned visit.
—
On July 4th, 2025, navigating which businesses are open requires checking specific details. While essential services like banks and post offices take the day off, most retail and grocery chains are ready to serve last-minute shoppers and celebrants, albeit often on modified schedules. Remember to confirm hours directly with businesses, especially for specific departments like pharmacies. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!
