Martin Luther King Jr. Day — observed on Monday, January 19, 2026 — is a U.S. federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy and service.
While government offices, banks, post offices and stock markets will be closed in observance, most major retail stores and service businesses will remain open, often with normal or slightly adjusted hours for shoppers.
Retail Stores and Grocery Chains That Will Be Open
Most large national retailers are expected to operate during regular business hours, giving consumers plenty of opportunities for shopping, errands or holiday deals:
Department and Big‑Box Stores
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
- Target
- Kohl’s
- Ross
- TJ Maxx
- Marshall’s
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Grocery and Supermarket Chains
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- Costco
- Aldi
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
Pharmacies and Drug Stores
Pharmacies generally stay open, though individual pharmacy counters may have reduced hours:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Rite Aid
- Duane Reade
Other Retail and Leisure Spots
- Home Depot and Lowe’s
- Ace Hardware
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- REI
- Movie theaters, bowling alleys and other family entertainment venues are also typically open.
Restaurants and Quick Service Chains
Chain restaurants — including Applebee’s, McDonald’s, Chili’s and Starbucks — usually operate on MLK Day, though hours can vary by location.
Stores With Sales on MLK Day
While not as large as Black Friday or holiday season events, many brands and retailers offer MLK Day sales and promotions on electronics, home goods, mattresses and more. Typical deals may include:
- Amazon (electronics and home essentials)
- Best Buy (laptops, TVs, headphones)
- Mattress Firm (mattress discounts)
- Wayfair and Overstock (furniture and décor)
What Typically Closes or Is Limited on the Holiday
Because MLK Day is a federal holiday, several services and institutions close or adjust operations:
Closed or Suspended Services
- Federal, state and local government offices – closed.
- Post offices (USPS) – closed with no mail delivery.
- Most banks and credit unions – closed (ATMs and apps still work).
- Stock exchanges (NYSE and Nasdaq) – closed.
- Public schools and most libraries – closed.
Some private businesses — especially independent stores and small local shops — may also choose to close or operate with reduced hours.
Why Stores Stay Open
Unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, MLK Day is not a major retail shutdown day.
Most consumer‑facing businesses choose to remain open — often with promotions — because the holiday falls on a weekday and represents a popular shopping occasion.
