Holidays and Their Closures: A Look at Memorial Day Operations
Memorial Day, initially marked as a day of remembrance for fallen American soldiers on May 30, transitioned into a federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May. Over the years, the day has transformed into one of the most significant retail sales and travel weekends of the year, with an increasing number of businesses opting to stay open. Here's a breakdown of what to expect on Memorial Day in terms of businesses, services, and travel:
Government Buildings
Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed on Memorial Day.
Banks and Markets
U.S. stock markets and banks are shut down on Monday, while most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available. However, some special services may be accessible.
Retailers
While warehouse membership club Costco will not open on Memorial Day, most other retailers will operate, with many offering considerable promotional sales. Hours may differ across locations, so it is recommended to check the store's website or call ahead.
Travel
Memorial Day signifies the unofficial start of the summer travel season. According to the auto club AAA, more than 45 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes, marking a slight increase compared to last year. The preferred mode of travel continues to be by car, with a record-breaking 39.4 million people expected to do so this year, and another 3.61 million people set to travel by air.
Average gasoline prices have dropped compared to last year, with the U.S. average price standing at $3.18 per gallon of regular gas as of Wednesday. This decrease in fuel prices is expected to benefit travelers this Memorial Day weekend.
Discussions about air safety have arisen amidst a midair collision between a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in January, which resulted in the deaths of 67 people. In recent weeks, there have also been concerns regarding flight delays and cancellations due to an air traffic controller shortage and equipment failures at a facility that directs aircraft at Newark, New Jersey's airport.
Memorial Day Sales
Known for offering significant discounts across various product categories, retailers typically start their Memorial Day sales in the week leading up to the holiday weekend. Key items on offer include appliances, furniture, electronics, outdoor gear, and mattresses. Notable retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Best Buy, Ashley Furniture, and Traeger are all expected to host sales.
- On Memorial Day, government offices, post offices, courts, schools, and likely most FedEx and UPS services will be closed due to the holiday.
- Americans planning to travel this Memorial Day weekend can expect a slight increase in the number of people traveling compared to last year, with car travel being the most preferred method.
- Retailers are expected to offer significant discounts on various product categories such as appliances, furniture, electronics, outdoor gear, and mattresses during Memorial Day sales.
- There have been discussions about air safety following a midair collision between a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in January and concerns regarding flight delays and cancellations due to an air traffic controller shortage and equipment failures at a New Jersey airport facility.
