As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day on Friday, July 4, 2025, many Americans will be looking forward to parades, fireworks, and backyard barbecues. Whether you’re planning a last-minute grocery run or need to pick up forgotten essentials, it’s crucial to know which businesses and services will be operating. While the Fourth of July is a federal holiday, leading to several closures, many retail and grocery stores will remain open, albeit some with adjusted hours.
Federal and Financial Closures
Given its status as a federal holiday, several key services will be observing closures:
- Government Offices: All federal, state, and local government offices will be closed on July 4th (WJLA, Delaware Online).
- Banks: Most banks, including the Federal Reserve, will be closed. ATMs and online banking services will remain available (USA Today, WJLA).
- Mail Services: The United States Post Office (USPS) will be closed, meaning no regular mail delivery. FedEx offices will have modified hours with most services unavailable, though FedEx Custom Critical deliveries will be made. UPS will not offer pickup or delivery services, and their stores may also be closed (KHOU, Delaware Online).
Grocery Store Hours
For those needing to stock up on barbecue essentials or last-minute snacks, most grocery chains will be open, though some will operate on reduced hours. It is always recommended to check with your local store for precise timings.
- Closed: Costco warehouses will be closed on July 4th (USA Today, TCPalm).
- Limited Hours:
- Aldi: Stores will be open with limited hours, which vary by location. Many may close as early as 4 p.m. (USA Today, NBC Chicago).
- Sam’s Club: Warehouses will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members (USA Today).
- Trader Joe’s: All stores will close early at 5 p.m. local time (USA Today).
- Whole Foods: Hours vary by location; some may be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (USA Today, NBC Chicago).
- Regular Hours (or mostly regular):
- Walmart & Target: Generally open regular hours, though specific store hours may vary (USA Today, TCPalm).
- Kroger Family of Companies: Most stores, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers, will be open regular hours (USA Today).
- Publix: Stores will be open regular hours, but pharmacies may be closed (USA Today, TCPalm).
- Albertsons Companies: A majority of stores, including Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, and Acme, will be open. Pharmacy hours may be adjusted (USA Today).
- Other chains generally open regular hours include Food Lion, Wegmans, Meijer, Harveys, Winn-Dixie, Lidl, Harris Teeter, Giant Eagle (pharmacies 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.), H-E-B (pharmacy 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Sprouts, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Big Y (7 a.m. – 9 p.m.), Stop & Shop, Tony’s Fresh Market (6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.), Market Basket, and Star Market (USA Today, Patch, Good Housekeeping, Delaware Online, NBC Chicago, KHOU, CBS Boston).
Retail and Home Improvement Stores
Many retail and home improvement stores will also be open, though some may have reduced hours:
- Retail: Best Buy, Big Lots, Nordstrom, and Academy Sports + Outdoors are generally expected to be open regular hours. Stores like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods may close early around 7 p.m. Belk (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Dillard’s (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.), JCPenney (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Kohl’s (10 a.m. – 9 p.m., some early close), Macy’s (around 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.), Office Depot/OfficeMax (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), Petco (closing 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.), REI (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and TJX stores (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods) in Massachusetts (closing 8 p.m.) will operate with varying hours (Patch, Good Housekeeping, Delaware Online, CBS Boston).
- Home Improvement: Ace Hardware is expected to be open regular hours. Home Depot and Lowe’s will generally open at their usual time (6 a.m.) but may close early, around 8 p.m. True Value stores may vary, with some closed or having adjusted hours (Patch, Good Housekeeping).
Pharmacies, Convenience Stores, and Liquor Stores
- Pharmacies: CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens locations are generally open, but their pharmacy hours may vary significantly by location. It’s advisable to call ahead for prescription needs (WJLA, Good Housekeeping).
- Convenience Stores & Fast Food: Chains like Dollar General are expected to be open regular hours. Most fast-food restaurants, including Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Wawa, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts, will be open, though hours may vary. Notably, Raising Cane’s will be closed (KHOU).
- Liquor Stores: The operating status of liquor stores on July 4th largely depends on state and local regulations. In states like Massachusetts and Delaware, liquor stores are permitted to be open. However, in Delaware, grocery stores cannot sell alcohol (Good Housekeeping, Delaware Online, CBS Boston).
Regional Transportation and Attractions
For those in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, public transportation schedules will be altered, and some attractions will have specific operating hours or closures. For instance, in D.C., many national monuments and parks will have closures or restricted access during parts of the day, while Metrorail and Metrobus will operate on modified schedules with free fares after 5 p.m. (WJLA).
To ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday, always verify the specific hours of your local establishments online or by phone before heading out. Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day!
