New Year’s Day: What’s open? Retailers. What’s closed? Government and banks

While schools, government and banks are closed on New Year’s Day, most major retailers across the U.S. will be open, with many offering discounts on older inventory to clear the way for newer products.

But before you run out the door on New Year’s Day to peruse deals, it’s wise to double-check your local store’s operating hours, which can differ depending on their location. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules online for stores in your neighborhood.

Here’s a rundown of what’s open and closed on New Year’s Day, 2026.

Federal and local government offices, including post offices, courts, and public schools, will be closed for the holiday. This follows the standard federal holiday schedule, giving government employees a day off to celebrate the new year.

Financial institutions will also pause operations. U.S. stock markets and banks will remain closed on Thursday, January 1st, resuming normal trading and banking operations on Friday, January 2nd. This one-day market closure allows financial professionals to start the year with a brief respite before diving into what analysts anticipate will be a potentially volatile first quarter.

Package delivery services will see limited operations on the holiday. Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on New Year’s Day, though some critical services will still operate at certain locations. Both shipping giants typically use the slower post-holiday period to reorganize after the December rush, when package volumes reach annual peaks.

In the retail sector, most major chains will welcome shoppers looking for post-holiday bargains. Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and Kohl’s will all be open, though potentially with modified hours. These retailers typically capitalize on New Year’s Day shopping as consumers use gift cards received during the holidays and take advantage of year-end clearance sales.

Pharmacy chains including CVS and Walgreens plan to remain open, though hours may vary by location. In-store pharmacies, however, tend to be closed or operate with reduced hours on New Year’s Day, so patients requiring prescription refills should plan accordingly.

Most national grocery store chains, including Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Kroger, will open their doors, allowing shoppers to stock up for New Year’s gatherings or replenish post-celebration pantries. Industry analysts note that grocery foot traffic on New Year’s Day has increased in recent years, as more consumers host January 1st brunches and informal gatherings.

However, several notable exceptions exist in the grocery sector. Aldi will close all locations for the holiday, giving their employees a day off after the busy holiday season. Trader Joe’s and Costco will also keep their doors shut on January 1st, continuing their tradition of remaining closed on major holidays.

Retail industry experts point out that New Year’s Day shopping has become increasingly important for retailers in recent years. “January 1st shopping gives stores a chance to clear out holiday merchandise and winter inventory before spring shipments arrive,” explains retail analyst Janet Morgan. “For consumers, it’s an opportunity to find significant discounts, often ranging from 50-75% off seasonal items.”

For shoppers planning to venture out, retail analysts recommend checking store websites or calling ahead to confirm exact hours, as many locations adjust their schedules for the holiday. Many retailers also post New Year’s Day specials online the evening before, allowing consumers to plan their shopping strategy in advance.

While post-holiday sales traditionally ran from December 26th through early January, the retail landscape has evolved to feature more specialized promotion periods, with New Year’s Day now establishing itself as a distinct shopping opportunity with its own particular deals and discounts.