The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will suspend mail delivery and close all post offices on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day, a federal holiday. Mail service will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, according to the USPS website.
Priority Mail Express deliveries may occur in limited locations on Labor Day but will incur an additional fee, the postal service confirmed. Customers are advised to use alternative methods for mailing needs, including usps.com for stamp purchases, package shipping, and other services such as Hold Mail, Change of Address, PO Box rental, or Click-N-Ship label printing.
What’s Open and Closed on Labor Day 2026
Federal offices and services:
- USPS: All post offices closed; no regular mail delivery. Priority Mail Express may operate with fees in select areas.
- Stock market: The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be closed on Labor Day, with trading resuming at 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8. Banks and credit unions will also be closed.
Retail and Grocery Stores: Majority Remain Open
Most major retail chains and grocery stores will operate on Labor Day 2026, though some may have modified hours. Shoppers are encouraged to check local store listings for specific operating times.
Major retailers confirmed open:
- Walmart (normal hours)
- Target (normal hours)
- Trader Joe’s (normal hours)
- Kroger (normal hours, with some exceptions)
- Whole Foods (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Wegmans (6 a.m. to 12 a.m.)
- Stop & Shop (normal hours; pharmacies closed)
Retailers traditionally closed:
- Costco (nationwide closure)
Pharmacies and specialty stores:
- CVS (open, with some locations on reduced hours)
- Aldi (limited hours)
Background: Labor Day Observance and Impact
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, is a federal holiday established to honor the American labor movement and workers’ contributions. While it marks the unofficial end of summer for many, its impact varies by industry:
- Mail and shipping: USPS follows federal holiday closures, halting standard mail and retail operations.
- Retail: Many stores capitalize on Labor Day sales, offering discounts on back-to-school supplies, appliances, and electronics.
- Government and financial services: Nonessential federal offices, banks, and some schools are closed.
What to Expect After Labor Day
- Mail: Deliveries resume Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
- Retail: Most stores reopen with regular hours on Tuesday.
- Stock market: Trading resumes at 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
How to Prepare for Labor Day 2026
- For mailing needs: Use usps.com for online services or visit a 24-hour drop box where available.
- For shopping: Verify local store hours in advance, as some may operate on reduced schedules.
- For financial transactions: Plan ahead for bank closures; ATMs and online banking remain accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Mail will not be delivered on Labor Day; USPS operations resume Tuesday.
- Most major retailers and grocers remain open, though hours may vary by location.
- Federal offices, banks, and the stock market are closed.
- Costco is among the few major retailers closed on Labor Day.