Memorial Day, a day historically dedicated to honoring America’s fallen soldiers, became an official federal holiday in 1971. It is observed on the last Monday in May, which has resulted in the holiday becoming one of the biggest retail sales and travel weekends of the year. While businesses are increasingly choosing to remain open on Memorial Day, some establishments still close their doors to observe the holiday. Here is a breakdown of what is open and closed this year on Memorial Day.
Government buildings such as offices, post offices, courts, and schools are closed on Memorial Day. This closure allows government employees to have a day off to reflect and pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes. Additionally, banks and the U.S. stock markets are closed on Memorial Day, giving employees in these sectors a well-deserved break.
In terms of retail outlets, while warehouse membership club Costco has announced that it will be closed on Memorial Day, most other retailers will be open. In fact, many retailers take advantage of this long weekend to entice customers with big promotional sales. It’s worth noting that store hours may vary by location, so it’s advisable to check with individual retailers beforehand.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial opening of the summer travel season. According to auto club AAA, 43.8 million people are projected to travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday travel period. This is a 4 percent increase from the previous year. If these projections hold true, it would approach the record set in 2005 when 44 million people traveled during Memorial Day weekend.
Of the projected travelers, 38.4 million are expected to travel by car, which is the highest number since AAA began tracking this data in 2000. Another 3.5 million people are anticipated to travel by air. These numbers reflect the eagerness of Americans to embark on vacations and take advantage of the long weekend.
The increase in Memorial Day travel can be attributed to a variety of factors. Firstly, the improving economy has given people more disposable income to spend on vacations. Additionally, lower gas prices have made road trips more affordable and appealing. Lastly, the desire to spend quality time with loved ones and explore new destinations is a driving force behind the surge in holiday travel.
In conclusion, Memorial Day has evolved into a significant holiday for both retail sales and travel. While some government buildings and financial institutions close their doors to observe the holiday, most retailers remain open, offering enticing sales to attract customers. The long weekend also marks the beginning of the summer travel season, with millions of Americans hitting the roads or taking to the skies. As we honor our fallen soldiers, many also take the opportunity to create lasting memories with their friends and family.
