Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many people have the day off work and use it as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends or attend Memorial Day events. A common question that arises is whether popular stores like Hobby Lobby are open for business on Memorial Day.
What is Memorial Day
Memorial Day originated after the American Civil War as “Decoration Day”, when people would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It was officially declared Memorial Day by federal law in 1971 to be celebrated on the last Monday in May, creating a convenient three-day weekend. While Memorial Day often marks the unofficial start of summer with barbecues and family gatherings, its intended purpose is commemorating military members who lost their lives fighting for their country.
Do People Have Memorial Day Off Work
Memorial Day is a federal holiday, meaning many government institutions and non-essential businesses are closed. Schools and banks close for the day, and many private companies choose to give their employees the day off to spend with family or friends. However, businesses that provide essential services may remain open on Memorial Day, albeit sometimes with reduced hours.
Is Hobby Lobby Open on Memorial Day
Hobby Lobby, the arts and crafts store chain with over 900 locations across the country, is one of the major retailers that chooses to close its stores on Memorial Day. The company follows an explicit policy of remaining closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day in addition to Memorial Day so employees can enjoy time with their families.
Hobby Lobby’s History of Closing on Holidays
Hobby Lobby founder David Green has emphasized the importance of prioritizing faith, family, and celebration instead of retail business on major national holidays. The decision to close on holidays like Memorial Day reflects Hobby Lobby’s commitment to allowing employees to spend time with loved ones rather than requiring them to work.
Planning Ahead for Closures
Because Hobby Lobby locations are always closed on Memorial Day, customers should plan shopping trips and craft projects accordingly. Purchasing any needed supplies or materials in advance of Memorial Day weekend is recommended. For those hoping to work on DIY home decor over the long weekend, keeping Hobby Lobby’s closure in mind is key.
What Other Stores Are Closed on Memorial Day
Hobby Lobby is not the only major retail chain that traditionally closes for Memorial Day. Most department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney shutter for the federal holiday. Craft stores like Joann Fabric and Michaels, as well as home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, also tend to close up shop to observe the holiday. Big box stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco may remain open but often operate under reduced hours.
Essential Businesses That Stay Open
While many major retailers close for Memorial Day, essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, and pharmacies typically remain open. Most supermarket chains keep their regular hours to accommodate any last-minute holiday weekend shopping. Convenience stores, drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, and urgent care clinics generally maintain normal operating hours as well.
Alternatives for Shopping on Memorial Day
Online Shopping
One popular alternative to in-person shopping on Memorial Day is online shopping. Many retailers offer sales around Memorial Day weekend, both in stores and online. Purchasing craft supplies, home goods, decor items, and more online is an easy option with major chains like Hobby Lobby and department stores closed for the holiday. Their e-commerce sites remain open 24/7.
Specialty Shops
Some local specialty shops catering to hobbies, crafts, art supplies and framing may choose to open for Memorial Day, especially in popular weekend getaway destinations. Checking with local businesses ahead of time if needing to purchase items for DIY projects over the long weekend is recommended.
Planning Future Shopping Trips
Knowing well ahead of time that Hobby Lobby locations are closed on Memorial Day every year allows crafters, artists, and DIYers to plan appropriately. Purchasing items for special projects in advance so you don’t get caught without essential supplies over the long weekend is always a smart approach.
Hobby Lobby also posts notifications about holiday hours on social media and on its website as reminders. Following Hobby Lobby’s Facebook page or checking opening times on Google can provide shoppers with up-to-date information on store closures as well.
