Are stores and banks open on Veterans Day? See what’s operating on Nov. 11.
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, stands as a profound federal holiday dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This day of national remembrance and gratitude prompts many Americans to consider the operational status of essential services, retail establishments, and financial institutions. As communities across the nation pause to reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, the question of whether businesses operate on a normal schedule becomes pertinent for planning the day.
The genesis of Veterans Day traces back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was signed between the Allied nations and Germany, effectively bringing an end to the "Great War." The fighting officially ceased at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a moment forever etched in history. The following year, on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, a day intended to be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory." For several decades, Armistice Day was celebrated to commemorate the veterans of World War I. However, after the nation’s involvement in World War II and the Korean War, it became evident that the holiday needed to expand its scope to honor all veterans, irrespective of the conflict in which they served. Consequently, in 1954, Congress passed legislation, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law, officially changing the name from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day." This pivotal change ensured that the day would serve as a tribute to all American veterans, living and deceased, for their service and sacrifice in all U.S. wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in service, Veterans Day extends its recognition to all who have worn the uniform, celebrating their contributions during both wartime and peacetime.
Given its status as a federal holiday, Veterans Day often leads to modifications in the operating hours of various institutions. Understanding these changes is crucial for individuals planning their day, whether it involves banking, shopping, or shipping packages.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
For most Americans, the expectation should be that bank branches will be closed on November 11th. This is a direct consequence of Veterans Day being designated a Federal Reserve holiday. The Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the United States, observes all federal holidays, which in turn impacts the operational schedules of most commercial banks. While physical branches will typically be closed for in-person transactions, customers can still access their accounts through automated services. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) remain accessible for cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries. Furthermore, online banking portals and mobile banking applications will generally function as usual, allowing users to manage their finances, transfer funds, and pay bills electronically. However, it’s important to note that certain transactions, such as check clearing or wire transfers, may not be processed until the next business day due due to the Federal Reserve’s holiday schedule. Therefore, for any banking needs requiring human intervention or same-day processing, it is advisable to complete them before the holiday or wait until the following day.
Is the stock market open on Veterans Day?
In contrast to most banks, U.S. financial markets, specifically the stock exchanges, typically remain open on Veterans Day. Both the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) do not observe Veterans Day as a trading holiday. This means that regular trading hours for stocks will proceed as normal on November 11th. The decision to keep the stock market open on certain federal holidays, while closing for others (like Christmas or Thanksgiving), often stems from historical precedents, economic considerations, and the specific rules set by the exchanges themselves, in consultation with regulatory bodies. The continuous operation ensures market liquidity and allows investors to react to global economic developments without interruption. The stock market’s next scheduled closure typically falls on Thanksgiving Day, which this year occurs on November 27th.
However, the bond market operates under a different set of rules. Bond trading will indeed be halted for Veterans Day, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), a leading industry trade group representing securities firms, banks, and asset managers. The bond market often aligns more closely with the federal holiday schedule, reflecting the nature of its participants and the specific regulations governing fixed-income trading. This distinction means that while you can buy and sell stocks, the market for bonds will be observing the holiday.
Is Costco open on Veterans Day?
For shoppers looking to stock up on essentials or take advantage of early holiday sales, warehouse clubs like Costco generally operate on Veterans Day. Costco does not include Veterans Day among its list of observed holiday closures, which typically only include major holidays like New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Therefore, customers can expect Costco stores to be open during their regular business hours on November 11th, providing an opportunity for members to shop as usual.
Are FedEx, UPS, and USPS open on Veterans Day?
Shipping and postal services present a mixed picture on Veterans Day, largely depending on whether they are government-operated or private entities.
If you need to ship a package or receive mail, understanding these distinctions is key:
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U.S. Postal Service (USPS): As a federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service observes Veterans Day as a national holiday. Consequently, all USPS locations, including post offices, will be closed on November 11th. Regular mail delivery will be suspended, and retail services will not be available. The only exception to this closure is for Priority Mail Express, which will still be delivered that day due to its premium service level and time-sensitive nature. All other mail classes, including standard letters, packages, and periodicals, will not be delivered or processed until the next business day. This closure can impact businesses and individuals relying on mail services, so it’s advisable to plan any urgent postal needs accordingly.
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UPS (United Parcel Service) and FedEx (Federal Express): In contrast to the USPS, private carriers like UPS and FedEx generally maintain normal operations on Veterans Day. Both UPS and FedEx retail stores and shipping services, including ground and air delivery, will typically operate as normal on November 11th. As private companies, they are not bound by federal holiday observances in the same way government agencies are. This allows them to provide continuous service, which can be particularly beneficial for businesses and consumers who need to ship or receive packages without interruption. However, customers should always verify specific service details and potential minor adjustments through the respective companies’ websites, as some specialized services or regional hubs might have slight modifications.
Are other retailers open?
The vast majority of other retailers, including grocery stores, department stores, pharmacies, and fast-food chains, typically remain open on Veterans Day. For many businesses, Veterans Day is not a major closure holiday and can even represent an opportunity for increased sales, especially with special promotions and discounts aimed at veterans and their families.
- Grocery Stores: Most major grocery store chains will operate with their regular hours, ensuring that consumers can purchase their daily necessities.
- Department Stores and Big-Box Retailers: Stores like Target, Walmart, and various department stores will generally be open, often offering sales events leading up to or on Veterans Day itself.
- Pharmacies: Drugstores and pharmacies, often deemed essential services, will typically be open, though some might operate on a slightly modified Sunday or holiday schedule.
- Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains: A wide array of dining establishments, from casual eateries to fast-food outlets, will be open for business. Many even participate in special Veterans Day promotions, offering free meals or discounts to service members.
While the general trend is for most businesses to remain open, it is always a good idea for consumers to check the specific schedules and hours of their local retailers, restaurants, and other establishments ahead of time. Individual store policies, franchise agreements, and regional variations can sometimes lead to unexpected closures or modified hours.
Veterans Day Discounts
One of the cherished traditions of Veterans Day is the widespread offering of discounts and deals to former military service members and their families as a token of appreciation for their service. Numerous businesses across various sectors participate in these initiatives, ranging from free meals at popular restaurant chains to significant percentage off discounts at retail stores, and even special offers on services or travel.
Organizations like The American Legion, a prominent veterans organization with over 1.6 million members, play a crucial role in compiling and disseminating comprehensive lists of these Veterans Day deals and discounts. These lists typically cover a wide range of categories, including:
- Restaurants: Many eateries offer free meals, appetizers, or special discounts to veterans and active-duty military personnel, often requiring proof of service.
- Retail Stores: Clothing stores, home goods retailers, and electronics outlets frequently provide percentage-off discounts on purchases.
- Services: Businesses offering haircuts, oil changes, or other personal services may also extend special offers.
- Travel and Entertainment: Some attractions, hotels, and transportation services might have discounts available.
To take advantage of these offers, veterans and active-duty military members are usually required to present valid identification, such as a military ID, VA card, or discharge papers. These discounts serve as a tangible way for the private sector to join the nation in expressing profound gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to defending freedom.
In conclusion, while Veterans Day is a significant federal holiday, its observance presents a mixed operational landscape across different sectors. Banks and government-operated postal services will largely be closed, reflecting the federal nature of the holiday. However, the stock market and most private businesses, including a broad array of retailers, grocery stores, and private shipping carriers, will maintain regular or near-regular hours. As the nation pauses to honor its veterans, these operational insights aim to assist citizens in navigating their plans for November 11th, ensuring both convenience and the opportunity to reflect on the profound significance of the day.
Authored by Mary Cunningham for CBS MoneyWatch and edited by Alain Sherter, this report offers a comprehensive look at the operational status for November 11, 2025.
