Need last-minute burger buns or a new beach towel for your July 4th bash? Don’t panic! Most major U.S. retailers and grocery stores are open on Independence Day 2025 though some have shorter hours.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s open, what’s closed, and how to plan your holiday shopping run.
Why Shopping on July 4th Matters?
It’s July 4, 2025 and the USA celebrating 249 years of independence with BBQs, fireworks, and beach trips. But let’s be real—someone always forgets the hot dog buns or needs a new cooler.
I’ve been there, sprinting to the store hours before a cookout because I forgot charcoal. Most big-box stores, grocers, and pharmacies are open today but hours vary since it’s a federal holiday.
Banks, post offices, and some retailers like Costco are shut tight, so knowing where to go saves time.
Grocery Stores Open for Your Cookout Needs
If you’re firing up the grill, you’ve got options:
- Walmart: Open 6 am to 11 pm I have hit Walmart on July 4th before, and it’s a lifesaver for last-minute snacks or sparklers. Check your local store online for exact hours.
- Target: Running normal hours, usually 8 am to 10 pm, but some locations vary. Their holiday deals on coolers and picnic gear are worth a peek.
- Kroger: Most stores, including Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers, stick to regular hours—think 7 am to 11 pm—but double check your local branch.
- Publix: Open regular hours, typically 7 am to 10 pm Perfect for grabbing extra burgers or soda in the South.
- Whole Foods: Open but closing early at 6 pm I once snagged organic buns there when my BBQ turned fancy last minute. Use their store locator for specifics.
- Trader Joe’s: Open until 5 pm local time. Great for unique snacks, but don’t dawdle—they close early
- Aldi: Limited hours, often 9 am to 4 pm Check your local store online to avoid missing out.
Costco’s closed today, so don’t count on bulk buys. If you’re in a state with strict liquor laws, like Massachusetts, liquor stores might be closed too, so stock up early.
Retail Stores Open for Holiday Shopping
Need a new outfit or some patio gear? These spots got you covered:
- Home Depot: Open regular hours but closing at 8 pm Ideal for grilling tools or lawn chairs.
- Lowe’s: Also open, closing at 8 pm I have grabbed last-minute flags here for my yard on July 4th.
- Macy’s: Open regular hours, closing around 7 pm. Their holiday sales are great for snagging a festive shirt or decorations.
- Kohl’s: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours vary. Check Kohls.com for your store.
- TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods: All open, closing at 8 pm Perfect for budget-friendly BBQ decor or summer outfits.
- IKEA: Open 10 am to 6 pm Good for outdoor furniture if you’re upgrading your patio party.
- Best Buy: Open 10 am to 7 pm Grab a portable speaker for your cookout tunes.
Ace Hardware’s hours depend on the store since they’re independently owned, so call ahead.
Pharmacies and Convenience Stores
For sunscreen, meds, or quick snacks:
- CVS: Open regular hours, but some pharmacies may close early. I have popped in for bandages after a sparkler mishap—check CVS.com for hours.
- Walgreens: Retail open regular hours; most pharmacies closed except 24-hour locations.
- Rite Aid: Open regular hours, with 24-hour stores staying open all day.
Whats Closed Today
Don’t waste a trip—these are shut:
- Costco: All warehouses closed. Plan ahead for bulk items.
- USPS, UPS, FedEx: No mail or package delivery. Some FedEx Office locations may have limited hours, so call first.
- Banks: Major ones like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase are closed, but ATMs and online banking work.
- Stock Markets: NYSE and Nasdaq are closed, reopening July 5.
Tips to Shop Smart on July 4
Before you head out, check store hours online or call—holiday schedules vary by location. I learned this the hard way when I drove to a closed store last July 4th, ugh.
Use store apps for deals, like Target’s Circle offers or Walmart’s rollback specials. If you’re grabbing liquor, check state laws—some places like Indiana have strict rules, and you might be out of luck. For fireworks or alcohol, local mom-and-pop shops might be open but often close early, so don’t wait til dusk.
With most stores open, you’ve got plenty of options for last-minute July 4th needs. Whether it’s Kroger for burgers, Home Depot for grill gear, or Macy’s for a patriotic tee, just plan for early closings.
Got a favorite store for holiday shopping? Share your BBQ plans. Happy Independence Day, and keep checking for updates as hours can shift!