What’s open on Labor Day? Most retailers. Closed? Government, banks and the stock market.

The Associated Press September 7, 2026 - 7:23 am WASHINGTON — The roots of Labor Day trace back to the late‑19th century, when activists first pushed for a day to honor workers. The inaugural U.S. Labor Day celebration occurred in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882, with roughly 10,000 participants marching in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor. Over the following years, a handful of cities and states adopted legislation recognizing the holiday, but it was not until 1894 that President Grover Cleveland signed the bill establishing the first Monday in September as a legal holiday. While many employees receive the day off, most consumer‑facing retailers remain open and often run promotional sales to attract shoppers. **What’s open and closed this Labor Day:** *Government buildings* – Federal, state and local offices, post offices, courthouses and schools are closed. *Banks and the stock market* – U.S. equity markets and banks do not operate on Monday. *Delivery services* – Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery are unavailable on Labor Day, although select critical services may be offered at certain locations. *Retailers* – Warehouse club Costco will be closed, but the vast majority of large national chains and grocery stores will stay open, many featuring special discounts. Hours can vary by location, so shoppers should verify with their local store. *Travel* – Despite schools being back in session and rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in Iran, millions of Americans are expected to hit the highways and airways for the final major summer travel weekend. AAA reports that airfares to leading domestic destinations are about 20% higher than a year ago and hotel rates have also increased. The organization notes that the average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline is just under $4.10, up 90 cents from the same period last year. For those opting to cruise, AAA says departures from U.S. ports are roughly 4% cheaper than last year. Although AAA does not issue a full travel forecast for Labor Day as it does for Memorial Day and Independence Day, it does provide practical tips for travelers. AAA advises motorists to monitor weather conditions and check tire pressure, battery charge and fluid levels before embarking on a road trip. It also recommends packing an emergency kit containing water, snacks, a flashlight and jumper cables.