Which U.S. Stores Will Be Open on New Year’s Day 2026: Updated Guide to Post-Holiday Shopping
New Year’s Day in the U.S. remains a key holiday: banks, government offices, and many businesses shut down or reduce hours. For shoppers — especially those needing groceries, last-minute returns, home-improvement supplies, or travel essentials — knowing which stores are open can save time and frustration.
Retailers have adjusted their holiday operations over the years. Some big-box stores and supermarkets open for normal or slightly reduced hours, while warehouse clubs and discount chains may stay closed. Pharmacies, convenience stores, and some supermarkets often provide the most reliable openings.
This updated 2026 guide summarizes the latest patterns, based on recent reporting around New Year’s Eve/Day 2025–2026, reflecting how big retailers plan their holiday hours going forward.
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| The stores open New Year’s Day 2026 |
Major Retailers: Most Will Open on January 1, 2026
Large national chains typically open on New Year’s Day, although reduced hours are common.
Walmart
Walmart stores are expected to open with regular or near-regular hours, making them one of the most dependable destinations for groceries, home goods, electronics, and essentials.
Target
Target will operate on New Year’s Day, usually on a normal Sunday-style schedule, though some stores may open slightly later than usual.
Home Improvement Stores
Home Depot and Lowe’s traditionally open on January 1. Shoppers often head there for storage bins, organization tools, and home refresh supplies following the holidays.
Department Stores
Kohl’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, and similar retailers generally open and run post-holiday clearance sales, making New Year’s Day one of their busiest discount periods.
Sporting Goods & Specialty Retail
Many stores in this category — including sporting goods, craft stores, and office-supply chains — open with adjusted holiday hours.
Grocery Stores: Mostly Open, but Hours Can Vary
Most supermarkets open on New Year’s Day because demand is high for food and household supplies. However, operating hours may differ.
Kroger Family Stores
Chains under Kroger — such as Kroger, Ralphs, King Soopers, and Fry’s — generally open with reduced holiday hours.
Safeway & Albertsons
Most stores open, but hours vary by region. Some may run a shorter morning-to-afternoon schedule.
Publix
Publix typically opens across the Southeast, though many locations shorten hours.
H-E-B (Texas)
H-E-B usually opens on January 1 with modified hours so staff can observe the holiday.
Whole Foods Market
Most Whole Foods stores open but may adjust prepared-food counters, bakery hours, and specialty departments.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is one of the few major grocery chains that remains closed on New Year’s Day every year.
Aldi
Aldi stores typically stay closed on January 1.
Regional Grocers
Many local grocery stores open, but hours depend on owner discretion. Independent markets in smaller towns may adopt shorter schedules or close entirely.
Drugstores, Pharmacies & Convenience Stores: The Most Reliable Options
Pharmacies and convenience stores offer the most consistent holiday availability.
CVS, Walgreens & Rite Aid
Most locations of these chains open on New Year’s Day.
However:
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Pharmacy counters may open late or close early.
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Staffing is often reduced, so wait times may be longer.
These stores are often the best choice for:
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Over-the-counter medications
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Urgent prescriptions
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Personal-care items
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Basic groceries
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Household essentials
7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Sheetz, QuikTrip, RaceTrac
Most operate 24/7, including holidays. These chains are highly reliable for quick items, snacks, beverages, and fuel.
Gas-Station Stores
Nearly all gas stations and attached convenience stores remain open nationwide, making them helpful for travelers.
Stores Likely to Be Closed on New Year’s Day 2026
While fewer retailers close on January 1 compared to Christmas, several major chains traditionally remain shut or run highly limited schedules.
Common Closures on New Year’s Day:
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Costco
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Sam’s Club (often closed or operating very limited hours)
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Trader Joe’s
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Aldi
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Some small regional supermarkets
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Independently owned boutiques and specialty stores
Warehouse clubs generally stay closed because shopper traffic tends to be lower on January 1 compared to typical weekends.
| For New Year’s Day 2026, most major U.S. retailers will welcome customers — but with caveats on hours and services. Chains like Walmart and Target, along with many supermarkets and home-improvement stores, plan to remain open. Meanwhile, warehouse clubs and some discount chains may be closed. Pharmacies, convenience stores, and some supermarkets offer the most reliable options for essentials, while shopping early in the day increases your chances of avoiding crowds and limited stock. As always in holiday seasons, the safest move is to check local store hours before heading out, and treat convenience stores or pharmacies as your backup. With a bit of planning, New Year’s Day shopping in 2026 can be smooth, efficient, and stress-free. |
Shopping Tips for a Smooth New Year’s Day 2026
1. Check store hours the night before
Holiday schedules vary widely by region, especially for supermarkets and pharmacy counters.
2. Shop earlier in the day
Afternoons tend to be busiest once families finish gatherings and begin running errands.
3. Expect reduced staffing
Lines may be slower at checkout, customer service, and pharmacy windows.
4. Confirm pharmacy hours separately
Retail and pharmacy schedules often differ, even within the same store.
5. Use convenience stores as backups
If your preferred supermarket is closed, gas-station shops and 24/7 convenience stores typically remain open.
6. Prepare for limited delivery service
Many grocery-delivery and express-shipping services reduce coverage during holidays.
7. Save returns for January 2
New Year’s Day often creates long return lines at retailers like Walmart, Target, and department stores.
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