Retailers Celebrate as Consumers Gear Up for Independence Day
As Americans gear up for Fourth of July celebrations with fireworks, barbecues, travel, and shopping, most major retailers and restaurants across the country are staying open to meet the demand. According to a recent survey by Numerator, 95% of consumers plan to make a purchase for the holiday, with 83% focusing on food-related items. To cater to this high consumer activity, national retail chains are largely operating on Independence Day, although individual store hours may vary by location.
Among the major retailers remaining open on July 4th are Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Bath & Body Works. Other stores keeping their doors open include Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Apple, Ikea, and Nordstrom. However, shoppers should note that not every store is participating; for instance, Costco and Natural Grocers have chosen to remain closed for the holiday.
Grocery stores are also mostly open, ensuring families can stock up for barbecues and gatherings. Chains like Kroger, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Aldi, and Meijer are operational, though hours might be shortened. Sam’s Club, while open for shopping, may also operate on limited schedules.
Closures in Banking and Shipping Services
While retail activity remains robust, essential services such as banking and mail delivery will observe the holiday with full closures. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed in observance of Independence Day, aligning with the Federal Reserve’s holiday calendar. Most major banks across the country will also not be operating on July 4.
In addition to financial services, shipping and mail deliveries will be affected. The U.S. Postal Service, including all local post offices, will not operate. Furthermore, most services from UPS and FedEx will be unavailable for the day. Consumers expecting mail or packages are advised to plan accordingly, as normal services will resume the following business day.
Restaurants and Fast Food Chains Welcome Holiday Diners
Restaurants across the U.S. are ready to serve celebrants, with most national chains staying open on the Fourth of July. Many dining establishments, such as Applebee’s, Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse, and IHOP, will be open, though some may operate on reduced holiday hours. Reservations are recommended where available, with platforms like OpenTable offering pre-booking options.
Fast food lovers can also rejoice, as many popular chains—including McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Five Guys—are keeping their kitchens running. Coffee chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ will have select locations open, though hours may be limited.
Whether consumers plan to dine out, grab takeout, or stock up for a home-cooked meal, there is no shortage of options this Independence Day. With strong consumer intent and a wide range of open businesses, the Fourth of July is shaping up to be both festive and commercially active.
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Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/04/july-4th-open-stores-restaurants
