Observed each year on November 11, Veterans Day recognizes the millions of Americans who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The holiday was originally called Armistice Day and was first marked nationally in 1919 after former President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation. Congress made it an official federal holiday in 1926.
Veterans Day falls on a Wednesday this year. Here is a look at which stores, banks and government services will be open, along with special discounts and free offers available to veterans and active-duty military personnel.
What stores are open on Veterans Day?
Most large grocery chains plan to operate as usual, including Aldi, Food Lion, Publix, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Whole Foods.
Walgreens will also be open Wednesday. CVS stores are expected to welcome shoppers, though individual locations and pharmacies may follow shortened schedules, according to a company spokesperson.
Most other retailers will be open as well, but customers should confirm hours with their local store before heading out.
Is Costco open?
Costco will be open on Veterans Day, according to the warehouse retailer’s holiday schedule.
Is Target open?
Target locations will operate Wednesday on their regular schedules, a company spokesperson confirmed.
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Is Walmart open?
Walmart stores will remain open during their normal business hours on Veterans Day, according to a company spokesperson.
Are banks open or closed today?
Many major banks, including Bank of America, Chase and TD Bank, will be closed Wednesday because Veterans Day is a federal holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve.
ATMs and online banking services will remain available. However, some transactions may take longer to process because of the holiday, Bank of America notes on its website.
Is the post office open or closed on Veterans Day?
Post offices nationwide will be closed Wednesday, and regular mail delivery will pause for the federal holiday. USPS says mailing and retail services will resume Thursday, Nov. 12, according to the USPS.
Is the stock market open?
U.S. stock exchanges will be open on Veterans Day. The holiday is not included among the annual closures observed by the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. Markets will next shut down for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 26.
Veterans Day deals at retailers, grocery stores and restaurants
The following restaurants and retailers are offering free items or discounts Wednesday to veterans and active-duty service members. Customers should be ready to present valid military identification, as terms may vary by location.
- Applebee’s: A complimentary full-size entrée for active-duty military members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members
- Chili’s: A free meal for veterans and active-duty military members
- Chipotle: Free chips with guacamole, queso blanco or salsa when customers make a purchase of at least $5
- Dave and Buster’s: All-day “unlimited game play” and/or one complimentary dessert with the purchase of a qualifying entrée
- IHOP: A free breakfast featuring two buttermilk pancakes with fruit and whipped cream, eggs, hash browns, and a choice of bacon or pork sausage links
- Food Lion: A 10% grocery discount for active-duty military members and veterans
- Publix: A 10% discount for veterans, active-duty military members and their families
- Shake Shack: A free ShackBurger for active-duty military personnel and veterans
- Starbucks: A complimentary hot or iced coffee for veterans, military spouses and active-duty service members. Orders must be placed inside participating stores or at the drive-thru.
- Wendy’s: A free quarter-pound cheeseburger, known as a Dave’s Single, for veterans and active-duty military members
Additional Veterans Day promotions and discounts are listed on the American Legion’s website.
