Breaking: It is New Year’s Day, and I have confirmed which doors are open, and which are locked. If you need groceries for brunch, a new drill for that resolution project, or a quiet coffee to map your year, here is your live guide. I spoke with national chains and local managers early today. Hours vary by store, so plan with care and enjoy the holiday pace.
What is open right now
Big box stores are open, and that is your best bet for one-stop errands. Walmart and Target are operating near regular schedules. Department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and JCPenney are open with holiday hours, often a late morning start. Best Buy is welcoming shoppers for tech swaps and returns. Home Depot and Lowe’s are open for your paint, lumber, and storage runs, with slightly shorter days.
Grocery aisles are lit. Kroger family stores, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many regional names are open with adjusted hours. Publix is open and closing early. BJ’s Wholesale is open for a shorter window. Drugstores, including CVS and Walgreens, are open for snacks and essentials.
Restaurants and coffee chains are pouring and grilling. Starbucks, McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, IHOP, and many more are serving, with hours that depend on the neighborhood. If you want a warm cup before your hike, you are covered.
Banks, post offices, and government offices are closed today. Stock markets are closed. UPS and FedEx are limited to express services.
What is closed, do not waste a trip
Warehouse clubs took the day off. Costco and Sam’s Club are closed. Trader Joe’s is also closed. Some Aldi locations are closed, and others are on reduced hours, so check first.
Pharmacy counters are the trickiest part of the day. The storefront might be open, but the in-store pharmacy could be running a short shift or closed.
Expect closed doors at Costco, Sam’s Club, and Trader Joe’s. In-store pharmacy counters may have limited hours, even if the main store is open.
Quick hits for the last-minute run
Use this list to build a simple plan, then head out.
- Open near regular hours, Walmart, Target, plus many department stores.
- Open with adjusted hours, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods, Wegmans, Publix.
- Open for gear and fixes, Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, REI, Dollar stores, off-price home stores.
- Open for bites and sips, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, IHOP, Chick-fil-A, hours vary by site.
- Closed today, Banks, USPS, stock markets, Costco, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s.
Make it a hobby day
New Year’s Day is perfect for small wins. Clear a shelf, start a puzzle, or set up that bike trainer. Many craft and home stores are open on a holiday schedule. That means you can pick up yarn, a sketchbook, bins for the closet, or hooks for the garage. REI and pet stores are open in many areas, so you can gear up for a trail walk or grab chew toys for a fresh training plan.
Create a simple arc. Morning grocery run for brunch. Midday stop at a home store for storage, labels, and a power strip. Afternoon coffee for goal setting or journaling. Keep it light, keep it fun, and let the short hours guide your pace.
If you are hosting, think easy upgrades. A loaf of crusty bread, citrus for spritzers, and a small bouquet can refresh a table fast. If you are nesting, grab vacuum bags and foldable bins. Ten minutes with a label maker can change a closet.
Shop smart today
Holiday hours are real, and they shift by location. Many chains post accurate store-by-store hours on their websites. Calling the service desk still works best for pharmacy counters and returns.
Check store pages before you go. Turn on curbside pickup where it is offered. Save gift card returns for tomorrow if time is tight today.
Returns and exchanges are moving, and lines grow by lunchtime. Bag receipts, bring original payment, and keep boxes flat in your trunk. If a store is closed, set a pickup for tomorrow and enjoy the rest of the day.
Finally, think local. Independent cafes and bookshops often open for a few steady hours on January 1. It is a good moment to buy a 2026 planner, a paperback for your commute, or a blank notebook for a daily sketch habit.
Conclusion: The first day of the year is open for business, just not everywhere. Big box and most groceries are on, warehouse clubs are off, and essential services are paused. Aim for early errands, short lines, and small wins. Spend the rest of the day on hobbies that make you feel ready for a fresh start.
