Memorial Day

Content Guide

• What Is Memorial Day
• When Is Memorial Day
• Best Memorial Day Sales
• What Stores Are Open
• FAQ

What Is Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

It began as Decoration Day, established after the Civil War to remember fallen soldiers, and became the holiday we know today after World War I expanded its meaning to all American service members lost in war.

For most shoppers, Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer, a moment retailers lean into with some of the year's most substantial sales.

When Is Memorial Day 2027

Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May, and in 2027 that date is Monday, May 31.

That makes Memorial Day weekend 2027 a three-day weekend, running from Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31.

Most retailers begin rolling out their Memorial Day sale several days to a week before the holiday itself, with many extending offers into the following week.

What Day Is Memorial Day This Year?

Because Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May, the exact date shifts every year. Here's a quick look at the date through the years.

Year	Memorial Day Date
2026	May 25
2027	May 31
2028	May 29
2029	May 28
2030	May 27

 

What Are The Best Memorial Day Sales

From home essentials to electronics and beyond, here's a closer look at what's typically on sale, category by category.

Memorial Day mattress sale

Saatva typically offers hundreds of dollars off mattresses and adjustable bases, with similar markdowns from Tempur Pedic and Purple.

Shoppers can also expect a solid Mattress Firm Memorial Day sale, often bundling in perks like upgrading to a larger size at no extra cost.

Memorial Day furniture sales

Wayfair and Ashley Furniture are consistently among the biggest names for indoor and outdoor furniture markdowns over the long weekend.

Big-box retailers join in too, with a solid Walmart Memorial Day sale discounting furniture, patio sets and home essentials across departments.

Memorial Day TV sales and appliance deals

Home Depot is among the top retailers for major appliance and TV discounts, often running some of the season's biggest markdowns on refrigerators, washers, dryers and televisions.

Shoppers can also expect a strong offer on appliances and outdoor equipment at Lowe’s, alongside a comparable Best Buy Memorial Day sale on electronics and TVs.

Memorial Day discounts on tools and outdoor equipment

Ace Hardware typically discounts power tools and yard equipment for the holiday, while Tractor Supply extends savings to lawn care and outdoor gear ahead of the summer season.

Memorial Day clothing sales

Old Navy and GAP usually discount apparel for the season, while a reliable Nike Memorial Day sale covers sneakers and activewear.

Department stores join in too, with a notable Macy's Memorial Day sale spanning clothing, accessories and home goods across categories.

Shoppers can also expect a solid Sephora Memorial Day sale on skincare and beauty essentials, with Ulta typically offering comparable markdowns of its own.

Memorial Day deals on tech

Dell and Samsung tend to offer notable discounts on laptops, tablets and electronics during Memorial Day weekend sales, making it a solid window for tech upgrades before summer travel season.

Memorial Day car sales

Dealerships across most major automakers typically run dedicated promotions, with Memorial Day car deals available on new vehicles as the long weekend approaches.

What Stores Are Open on Memorial Day?

Since Memorial Day is a federal holiday, most major retailers stay open, though hours can shift. Here's what shoppers typically see:

• The Costco Memorial Day sale typically runs during regular store hours, making it a popular stop for shoppers over the long weekend.
• Walmart generally operates on normal hours during the holiday, while the Target Memorial Day sale runs alongside standard store hours as well.
• Home Depot and Lowe's typically remain open, often with extended hours to accommodate the seasonal rush.
• Sam's Club usually keeps standard hours as well.
• The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail on Memorial Day, as it's an official federal holiday, and banks are typically closed too.

Since hours can vary by location, it's worth checking with a specific store before heading out.

FAQ about Memorial Day sale

• Is Memorial Day a paid holiday?

Yes, Memorial Day is one of the federal holidays observed with paid time off for most government employees, and many private employers follow the same practice, though this varies by company.

• What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving in the military, while Veterans Day celebrates all who have served, living or deceased. The two are often confused but mark distinct occasions.

• When do Memorial Day sales start and end?

Retailers usually begin discounting anywhere from a few days to about a week before the holiday, with the best Memorial Day deals extending through the following week as stores clear remaining seasonal stock.

• Who has the best Memorial Day furniture sales?

Wayfair and Ashley Furniture are typically among the strongest picks for furniture, though the best Memorial Day savings often depend on what you're shopping for, since big-box retailers like Walmart tend to compete hard on patio sets and home essentials too.