A three-day weekend can be the perfect time to catch up on errands, restock the refrigerator, or finally make the shopping trip you’ve been putting off.
But federal holidays can also make planning a little more complicated.
Columbus Day falls on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Federal government offices will generally close for the holiday, leaving shoppers to wonder whether major retailers will also shut their doors.
And especially questioning store hours for one of the most reliable big-name retailers in the US: Walmart.
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Be it variety, price points, or quality, Walmart is one of the top retail destinations.
Don’t fret, shoppers, a grocery run or ordering from your nearest Walmart is still very much feasible on Columbus Day.
Is Walmart open on Columbus Day 2026?
Yes, Walmart stores are expected to be open on Columbus Day.
Walmart has not announced a companywide closure or shortened schedule for Columbus Day 2026.
Many Walmart Supercenters normally operate from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. seven days a week, although hours can vary by location.
Walmart’s store pages list the operating hours for individual locations, so shoppers should check the company’s official store finder before making a trip, particularly early in the morning or late at night.
Hours for services located inside Walmart stores can also differ.
Pharmacies, for example, generally have shorter schedules than the main store, and shoppers should check those hours separately.
Walmart does close stores for some major holidays
Columbus Day differs from some of the biggest holidays on Walmart’s calendar.
Walmart has historically closed its U.S. stores on Thanksgiving Day, a change the retailer first made nationwide in 2020 during the pandemic and has continued in subsequent years.
Another holiday is Christmas Day, when Walmart stores remain closed so its employees can spend time with their family and friends.
That makes Columbus Day a much more normal shopping day for the retailer.
Walmart also remains open on many other federal holidays, making it a common option for consumers who have the day off but still need groceries, clothing, or other household products.
Related: DoorDash wants customers to stop using its app to order food