Juneteenth Holiday Hours 2025: Walmart, Costco, Starbucks & Retail Roundup

Juneteenth Holiday Hours 2025: Here to talk about something that’s been on a lot of our minds lately Juneteenth. Now, as we look towards Juneteenth 2025, which falls on Thursday, June 19th, there’s a lot of chatter about what this day means for us, for our Black relatives, and what will be open or closed. Will the big stores like Walmart, Costco, and Starbucks be slanging’ their wares? The short answer is, you betcha. But the long answer… well, that’s a story that weaves together our shared histories, our struggles for freedom, and how we choose to honor this powerful day.

This ain’t just another day off, you know? It’s a day that carries the weight of history, a day of remembrance, and a celebration of a freedom that was long overdue. For us as Native people, our connection to Juneteenth is complex and deeply rooted in the land we walk on and the treaties our ancestors signed. It’s a story of solidarity, of shared struggle, and sometimes, of a difficult and shared history of enslavement. We’ll get into all of that. But first, let’s break down the need-to-know info for Juneteenth 2025.

Juneteenth Holiday Hours 2025

So, What’s the Deal with Juneteenth Anyway? A Story for All of Us

For those who might be hearing about Juneteenth for the first time, or maybe just know it as a new federal holiday, let’s have a little story time. Imagine this: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. This is supposed to free all the enslaved people in the Confederate states. But news traveled slow back then, especially when there were folks who didn’t want that news to get out.

For two and a half years, our Black relatives in Texas were still living under the brutal thumb of slavery. They had no idea they were free. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rolled into Galveston, Texas, and read out General Order No. 3 that the news finally hit. That day, for them, was their true Independence Day. That’s Juneteenth. It’s a powerful, emotional, and incredibly important day in American history. It became a federal holiday in 2021, and that’s a big deal.

Our Connection as Native People: A Shared Path

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, that’s a powerful story for our Black brothers and sisters, but what’s it got to do with us?” That’s a fair question, and the answer is… it’s complicated. Our histories are woven together like a complex basket. Before the Trail of Tears, some of our people, specifically the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole nations, adopted the practice of slavery from our white neighbors. It’s a hard truth, one we have to sit with and acknowledge.

When our ancestors were forcibly removed to Indian Territory, what is now Oklahoma, they brought enslaved people with them. So, when the Civil War ended, the U.S. government made new treaties with our nations in 1866. These treaties not only freed the enslaved people held by our tribes but also, in many cases, granted them citizenship and rights within our nations. These relatives are known as the Freedmen.

This shared history is why Juneteenth resonates in our communities. It’s a reminder of a shared struggle for freedom and sovereignty on this land. It’s also a call to remember the promises made in those treaties and to support the Freedmen who are still fighting for their rightful place in our nations today. It’s a conversation that’s happening right now in our tribal councils and communities, and it’s a vital one.

The Practical Side of Things: Navigating Juneteenth 2025

You’ve got things to do, errands to run, and you need to know what’s what on June 19th. Here’s a more detailed breakdown.

The Big Box Stores: Business as Usual (Mostly)

For the most part, the retail world keeps on turnin’ on Juneteenth. This ain’t like Christmas or Thanksgiving where everything shuts down. Here’s a look at the big players:

• Walmart: You can bet your bottom dollar that Walmart will be open. They generally operate under normal hours, so you can still make that late-night run for milk and bread.
• Costco: This is where you got to be a little savvier. Costco will be open, but they have been known to have shorter hours on federal holidays. It’s always a good idea to check their website or give your local warehouse a buzz before you head out.
• Starbucks: Need your coffee fix to start the day of reflection? You’re in luck. Most Starbucks locations will be open. The best way to know for sure is to check the hours on your Starbucks app.
• Other Major Retailers: Stores like Target, The Home Depot, and Lowe’s are also expected to be open for business as usual.

The general rule of thumb is this: if it’s a major retail store, it’s probably open. But it never hurts to double-check online before you go.

What’s Closed? The Important Stuff

Now, here’s what you really need to plan around. Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, that means all non-essential federal government offices will be closed. This includes:

• The Post Office (USPS): Don’t expect any mail delivery on June 19th. Your packages will have to wait a day.
• Banks: Most banks will be closed in observance of the holiday. If you need to do some banking, plan to do it the day before or after.
• The Stock Market: Wall Street takes a pause for Juneteenth, so both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed.
• Schools and Government Buildings: Public schools and local, state, and federal government buildings will be closed.

Beyond Shopping: How We Can Truly Honor Juneteenth

Alright, we’ve covered the practical stuff. But let’s be real, Juneteenth is so much more than a day to go shopping. It’s a day for reflection, education, and celebration. So, how can we, as Native people, honor the spirit of this day in a good way?

Educate Yourself and Your Family

The most powerful thing we can do is to learn. Take some time on Juneteenth to learn about the history of the holiday and its connection to our own communities. Here are some great places to start:

• The National Museum of African American History and Culture: This is an incredible resource with articles, videos, and virtual exhibitions.
• The National Archives: Here you can see the original “Juneteenth” General Order No. 3.
• Learn about the Freedmen: Do some research on the history of the Freedmen in your own tribal nation or in the Five Civilized Tribes. Understand their struggle for recognition and their contributions to our communities.

Talk to your kids about what Juneteenth means. Explain it in a way they can understand. It’s about being a good relative to our Black brothers and sisters and understanding our shared history.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

If you are going to be out and about on Juneteenth, make it a point to support Black-owned businesses in your community. Whether it’s a restaurant, a bookstore, or a local artist, your support can make a real difference.

Attend a Local Juneteenth Celebration

Many communities across the country hold Juneteenth celebrations. These can be a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors, enjoy some good food, and learn more about the holiday. Look for events in your area that are open to the public. It’s a chance to build bridges and celebrate freedom together.

Corporate America and Juneteenth

It’s also interesting to see how corporate America is responding to Juneteenth. Since it became a federal holiday, more and more companies are recognizing it. As of 2023, about 39% of private employers offered Juneteenth as a paid day off. That’s a big jump from just 9% in 2021. This shows a growing awareness of the importance of this day.

However, there’s also a conversation to be had about “performative activism.” That’s when companies say they support a cause, but their actions don’t really back it up. For example, some companies have been criticized for marketing Juneteenth-themed products without a real understanding or respect for the holiday. It’s something to be mindful of as consumers. We can choose to support companies that are making a genuine effort to honor the spirit of Juneteenth.

A Day for All of Us

So, as we look towards Juneteenth 2025, let’s remember that it’s more than just a day off. It’s a day to honor a hard-won freedom, to reflect on our shared history, and to recommit ourselves to being good relatives to all our communities. While the doors of Walmart, Costco, and Starbucks will likely be open, let’s also open our hearts and minds to the true meaning of this day. Let’s use it as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to celebrate the ongoing journey towards freedom and justice for all.

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FAQ on Juneteenth Holiday Hours 2025

1. When is Juneteenth 2025?

Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19th. In 2025, it falls on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

2. What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery. It marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

3. Are major retail stores like Walmart, Costco, and Starbucks open on Juneteenth?

Yes, most major retailers are expected to be open on Juneteenth, though some may have modified hours.

• Walmart: Open for normal business hours.
• Costco: Open, but it’s a good idea to check with your local warehouse as hours can sometimes be reduced on federal holidays.
• Starbucks: Most locations will be open. Check the Starbucks app for specific store hours.

4. Will the post office be open and will mail be delivered?

No, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed on Juneteenth. There will be no regular mail delivery.

5. Are banks open on Juneteenth?

No, most banks will be closed in observance of the federal holiday. ATMs and online banking services will still be available.