What every chain does on Labor Day
| Chain | Store | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
| Walgreens | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
| Rite Aid | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
| Walmart Pharmacy | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
| Costco Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Kroger Pharmacy | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
| Publix Pharmacy | Regular weekday hours | Regular weekday pharmacy hours |
Why Labor Day pharmacy hours change
Labor Day is treated similarly to Memorial Day — most chains keep regular Monday hours, Costco closes warehouses and pharmacies. Chain pharmacies build their holiday calendar around two factors: federal holiday observance for staffing premiums, and corporate policy on which holidays the entire workforce gets the day off. Costco, Publix, and Walmart all close on the largest closure holidays out of corporate policy. CVS and Walgreens keep their 24-hour pharmacies open year-round, which is why those two chains dominate the "open on Christmas" search results in major metros.
Holiday hours rarely match the front-store hours one-to-one. Even when the store is open, the pharmacy counter requires a licensed pharmacist on duty, and that staffing is the most expensive line item to fill on a holiday. Expect the pharmacy counter to open later and close earlier than the front store on every holiday this site covers.
Labor Day prescription pickup tips
- Refill 48 hours ahead. Holiday week always runs slow.
- Check the chain app for your specific store's holiday status — chain-wide policies don't always apply to franchised or licensed locations.
- Identify your nearest 24-hour pharmacy in advance: Walgreens 24-hour, CVS 24-hour.
- If your prescription is at a closed chain, any open pharmacy can transfer it in minutes.