Monday 18 January 2021 is the date designated as a federal holiday this year, when the country pays its respect to Rev. Martin Luther King, the man who played such a pivotal role in the civil rights and social justice movements. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the celebration that was introduced to remember King’s lifetime of public work.

As well as being a federal holiday, Martin Luther King Day is also known as a day of service when Americans are encouraged to volunteer with charitable organisations to help their communities. In King’s honour the third Monday in January is considered “a day on, not a day off” and millions carry out philanthropic acts in King’s memory.

Ahead of the holiday, and with thoughts also caught up with the current coronavirus pandemic, people are keen to know which stores will be open. Here's a quick guide with some useful links, which also give details of restrictions due to covid-19 protocols.

Supermarket opening times: MLK Day 2021

Unlike Christmas Day, where many stores are closed throughout, and Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day when there are changes to opening hours, most major outlets remain open on Martin Luther King Day.

You can check out the details of your local branches by following the links below, including potential online order and delivery options:

Walmart: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday. There will be delivery and pick-up options available.

Costco: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

Target: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

Walgreens: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

Albertsons: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

Giant Food: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

Safeway: stores will follow their typical operating schedule on that holiday.

What else is open or closed on MLK Day 2021?

Due to it being a federal holiday, most federal and state employees have the day off. This means that the US Postal Service, just like most federal and state services and offices, will be closed.

Staying open:

Most retail, grocery and drug stores; most restaurants are open; National Parks (which should be free entry on MLK Day)

Closing up:

The court system; US Postal Service; most banks; stock market; most schools; state departments.