Labor Day 2025: Closures and Openings for Major Retailers and Services

Walmart, founded in 1962 by Sam Walton, has grown from a single discount store in Arkansas to become the world’s largest retailer, with a commanding presence in both physical and digital retail landscapes[3]. As of fiscal year 2025, Walmart operates over 10,750 stores and serves approximately 270 million customers each week across 19 countries, employing about 2.1 million associates worldwide[1][2][4]. The company reported $681 billion in revenue for 2025, reflecting a 5.1% increase from the previous year and an 8.6% rise in operating income, underscoring its robust financial health and ongoing expansion[1][4][6]. ## What Walmart Does Walmart is a leader in hypermarkets and discount retail, offering a vast range of products—from groceries and apparel to electronics and home goods—through its extensive network of physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps[2][3]. Its business is organized into three main segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Club, a members-only warehouse club[3][5]. The company’s mission—“to help people save money and live better”—drives its focus on everyday low prices, convenience, and customer-centric innovation[2][5]. ## History and Key Achievements Walmart’s journey from a single store to a global powerhouse is marked by relentless expansion, operational efficiency, and technological adoption[3]. Key milestones include the launch of Walmart Supercenters in the 1980s, international expansion beginning in the 1990s, and the rapid growth of its e-commerce business in the 2010s and beyond[3]. Today, online sales account for 18% of Walmart’s revenue, fueled by four consecutive quarters of 20% growth[1]. The company’s retail media network, Walmart Connect, has also surged, with ad revenue up 50% in a recent quarter

Target Corporation is a leading American retail giant, renowned for its trendy, affordable merchandise and extensive big-box stores. Founded in 1962 by John Geisse and Douglas Dayton, Target evolved from the Dayton Dry Goods Company, which began in 1902. The company's early success was marked by its innovative approach to discount retailing, and it officially became Target Corporation in 2000. ### History and Evolution Target's journey began with its first store in Roseville, Minnesota. Over the years, it expanded across the U.S., adapting its business model to meet diverse consumer needs. Notable store formats include SuperTarget and CityTarget. Despite setbacks like a failed Canadian expansion and data breaches, Target has consistently innovated, enhancing its product offerings, especially in groceries. ### Key Achievements - **Business Model**: Target is known for offering high-quality, on-trend merchandise at discounted prices, both in-store and online. Its effective supply chain management allows it to keep prices low while maintaining profitability[1][3]. - **Community Engagement**: Target is recognized for its philanthropy, donating 5% of its profits to communities. It also supports various social causes, including LGBTQ rights[4][7]. - **Innovation**: Target has built a $30 billion owned-brands business by leveraging design practices to develop products[9]. ### Current Status As of 2025, Target operates over 2,000 stores across the U.S. and is the seventh-largest retailer in the country. It is a component of the S&P 500 Index and ranks No. 32 on the Fortune 500 list[3][4]. Target's digital presence is robust, with a strong online platform and fulfillment services that enhance customer convenience[2]. ### Notable Aspects - **Organizational Structure**: Target operates under a functional structure, emphasizing core functions like merchandising, marketing, and supply chain management. This structure supports operational efficiency and brand consistency[5]. - **

## Trader Joe's: A Quirky and Innovative Grocery Chain Trader Joe's is a beloved American grocery store chain known for its unique products, affordable prices, and fun shopping experience. The company's origins date back to 1958 when Joe Coulombe managed the Pronto Markets chain in California. However, it was in 1967 that Coulombe opened the first Trader Joe's store in Pasadena, California, transforming his convenience stores into a distinct grocery model inspired by tiki culture and international flavors[1][2]. ### History and Evolution Trader Joe's evolved from a convenience store chain to a specialty grocery store, focusing on private-label products. By 1972, the company introduced its first private-label product, granola, which marked the beginning of a strategic shift towards reducing costs and passing savings to consumers[3]. This approach allowed Trader Joe's to offer a curated selection of products with low overhead, creating a sense of discovery among shoppers. In 1979, the Albrecht family, owners of Aldi, acquired Trader Joe's, but Coulombe remained as CEO until his retirement in 1988[1][4]. Under new leadership, the company expanded across the U.S., reaching the East Coast by the mid-1990s[1]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status Today, Trader Joe's operates over 500 stores across 43 states, with a strong focus on value and unique offerings[4]. The company is renowned for its "Two Buck Chuck" wine and other innovative products. Trader Joe's maintains a loyal customer base by offering a fun and rewarding shopping experience without sales or coupons[5]. ### Notable Aspects - **Private Label Dominance**: Over 80% of Trader Joe's products are private label, allowing the company to control costs and quality[3]. - **Innovative Products**: Trader Joe's is known for introducing quirky and often seasonal products that create a sense of urgency among shoppers

Sam's Club is a membership-only warehouse club owned by Walmart, offering a wide range of merchandise primarily sold in bulk at discounted prices. It operates over 600 clubs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, serving approximately 47 million members. The merchandise includes groceries, electronics, apparel, jewelry, and household goods, with many products sold directly off pallets in warehouse-style stores. Sam's Club also features services such as pharmacies, tire and battery centers, optical departments, and cafes[4][6]. Founded in 1983 by Sam Walton, Sam's Club was created to complement Walmart's retail business by targeting customers interested in buying bulk goods at wholesale prices. Unlike Walmart stores, Sam's Club operates on a paid, tiered membership model, which allows it to maintain lower product margins and focus on value and quality. Over the years, the company consolidated its private-label brands under the Member’s Mark brand, which has driven about 50% of merchandise sales growth in recent years[2][4][1]. In recent years, Sam's Club has undergone significant digital transformation, integrating AI-driven technologies like Scan & Go and AI-powered receipt verification to streamline shopping and reduce friction. The company has also enhanced its e-commerce offerings, including free shipping and curbside pickup for members, leading to record digital engagement and high membership renewal rates[1][4][5]. Sam's Club is currently pursuing an ambitious growth strategy that includes opening 15 new stores annually, remodeling all existing locations, and doubling its membership, sales, and profits within the next decade. It is also merging its supply chain operations with Walmart’s to leverage resources and improve efficiency, although this has raised concerns about preserving Sam's Club's unique corporate culture[5][7]. With a focus on innovation, member experience, and operational efficiency, Sam's Club aims to become the world's best club retailer, continuously evolving to meet the needs of younger and digitally savvy customers while maintaining the core value proposition of quality and low price