Independence Day is a time to celebrate with fireworks, hot dogs, and apple pie. But if you need to buy something at the last minute, where can you go?
Many places may have limited hours or be closed altogether on the Fourth of July. Other retailers, though, will be open so shoppers can stock up.
Find out what is open (and closed) during the holiday. That way, you will know where to go to save money on essentials and make a last-minute shopping trip.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with a debit card
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover® Cashback Debit account (member FDIC), you can earn 1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1 <p>Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations and terms. Deposit Account Agreement can be found at <a href="https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf">https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf</a>.</p>
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Learn more about the Discover Cashback Checking account
Walmart
/images/2024/05/13/walmart-store-exterior-and-trademark-logo.jpeg)
Walmart is a great place to save, which means one of the popular Walmart hacks is to head to the retailer to buy last-minute items at a bargain price.
Fortunately, Walmart will be open during regular operating hours for the Fourth of July if you need to pick up extras for a picnic or barbecue. The retailer is typically only closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
As with all the stores on this list, double-check the hours of your local store to make sure it is open before you go.
Target
/images/2024/03/29/target-retail-bullseye-logo.jpg)
Grab treats, plates, and more for your Fourth of July event by swinging by Target for last-minute items: Stores will be open as usual, following regular operating hours, which vary by location.
Rite Aid
/images/2024/03/21/rite-aid-store-in-buffalo-ny.jpeg)
Rite Aid will likely be open during regular hours in your neighborhood for the Fourth of July, as that has been the case in past years.
However, check in to see if there are any changes to its hours for the holiday, especially for the pharmacy.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Trader Joe's
/images/2023/08/09/trader-joes-in-tower-shops.jpeg)
Trader Joe's will be open on the Fourth of July, so you can grab extra treats or pick up some fun items for the holiday.
It's important to note that stores will close at 5 p.m. on Independence Day, however, so make sure you get your shopping done early.
CVS
/images/2024/06/08/cvs-pharmacy-signboard-adobe.jpg)
CVS stores traditionally have been open on Independence Day, but you will want to double-check with your local store before you go.
Pharmacy hours may be affected, so it's also a good idea to ask about whether the pharmacy itself will be open on that day.
Trending Stories
Walgreens
/images/2024/06/18/walgreens-storefront-sign.jpg)
Walgreens is another pharmacy that is typically open on the Fourth of July during its normal operating hours.
As with CVS, it's best to call ahead if you need to use the pharmacy to make sure it will be open.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
/images/2025/05/14/stylish_woman_with_shopping_bags.jpg)
July is here, and with Independence Day on the horizon, it’s the peak of summer. That also means peak season for red-hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
As fireworks fill the skies, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That means July is your chance to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Sam's Club
/images/2024/05/16/sams-club-exterior-and-logo.jpeg)
You can stock up at Sam's Club during the holiday: Unlike Costco, it will be open on Independence Day.
Doors will open at 10 a.m. as usual (8 a.m. for Plus members). However, Sam's Club will close two hours earlier than normal on the Fourth of July, at 6 p.m. So, plan your shopping accordingly.
Aldi
/images/2023/06/05/frontage_and_brand_logo_of_a_branch_of_aldi.jpg)
Aldi stores will be open, but will operate on limited hours compared to typical shopping days.
Check with your local Aldi to see when it will be open on that day, as hours will vary from location to location.
Alert: Americans lost billions to identity theft and fraud
According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023. Before your next online purchase, safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura.
Starting at just $9 per month, access Aura's Dark Web monitoring that scours data breaches for your sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.
Save up to 68% when you sign up today.
Buc-ee's
/images/2023/08/15/buc-ees-store.jpeg)
Buc-ee's is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to its website. So, your local Buc-ee's should be ready for you to pick up some treats.
Stop by a Buc-ee's to see if it has Fourth of July-themed gear in stock.
Dollar Tree
/images/2023/03/08/dollar-tree-logo-outside-store.jpeg)
Save some money by picking up last-minute seasonal items at Dollar Tree, which traditionally has been open for the Fourth of July holiday during normal operating hours.
Dollar General
/images/2024/06/18/dollar-general-store-in-wilmington-adobe.jpg)
Like Dollar Tree, Dollar General is expected to be open during the holiday. So, you can grab some items to celebrate the day, or just stop in on your day off for some typical shopping.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
/images/2025/04/02/person_using_credit_card_on_groceries.png)
Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.
Costco
/images/2023/08/25/costco_wholesale_store.jpg)
If you are feeding a big crowd, you can save money at Costco by buying in bulk. But if this is your plan for the Fourth of July, be sure to stop by Costco before the holiday starts.
The warehouse retailer closes for seven national holidays, including Independence Day. So, forget any plans for a Costco run on that day.
Bottom line
/images/2024/06/18/fresh-produce-section-supermarket-adobe.jpg)
The good news is that you can shop at a variety of places on Independence Day, as many will be operating normally. Check with your local store to make sure its hours haven't changed.
Then, grab one of the best cash back credit cards and head to the store for what you need to celebrate in style.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.