Columbus Day 2015: Are Banks Open? Full List Of What’s Open, What’s Closed, And Where To Find Best Sales


Columbus Day 2015 is here, and folks wanting to know what’s open and what’s closed — or just want to find the best sales — can find it all here.

Columbus Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October in celebration of Christopher Columbus, the first European explorer to discover the New World of the Americas.

Those trying to find out what’s open on Columbus Day 2015 might find that the list never ends. Though most federal offices a large number of banks are closed, the holiday is an important one for retailers who often try to squeeze in some extra revenue before the Christmas shopping season starts (and a full list of Columbus Day 2015 sales is available below).

Because Columbus Day is not so clear-cut as Christmas, when many stores and offices close, there is often a lot of confusion about what’s open and what’s closed. This is especially true of banks, stores, and government offices, which can often vary on a state by state basis.

Here are some of those answers.

What’s closed on Columbus Day 2015?

Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, all federal government offices, including postal service, will be closed. On the state government level, it can vary greatly, with some local offices and courts open while others closed. It’s best to call ahead if you need to pay a visit on Columbus Day.

Most major banks are also closed on Columbus Day 2015 (with some major exceptions below). In some states, liquor stores will also be closed (that’s the case in Massachusetts, along with a handful of others).

Is your work closed on Columbus Day? According to the Society for Human Resource Management, most likely not. The organization found that only six holidays are widely accepted across industries as off — New Year’s day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So unless you’re working in a bank or a government office, you’ll likely be reading this from work on Monday

What’s open on Columbus Day 2015?

There will be plenty open on Columbus Day 2015. Nearly all retail stores will be open, including Walmart and Target. Grocery stores will also be open, including Trader Joes and Whole Foods. Movie theaters are open as well.

While many banks are closed on Columbus Day, there are actually a significant number staying open. Those with hours on the Columbus Day weekend include Chase, Wells Fargo, and Key Bank. Others that will be open include American Chartered Bank, American Interstate Bank, Southside Bank, TD Bank, and U.S. Bank (a more full list can be found via Huffington Post).

If you’re unsure about whether your local bank is open on Columbus Day, just pay a visit to their website. Most will post a notice about holiday hours, or at the least provide a phone number you can check in with them.

Best Columbus Day 2015 sales

Those who are able to get away from work for a bit on Columbus Day 2015 will find plenty of great sales.

Many department stores offer 20 to 50 percent off to entice shoppers out into the cooler fall weather, including JCPenney, which is offering a coupon for $10 a purchase of $25 or more. Shoppers at Kohl’s can get 20 percent off their purchase with the promo code COLUMBUS20.

Macy’s also has a great Columbus Day 2015 sale, with 10 to 20 percent off sale and clearance items with the code FALL, and Sears is offering up to 50 percent off.

You can even find some unique offers, like the Erie County SPCA in Western New York, which is offering a pet adoption special.

A full list of the best sales on Columbus Day 2015 is available at the International Business Times.

For any other questions about what’s open and what’s closed on Columbus Day 2015, it might be best to check out with the individual organization.

[Picture by Scott Olson/Getty Images]

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