Key Takeaways:
– President Biden’s executive order makes Christmas Eve 2024 a day off for federal employees.
– Major grocery stores chains, pharmacies, and banks will operate on reduced hours.
– USPS, UPS, and FedEx will continue mail delivery services on Christmas Eve.
– Stock market will be partially open, with some markets closing at 1 p.m. ET.
The Festive Shutter Schedule 2024
As Christmas Eve 2024 approaches, American consumers are showing signs of uncertainty about the operational status of their go-to facilities. The traditional observation of December 24 as a regular business day has taken a twist, resulting from an executive order by President Joe Biden, turning it into a day off for federal employees. So, what does this mean for businesses and services across America?
Operational Status of Grocery Stores on the Eve of Christmas
The opening hours of privately-owned grocery stores will vary, subject to each store’s holiday schedule. However, large chains like Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw’s, and Vons have asserted their operational status, albeit with limited hours. Residents are advised to confirm their local store chains’ hours of service. Shoppers can also find Christmas Eve supplies at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, both of which will be open, albeit with reduced hours.
As for Walmart customers, the retail giant will be winding down operations at 6 p.m., while Target plans to shutter by 8 p.m.
Pharmacies’ Time-table for Christmas Eve
The majority of pharmacies in the country will be maintaining their regular business hours on Christmas Eve. Rite Aid and Walgreens are among the pharmacies that will stay open during the holiday, although there may be changes in their Christmas Day hours. CVS has encouraged its customers to confirm their local stores’ business hours.
Mail Delivery Services on the Eve
USPS plans to operate as usual on December 24, ensuring all those Christmas greetings and gifts reach their destinations in time. Private courier services like UPS and FedEx will also continue their operations on Christmas Eve but are expected to remain closed on Christmas Day.
Information for Bank Customers
For banking services, the situation appears to be quite similar. Customers are advised to confirm the operational hours with their local branches. Certain banks, like Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, and CitiBank, have confirmed their doors will be open on December 24. Certain branches of Truist and PNC are planning to close early, at 2 p.m. local time.
Status of Stock Market Operations
Investors need not worry about the stock market. It will be functioning, as confirmed by credible reports. However, the investors should keep in mind that some markets will close early at 1 p.m. ET on December 24.
In conclusion, while Christmas Eve 2024 sees a shift in the official status quo with the President’s executive order, most businesses have taken operational measures to ensure customers are not left wanting. However, the hours of operation will be slightly adjusted to observe the festive occasion. So whether it’s last-minute grocery shopping, mailing a gift, or concluding a banking transaction, it is advisable for consumers to plan ahead and check operating hours for an orderly Christmas Eve experience.