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Presidents' Day: From Washington's Birthday to Sales Extravaganza

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 14:15 GMT by International Business Times
      Locales: N/A, UNITED STATES

The Historical Roots of a Holiday

Presidents' Day wasn't always a nationwide holiday celebrating all presidents. Originally established in 1885 as Washington's Birthday, it honored George Washington, the nation's first president, born on February 22nd. Over time, the holiday evolved to encompass all past presidents, eventually becoming known as Presidents' Day. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved several federal holidays, including Washington's Birthday, to Mondays, creating three-day weekends. This shift aimed to boost tourism and provide more consistent holiday schedules. The intent was to provide patriotic observances, but the holiday has largely become synonymous with sales events.

Retail Landscape: Open for Business, With Caveats

The retail sector remains largely unaffected by the federal holiday, continuing a trend seen in recent years. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are expected to maintain standard operating hours on Presidents' Day. This is driven by consumer demand for sales and convenience, with retailers capitalizing on the three-day weekend to drive traffic and revenue. Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Nordstrom will likely follow suit, offering promotional deals and extended hours. However, it's crucial to remember that these are general expectations. Individual store locations may still opt for reduced hours or even closures, especially smaller or locally-owned businesses. The rise of online shopping also plays a role; while brick-and-mortar stores remain open, many consumers will opt for the convenience of online purchases, potentially impacting in-store traffic. We're seeing increased competition from retailers offering "Presidents' Day Weekend" sales beginning the Friday before the holiday, extending the promotional period. Shoppers should always verify hours on the retailer's website or through their mobile app before making a trip. Expect significant discounts on winter clothing, mattresses, and home appliances - traditional Presidents' Day sale categories.

Federal Services: A Day of Closure

In contrast to the bustling retail scene, federal offices will be completely closed on Presidents' Day. This includes all federal government buildings, post offices, and non-essential personnel within federal agencies. Mail delivery will be suspended, and passport processing will be delayed. Expect similar closures for state and local government offices as well, though this varies by jurisdiction. Those requiring access to government services should plan accordingly and anticipate delays until Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. Veterans Affairs facilities may have limited services depending on the specific facility and the needs of the veterans they serve. It's advised to check the VA website for details.

Financial Markets: A Pause in Trading

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq Stock Market will both be closed for Presidents' Day. This means no stock trading will occur on Monday, February 16th, 2026. Bond markets will also be closed. Trading will resume as usual on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. This temporary halt in trading is standard practice for most federal holidays and allows traders and investors a brief respite. While the closure doesn't typically have a major long-term impact on market performance, it can lead to slightly increased volatility when trading resumes.

Planning for the Holiday

• Confirm Store Hours: Always check the website or call ahead to verify the operating hours of your local stores.
• Government Services: If you require assistance from a federal agency, plan to visit or contact them on a different day.
• Banking Needs: Ensure you complete any necessary banking transactions before the holiday.
• Mail Delivery: Be aware that mail delivery will be delayed.
• Financial Transactions: If you plan to trade stocks or bonds, do so before the market closes on Friday or wait until Tuesday.