In what has become one of the biggest retail sales and travel weekends of the year, Memorial Day is set to bring a surge in both consumer spending and holiday travel. This federal holiday, observed on the last Monday in May to honor fallen American soldiers, has evolved over the years to become a popular time for businesses to offer promotional sales, while many Americans take advantage of the long weekend to embark on trips.

Government offices, post offices, courts, and schools will be closed on Memorial Day, according to the official list of closures. Additionally, U.S. stock markets and banks will remain closed on Monday, providing a pause in financial activities.

Major courier services like FedEx and UPS will experience disruptions in their pickup and delivery services as most of them will be closed on Memorial Day. However, it is important to note that the exact availability of services may vary depending on the location.

One notable exception to the trend of businesses staying open on this holiday is warehouse membership club Costco, which has decided to close on Memorial Day. However, the vast majority of retailers, eager to attract customers, will be open for business. Many are planning big promotional sales to entice shoppers. While operating hours may differ from store to store, it is expected that consumers will have ample opportunities to take advantage of special discounts and deals.

But it's not just retail that sees a boost during this holiday. Memorial Day has also developed a reputation as the unofficial start of the summer travel season. According to auto club AAA, approximately 43.8 million travelers are projected to venture 50 miles or more from home during the holiday travel period. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year, approaching the record set in 2005 with 44 million Memorial Day weekend travelers.

A significant portion of travelers, estimated at 38.4 million people, will hit the roads, making it the highest number of car travelers since AAA began tracking Memorial Day travel data in 2000. In addition, around 3.5 million people are expected to opt for air travel to reach their holiday destinations.

As Memorial Day draws near, consumers can anticipate exciting shopping opportunities while holidaymakers prepare for long-awaited getaways. The combination of retail sales and increased travel activity promises to make this Memorial Day weekend one to remember.