Friday, April 18, 2025, marks Good Friday, a significant day for Christians that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This solemn occasion is part of Holy Week, which culminates with Easter Sunday on April 20, 2025. Although Good Friday is not a federal holiday, its observance varies across states and localities, affecting the operations of various businesses and services.
In the 12 states where Good Friday is recognized as a public holiday, including Connecticut and New Jersey, state government offices will be closed. However, in many other areas, the impact on businesses is mixed. For instance, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will operate as usual on Good Friday, ensuring that mail is delivered without interruption. According to the USPS, "The U.S. Postal Service will be open on Good Friday, which means mail will be delivered today." This means that while some may have the day off, others can expect their letters and packages to arrive on schedule.
Shipping services from UPS and FedEx will also remain available on Good Friday. UPS confirmed that its shipping services will be operational, and FedEx locations will be open, although some services may run on a modified schedule. This ensures that those who need to send or receive packages during the holiday can still do so.
When it comes to banking, most institutions will remain open, as Good Friday is not recognized as a federal holiday by the Federal Reserve. However, it's advisable for customers to check with their local banks for specific hours, especially in states where Good Friday is observed as a public holiday. In many cases, banks will be open for regular business hours, allowing customers to conduct their financial transactions without disruption.
Schools, on the other hand, are generally closed on Good Friday. Many public schools across the country do not list Good Friday as a holiday, but numerous religious and Catholic schools may observe the day with closures or special events. In some regions, schools are preparing for an upcoming April vacation next week, further contributing to the number of closures.
The stock market will be closed on Good Friday, with both the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) not operating. They will reopen on Monday, April 21, 2025, following the Easter holiday. The U.S. bond market also closed early on Thursday, April 17, in anticipation of Good Friday and will remain closed throughout the holiday.
As for retail, most stores will be open on Good Friday. However, many will close on Easter Sunday, which is a more widely recognized holiday. A number of major retailers, including Target, Chipotle, Costco, Sam's Club, Lowe's, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshall's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Kohl's, JCPenney, Burlington, Office Depot, Office Max, and Belk, will be closed for the Easter holiday weekend.
In summary, while Good Friday is a day of reflection and observance for many Christians, its impact on business operations varies widely. From mail delivery to banking services, many essential services will continue to operate as usual, while others may close in observance of the holiday. Whether participating in religious services or simply enjoying a day off, individuals across the country will navigate a mix of open and closed businesses this Good Friday.
