Is Staples Open on Christmas Day? No, Closed Nationwide

No, Staples is not open on Christmas Day. Every year, without exception, all Staples retail locations across the United States are closed on December 25th to honor the federal holiday and allow employees time off with their families. This consistent policy applies to both company-owned and independently operated stores, making "is Staples open on Christmas Day" a frequently searched question with a clear answer: no. If you're planning last-minute office supply shopping or need printing services during the holiday season, it's essential to plan ahead, as Christmas Day will not offer in-store access at any Staples location.

Short Answer Overview: Is Staples Open on Christmas Day?

The straightforward answer is that Staples does not operate on Christmas Day. This closure is part of a broader retail tradition where many office supply and big-box retailers shut down on major national holidays. Unlike some chains that may have limited operations or regional variations, Staples maintains a uniform nationwide shutdown on December 25. Whether you're near a suburban shopping plaza or an urban downtown district, your local Staples store will be closed. This policy has remained stable for years, reflecting corporate respect for holiday observance and employee well-being.

Why This Isn't Store-Specific

Unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Black Friday—where operating hours can vary by region or mall requirements—Christmas Day follows a standardized rule across the entire Staples network. There are no exceptions based on location type (e.g., standalone vs. mall-anchored), franchise status, or city size. Even stores located in areas with more lenient retail laws remain closed. This consistency simplifies consumer expectations but underscores the importance of checking alternative options if urgent supplies are needed.

Typical Holiday Operating Policy at Staples

Staples adheres to a predictable holiday schedule designed to balance customer needs with employee rest. The company typically closes on the most significant federal holidays while adjusting hours on others. Here’s a general breakdown:

New Year’s Day: Most stores open with regular or slightly reduced hours.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Stores generally open normally.
Memorial Day: Open with standard hours.
Independence Day (July 4): Open; some close early depending on local events.
Labor Day: Open with normal operations.
Thanksgiving Day: Closed nationwide.
Christmas Eve: Open with shortened hours (typically 8 AM – 5 PM).
Christmas Day: Fully closed.
Boxing Day (Dec 26): Most stores reopen with regular or extended hours.

Corporate Policy vs. Local Factors

While Staples is a national chain, its operational decisions stem from centralized corporate leadership rather than individual store managers. This top-down approach ensures uniformity, especially for major holidays like Christmas. However, minor variations in pre-holiday hours (like Christmas Eve) may occur due to:

Local zoning or retail regulations: Some cities restrict opening times on certain days.
Shopping mall requirements: Stores inside malls often follow mall-wide schedules.
Seasonal staffing levels: Temporary closures or early closings may happen if staff shortages arise.
Weather emergencies: Severe winter storms may force unplanned shutdowns before or after Christmas.

Despite these potential variables, the core rule stands: no Staples store opens on Christmas Day. Franchise ownership does not override this mandate, ensuring nationwide compliance.

Holiday-Specific Factors Affecting Staples' Hours

Understanding why Staples closes on Christmas requires examining cultural, legal, and logistical factors unique to the holiday.

Cultural Significance of Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most widely observed religious and cultural holidays in the U.S. It ranks among the few days when a majority of Americans gather with family, attend religious services, or travel. Retailers recognize this shift in behavior and adjust accordingly. With foot traffic naturally low and employee demand for time off high, keeping stores open offers minimal benefit and risks damaging employer reputation.

Federal Holiday Status

As a federally recognized holiday, Christmas triggers automatic closures for government offices, banks, and many private-sector businesses. While private companies aren’t legally required to close, doing so aligns with public expectation and labor norms. Staples, like Target, Best Buy, and Costco, chooses to respect this norm rather than pursue marginal sales gains.

Employee Welfare and Retention

Offering paid time off on Christmas enhances employee satisfaction and loyalty. In recent years, Staples has emphasized workplace culture improvements, including better scheduling practices. Closing on major holidays supports this goal by promoting work-life balance—especially important during peak stress periods like the December rush.

Pre- and Post-Holiday Patterns

While Christmas Day itself is fully closed, surrounding days see adjusted operations:

Christmas Eve (December 24): All stores open with abbreviated hours, usually closing between 4 PM and 6 PM. High demand for last-minute gifts, wrapping supplies, and tech accessories makes this one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
December 26 (Boxing Day): Nearly all locations resume operations, often with post-holiday sales promotions. Hours are typically full or extended to accommodate returns and exchanges.
Weekends around Christmas: If Christmas falls midweek, weekend shopping spikes occur earlier in the month. If it lands on a weekend, the prior week becomes critical for inventory turnover.

This pattern highlights how Staples strategically manages customer flow without compromising holiday principles.

Practical Planning Tips for Holiday Shoppers

If you rely on Staples for office essentials, school supplies, or tech support, planning around Christmas is crucial. Here’s how to stay prepared:

When Should You Shop Before Christmas?

The safest window to visit Staples before the holiday is between December 15 and December 23. Avoid December 24 unless absolutely necessary, as lines grow long and stock runs low. Consider visiting early in the day on the 23rd or even earlier in the week to avoid crowds.

What to Do If You Need Supplies on Christmas Day

Since physical stores are unavailable, explore these alternatives:

Order online before December 24: Staples.com offers next-day delivery in many areas. Place orders by noon on the 23rd to maximize chances of pre-holiday arrival.
Use curbside pickup: Available at select locations until Christmas Eve. Schedule pickup before stores close early.
Visit partner retailers: While Staples is closed, some drugstores (like CVS or Walgreens) or convenience stores may carry basic supplies like pens, paper, or USB drives.
Leverage Staples Business Delivery: For enterprise clients, scheduled deliveries are paused on Christmas but resume the following business day.

How to Confirm Current Holiday Hours

Policies can change annually, so always verify your local store’s schedule. Follow these steps:

Go to staples.com.
Click “Store Locator” in the top menu.
Enter your ZIP code or city/state.
Select your nearest Staples location.
Check the “Holiday Hours” section beneath regular operating times.
Call the store directly using the listed phone number for real-time updates.
Download the Staples app for push notifications about closures or delays.

Note: Updates usually appear 2–4 weeks before major holidays. Don’t assume last year’s hours apply automatically.

Holiday	Staples Open?	Typical Hours
New Year’s Day	Yes	9 AM – 8 PM (varies)
Memorial Day	Yes	Regular hours
July 4 (Independence Day)	Yes	8 AM – 7 PM (some close early)
Labor Day	Yes	Regular hours
Thanksgiving Day	No	Closed
Christmas Eve	Yes	8 AM – 5 PM (early close)
Christmas Day	No	Closed nationwide
Boxing Day (Dec 26)	Yes	Extended hours common

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Staples open 24/7 during the holidays?

No. Staples does not operate 24-hour stores under any circumstances. During the holiday season, most locations reduce hours, especially on Christmas Eve, and remain fully closed on Christmas Day.

Does Staples deliver on Christmas Day?

No. Scheduled deliveries through Staples Delivery or third-party carriers (like UPS or FedEx) do not occur on Christmas Day. Orders placed online will resume processing on December 26 or the next business day.

Are Staples print and copy services available on Christmas?

No. Since all retail stores are closed, in-store services—including printing, shipping, and tech support—are unavailable on December 25. Online printing orders submitted before the 24th may ship later, depending on deadlines.

Will Staples be open on December 26, 2025?

Yes. Historically, all Staples stores reopen on December 26 (Boxing Day), often with special promotions. Expect regular or extended hours for returns, exchanges, and post-holiday shopping.

Can I return an item to Staples on Christmas Day?

No. Returns cannot be processed on Christmas Day because stores are closed. The earliest you can make a return is December 26, provided the item meets Staples’ return policy guidelines.