Introduction
Planning to visit a car dealership on Labor Day? You’re not alone. Many car shoppers wonder whether they can browse vehicles or finalize purchases during this federal holiday. Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, honors the contributions of American workers and typically marks the end of summer for many families.
The short answer is that most car dealerships are closed on Labor Day, but there are exceptions. Some dealerships may operate with reduced hours or run special holiday sales events. Understanding dealership schedules during federal holidays can save you time and help you plan your car shopping more effectively.
This guide will walk you through typical dealership hours, Labor Day policies, and what alternatives you have if your local dealer is closed. We’ll also cover the factors that influence whether a dealership stays open and how to verify hours before making the trip.
General Car Dealership Hours
Most car dealerships follow a standard schedule throughout the week, though hours can vary significantly between locations and brands. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Weekday Hours: Monday through Friday, most dealerships open between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Sales departments often stay open later than service departments.
Saturday Hours: Many dealerships operate on Saturdays, usually with shorter hours than weekdays. Common Saturday hours range from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
Sunday Hours: Sunday operations vary widely. Some dealerships close entirely, while others open for a few hours in the afternoon. Luxury and high-volume dealerships are more likely to maintain Sunday hours.
Service departments typically follow different schedules than sales departments. While sales teams might work evenings and weekends, service departments often maintain more traditional business hours and close earlier.
Labor Day Hours for Car Dealerships
The majority of are car dealerships open on labor day as a standard federal holiday, which means they close their doors for the day. This applies to both sales and service departments. However, the automotive industry doesn’t follow a universal policy for holiday hours.
Why Most Close: Labor Day represents a day off for dealership employees, many of whom work long hours during regular business days, including evenings and weekends. Dealerships often view federal holidays as necessary breaks for their staff.
Sales Events: Some dealerships capitalize on the three-day weekend by hosting Labor Day sales events. These promotional weekends might feature special financing offers, clearance pricing on current model year vehicles, or incentives to clear inventory before new models arrive.
Brand Variations: Luxury dealerships may be more likely to close completely, while high-volume or independently owned dealerships might maintain limited hours to capture holiday weekend shoppers.
Factors That Affect Labor Day Hours
Several factors influence whether a particular dealership will be open on Labor Day:
Regional Differences
Dealerships in tourist-heavy areas or regions with strong car sales markets may choose to stay open during holiday weekends. Areas with significant foot traffic on holidays are more likely to see dealerships maintaining operations.
Dealership Size and Type
Large dealership groups with multiple locations might keep select stores open while closing others. Smaller, family-owned dealerships are more likely to close completely for the holiday.
Inventory Considerations
Dealerships looking to clear current model year inventory before new models arrive may use Labor Day weekend as a sales opportunity. End-of-summer timing makes this holiday particularly attractive for promotional events.
Local Competition
If competing dealerships in the area plan to stay open, others might follow suit to avoid losing potential customers to competitors.
Staff Availability
Dealerships depend on their sales and service teams. If key staff members are unavailable due to holiday plans, the dealership is more likely to close.
What to Do When Dealerships Are Closed
If your local dealerships are closed on Labor Day, you still have several options for advancing your car shopping:
Online Research
Most dealerships maintain comprehensive websites where you can browse inventory, compare features, and even calculate payments. Many sites offer detailed photos, vehicle history reports, and specification sheets.
Virtual Tours and Videos
Some dealerships provide 360-degree virtual tours or detailed video walkthroughs of their vehicles. These tools can help you narrow down your choices before visiting in person.
Online Chat Support
While physical locations may be closed, some dealerships offer online chat support or email responses for basic questions about inventory, pricing, or financing options.
Schedule Future Appointments
Use the holiday to schedule appointments for test drives or meetings with sales representatives for the following business day.
Review Financing Options
Research financing rates, calculate potential payments, and gather necessary documents for loan applications. This preparation can streamline your dealership visit when they reopen.
Making the Most of Holiday Car Shopping
Whether dealerships are open or closed, holiday weekends can be excellent times for car shopping:
End-of-Summer Deals: Labor Day often coincides with dealerships clearing summer inventory and preparing for fall models. This timing can lead to significant savings on current year vehicles.
Extended Research Time: A three-day weekend provides extra time to research models, compare prices, and make informed decisions without feeling rushed.
Family Input: Holiday weekends allow family members to participate in the car shopping process, especially for families purchasing vehicles that multiple people will drive.
Plan Your Visit
Before heading to any dealership on Labor Day, take these steps:
Call Ahead: Phone the dealership directly to confirm their holiday hours. Automated systems may not reflect special holiday schedules.
Check Websites: Visit dealership websites for holiday hour announcements. Many post special schedules or promotional information prominently on their homepages.
Social Media: Follow your preferred dealerships on social media platforms where they often announce holiday hours or special events.
Plan for Crowds: If a dealership is open on Labor Day, expect higher than normal foot traffic due to the holiday weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are luxury car dealerships more likely to be closed on Labor Day?
Yes, luxury dealerships often close on federal holidays, including Labor Day. Premium brands typically maintain more limited hours and are more likely to give staff time off during holidays.
Do car dealership service departments follow the same Labor Day schedule as sales departments?
Generally, yes. When a dealership closes for Labor Day, both sales and service departments typically close. However, some dealerships may offer emergency roadside assistance through third-party services.
Can I still buy a car online if dealerships are closed on Labor Day?
While you can research vehicles and sometimes initiate purchase processes online, completing a car purchase typically requires visiting the dealership for paperwork, financing, and vehicle pickup.
Are used car lots and independent dealers more likely to be open on Labor Day?
Independent dealers vary significantly in their holiday policies. Some may stay open to capitalize on holiday traffic, while others close like franchise dealerships. Always call ahead to confirm.
Will Labor Day sales events offer better deals than regular promotions?
Labor Day sales can offer competitive deals, especially on current model year vehicles, but they’re not necessarily better than other promotional periods like end-of-year clearances or model changeover events.
Your Next Steps for Holiday Car Shopping
Labor Day car shopping requires some advance planning, but it can be rewarding whether dealerships are open or closed. If you’re hoping to visit a dealership on the holiday, call ahead to confirm hours and ask about any special promotions they might be running.
For those finding closed dealerships, use the extra time to research your options thoroughly. Compare models, read reviews, and prepare your financing information so you’re ready to make informed decisions when dealerships reopen.
Remember that car shopping is a significant investment, and taking time to make the right choice is more important than rushing to buy on any particular day. Labor Day weekend can be an excellent opportunity to slow down and make thoughtful decisions about your next vehicle purchase.
