Columbus Day Weekend 2015: Which Grocery Stores, Post Offices, Banks And Transit Are Open For Business?

With the long holiday weekend fast approaching for Columbus Day, which is scheduled to be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 12, many offices and organizations have made plans to close for the national commemoration of the disputed discoverer of the New World: Christopher Columbus.

Many people across the United States have already been preparing for their trips, barbecues, parties and more. But whether you're headed to the beach to try to relive the dear, departed summer or you're stuck at home when you need to buy groceries, here's a quick guide to what will remain open on the annual national holiday.

Nearly all transport systems, including those in New York and Boston, are expected to be open and operating on a normal weekday schedule. However, most government offices, post offices and schools will be closed for the day; the post office on W. 33rd St. in Manhattan will be the only post office open in all of New York City.

Most financial institutions, especially banks, were expected to be closed Monday in their observances of Columbus Day. A few will remain open, including Chase, Wells Fargo and TD Bank, but it is always best to call your local bank branch to verify their holiday hours, if any. The New York Stock Exchange will also remain open.

The majority of private organizations were not expected to close for Columbus Day, either, with only 14 percent shutting their doors, according to Time magazine. Retail stores, including Target, Walmart and H&M, will remain open and many of them have Columbus Day sales.

Supermarkets, such as Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's, will also be open during the holiday, so don't worry if you forgot to pick up some snacks for a party or supplies for the last barbecue of the season.