Quick Answer
All Costco U.S. warehouse locations are shut for the entire day on Memorial Day — every single year. This is a firm, company-wide policy covering all 600+ stores nationwide. If you were counting on a holiday weekend run to your local warehouse, you will need to reschedule. The good news? Costco.com stays live, and with a little planning, the closure does not need to disrupt your weekend at all.
According to the official Costco holiday schedule, all U.S. warehouse locations close on major holidays including Memorial Day.
https://www.costco.com/warehouse-locations
Costco Memorial Day Status
| Store | Open/Closed |
| Costco | Closed |
| Walmart | Open |
| Target | Open |
| Sam’s Club | Open (limited hours) |
Introduction
Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest grocery and household shopping periods of the year. Families are prepping barbecues, stocking coolers, grabbing bulk supplies, and making sure the fridge is full before guests arrive. For millions of members across the country, the warehouse club is the first stop for all of it.
So the question comes up every spring, without fail: is Costco open on Memorial Day?
The answer is no — and it has been no for many years running. Costco observes a strict holiday schedule that gives employees the day off on the most significant national holidays, and Memorial Day is firmly on that list. This guide covers everything you need to know: the company’s full holiday schedule, what services are still available, how rival retailers compare, and how to shop smart so the closure never catches you off guard.
Why Costco Observes a Full Store Closure on Major Holidays
Costco’s approach to holidays is noticeably different from most large retailers. While competitors tend to treat long weekends as peak revenue windows, Costco consistently closes its warehouses on a select group of national holidays as a matter of company principle.
The reasoning comes down to employee culture. Costco has long been recognized as one of the better employers in the retail industry — offering above-average wages, strong benefits, and a genuine focus on workforce wellbeing. Giving employees fully paid days off on major holidays is part of that commitment.
This approach reflects strong corporate values similar to what top companies follow in strategic planning for sustainable business growth .
Memorial Day, as a federal holiday honoring those who died in military service, carries particular weight in that decision. Closing the warehouse on this day is both a sign of respect for the holiday’s significance and a reflection of the company’s values.
Retail analysts have noted an interesting side effect of this policy: it tends to boost Costco’s pre-holiday sales. Members who know the warehouse will be unavailable on Monday typically front-load their shopping into Friday and Saturday, creating a surge in foot traffic and revenue in the days before the holiday. In other words, the closure may cost one day of sales but generates stronger volume in the days surrounding it.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States honoring military personnel who died in service.
Full Costco Holiday Schedule — Every Closure Date
Costco officially closes its U.S. warehouses on seven holidays per year. These dates are listed on Costco’s official customer service page and have remained unchanged for years:
| Holiday | When It Falls |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| Easter Sunday | Late March or April (varies) |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May |
| Independence Day | July 4 |
| Labor Day | First Monday of September |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday of November |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
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Every other day of the year — including Presidents’ Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Columbus Day — is a normal operating day. Costco warehouses run their regular schedule on all other federal holidays.
Upcoming Memorial Day Dates to Know
Because Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May, you can plan well in advance. Here are the upcoming dates when Costco holiday hours mean a full closure:
- 2026: Monday, May 25
- 2027: Monday, May 31
- 2028: Monday, May 29
Warehouses reopen the following Tuesday morning with standard business hours. Most U.S. locations open between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays, though times vary by store.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page and check back each spring for the confirmed date — or check your local store directly through the Costco warehouse locator on Costco.com.
What Stays Open While Warehouses Are Closed
A full warehouse closure does not mean all of Costco goes dark. Several services remain available to members throughout the holiday:
Costco.com runs 24/7.
The website does not observe holidays. You can browse every product category, place orders, renew or upgrade your membership, and shop the current savings book — all without stepping foot in a store. Shipping timelines may run a day longer than usual since fulfillment operations pause on the holiday, so factor that in if you need something quickly.
The Costco app stays fully active.
Account management, digital membership cards, online shopping, and the warehouse finder all work normally through the app on Memorial Day.
Costco gas stations may vary.
Fuel centers sometimes operate on a separate schedule from the main warehouse. Hours depend on location, so use the Costco app or website to check your specific fuel center before making a trip.
Pharmacy and optical close with the warehouse.
Both services are housed inside the building, so they follow the same holiday closure schedule. Pick up any prescriptions you need on Saturday to avoid running short over the long weekend.
How Other Major Retailers Handle Memorial Day
Costco’s decision to close stands out precisely because it is so rare in retail. Here is how the landscape looks on Memorial Day:
Open on Memorial Day:
Walmart, Target, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Publix, Albertsons, CVS, and Walgreens all remain open — typically with standard or slightly modified hours.
Sam’s Club:
Costco’s primary warehouse rival — stays open on Memorial Day, though many locations run reduced hours. This makes it a practical backup option if you have a membership or can access a day pass.
Closed on Memorial Day:
Costco is the most prominent national retailer to shut entirely. Natural Grocers also closes. Banks, post offices, government buildings, and most schools observe the federal holiday as well.
The contrast between Costco and the rest of the retail field has become part of the brand’s identity. While others are maximizing register time, Costco is reinforcing that some things come before the bottom line.
Smart Shopping Plan: How to Prepare Before the Holiday
The closure covers one day — but because it is a Monday and many people have that day off work, it can catch shoppers off guard. Here is a practical timeline to make sure you are fully prepared:
Thursday or Friday before Memorial Day: Ideal time to shop without the crowds. Inventory is fresh, lines are shorter, and you have the most flexibility. This is your best window.
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Saturday: Still a good option, but expect higher-than-normal traffic. Many members will have the same idea. Go early — first thing in the morning — to get in and out efficiently.
Sunday: Works in a pinch, but warehouses can be picked over and busy. Use this as a backup, not your first choice.
Monday (Memorial Day): Warehouses are closed. Use Costco.com for any last-minute non-perishable needs, and check your local Sam’s Club or grocery store for anything urgent.
Tuesday (reopening day): Warehouses reopen with full stock and normal hours. If you can wait, Tuesday morning is a calm, well-stocked alternative to the busy pre-holiday rush.
Check your local Costco hours before you go — some locations have slightly different opening and closing times. Use the warehouse locator at Costco.com to confirm your store’s schedule so you never make a wasted trip.
Experts recommend shopping in advance since Costco stores are fully closed on the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Costco locations closed on Memorial Day, or just some?
Every U.S. Costco warehouse closes on Memorial Day — there are no regional exceptions or individual store variations. The policy applies uniformly to all locations.
Does Costco ever open on Memorial Day for special circumstances?
Not in recent history. Costco has maintained this closure consistently and has not made exceptions for individual markets or special events.
Is Costco’s holiday schedule the same every year?
Yes. The seven-holiday closure list has remained stable for many years. Unless Costco publicly announces a policy change, you can rely on the same schedule repeating annually.
Can international Costco locations be open on U.S. Memorial Day?
Yes. The holiday closure policy covers U.S. warehouses only. Costco stores in Canada, the U.K., Japan, Australia, and other countries follow their own national holiday schedules. Memorial Day is a U.S.-only observance.
Where can I confirm my local store’s hours?
The most reliable source is always Costco’s official website. Use the warehouse locator tool at Costco.com, search for your location, and check the listed hours directly. This is especially useful around holiday weekends when hours may vary.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s approach to Memorial Day is one of the most consistent policies in American retail — every warehouse, every year, fully closed. Once you know this, it becomes easy to plan around.
Shop early in the long weekend, top up everything you need before Monday, and let the holiday be what it was meant to be. When Tuesday comes, Costco will be back to full operation and ready for you.
Bookmark this guide for your holiday planning each year — and if you found it helpful, explore more of our retail hours guides to stay ahead of closures at other major stores. Knowing what is open and what is not before you leave the house saves time, avoids frustration, and keeps your weekend on track.
