Costco confirms 24-hour shutdown — 623 stores going dark soon
If Costco is your go-to for bulk snacks, $1.50 hot dog combos, or just wandering the aisles pretending you need 30 rolls of paper towels, brace yourself — you’ll need to make other plans soon. The warehouse giant has confirmed it will close all 623 of its U.S. stores for 24 hours in just a few weeks.
Why is Costco closing?
The closure isn’t a mystery. It’s part of Costco’s standard holiday schedule to observe Labour Day, a federal holiday honouring American workers. This year, Labour Day falls on Monday, September 1, meaning Costco locations will stay shut until Tuesday, September 2.
Labour Day also marks the unofficial end of summer for many Americans. But if you were planning a last-minute Costco run for party supplies, snacks, or that giant pumpkin pie, you’ll need to shop ahead of time — or find an alternative.
Can you still shop online?
Yes — but with a catch. Costco’s website will remain open, allowing you to place orders on Labor Day. However, orders won’t be processed or shipped until after the holiday, so don’t expect next-day delivery magic.
Where can shoppers go instead?
If you miss the Costco window, you’re not out of options. Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods will all remain open on September 1—though some may have shorter hours.
- Sam’s Club will open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for regular members.
- Sam’s Plus members get early access from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm — similar to how Costco’s Executive members enjoy early shopping perks.
- Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart will also keep their doors open, but hours vary by location.
If you need home-improvement gear, Lowe’s and The Home Depot will be open, too. Bottom line? Competitors are eagerly anticipating Costco’s day off.
What else is closed on Labor Day?
It’s not just Costco shutting down. Most banks will be closed nationwide since Labour Day is a Federal Reserve holiday. Major institutions like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo will close branches for the day.
You can still use ATMs or make online transactions, but payments made on September 1 will remain pending until the next business day. That’s something to remember if you’re paying rent, a mortgage, or credit card bills that are due at the start of the month.
Costco’s full holiday closure lineup
Costco is known for sticking to its holiday rules. Besides Labour Day, all stores close on these dates every year:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
So if you’re a last-minute shopper, mark these on your calendar — or risk staring at locked doors while holding your membership card.
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Planning is key
The best move? Stock up before the holiday weekend. Whether you’re grabbing burgers for a barbecue, snacks for a road trip, or that giant tub of mac and cheese “just in case”, don’t wait until September 1.
If you forget, no problem — competitors like Sam’s Club and Walmart are ready to swoop in. You might even discover a new favourite spot to shop (though good luck finding that $1.50 hot dog deal anywhere else).
