Costco is taking a break, and that means shoppers are about to face a sudden 24-hour retail blackout. In a rare but expected move, Costco Memorial Day closure plans have been confirmed, and every warehouse location across the U.S. will shut its doors for the entire day on Sunday, May 26.
While it’s not the first time this has happened, the temporary closure is still a big disruption for loyal Costco members, and a big opportunity for rival retailers to cash in on the foot traffic.
The Memorial Day shutdown is part of Costco’s long-standing tradition of closing in observance of major federal holidays. It’s not just about cutting hours, it’s a full-day pause to allow employees to spend time with friends and family, something the company has stood firm on over the years. Alongside Memorial Day, Costco also shuts down for Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These closures have become expected by regular shoppers, but they still catch many off guard, especially those planning last-minute BBQs or family get-togethers.
This upcoming Costco Memorial Day closure comes just weeks after the retailer already went silent during another blackout earlier this spring. So if you’re one of those shoppers who waits until the last minute to stock up on ribs, burgers, or that family-size tub of guacamole, you might want to plan ahead this time. Because when those Costco doors close, they’re not opening again until Monday.
In the meantime, competitors are more than ready to pick up the slack. Sam’s Club is staying open on Memorial Day but with some altered hours. Their Plus members get early access between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., while regular Club members have to wait until 10 a.m. BJ’s Wholesale Club will also remain open, which is a big win for bargain hunters still hoping to score deals on food, furniture, and electronics during the holiday weekend.
Don’t feel like going wholesale at all? No problem. Most major grocery chains and retailers are keeping their regular hours, or close to them. Aldi has already warned that it may have limited hours, but it’ll still be open. Stores like Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Target are staying open on Memorial Day, making them solid options for last-minute runs. The same goes for Food Lion, H-E-B, Kroger, Whole Foods, and Wegmans, none of them are closing their doors.
And it’s not just groceries. Other popular retail spots are also expected to be open. Last year, stores like Home Depot, Ikea, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Jo-Ann were open on Memorial Day, and most are expected to keep that same schedule in 2024. Jo-Ann, though, is a bit of a wildcard. The arts and crafts chain recently filed for bankruptcy and is in the process of closing its remaining locations, many of which are set to shutter for good by the end of May.
Meanwhile, big names like Macy’s and Nordstrom are also expected to stay open on Memorial Day, sticking with the usual shopping patterns for the holiday weekend. So, while Costco takes its brief breather, shoppers still have plenty of options.
If you’re one of those diehard Costco members who forgot the store closes on Memorial Day every year, don’t panic. The shutdown is only for 24 hours, and everything will be back to normal the next day. Just don’t be surprised if rival stores feel a little more crowded than usual. With Costco off the map for the day, competitors are already prepping for the overflow.
So, mark your calendars. Memorial Day falls on Sunday, May 26, this year. Plan your shopping list accordingly because Costco is going dark for the day. Whether you stock up early or hit up Sam’s Club or Target instead, just don’t show up at Costco that Sunday, unless you’re into staring at locked doors and an empty parking lot.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
