Costco announced it would close all 617 stores across the United States on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day.
The decision echoes its long-standing policy of closing for major federal holidays.
Why It Matters
Memorial Day is one of the year’s busiest retail periods as families prepare for gatherings and barbecues and many Americans have a rare weekday off work.
Costco’s closure stands out in a retail landscape where most major grocery chains, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger, and others, will remain open.
Shoppers seeking bulk goods or exclusive member deals at Costco must plan, while rival retailers may see increased holiday traffic.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Costco’s decision aligns with a policy of closing stores on select holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The decision impacts millions of Costco shoppers and underscores differences in holiday operating policies among America’s largest retailers.
Walmart and Sam’s Club confirmed they will keep their doors open with modified hours at the latter’s locations.
Major grocery and retail chains such as Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Target, Whole Foods, Meijer, Publix, and Albertsons will remain open on Memorial Day, though pharmacy hours may vary by location.
Memorial Day, designated as the last Monday in May, is a federal holiday commemorating Armed Forces members who died in military service. Costco closed for the holiday last year as well.
Most banks, post offices, and government offices will be closed on Memorial Day. Private services, including UPS and FedEx, will suspend operations, except for critical express deliveries.
Newsweek reached out to Costco for comment.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: “Costco closing on Memorial Day will have little impact as shoppers generally make their purchases prior to the closing so they can prepare. Costco has been a strong proponent of keeping their integrity, whether it be with the culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as supporting holidays the current administration may not support. Costco has seen a considerable tick-up in sales after their rebuke of what was deemed an overstep, and customers have supported them with their pocketbooks.”
Drew Powers, the founder of Illinois-based Powers Financial Group, told Newsweek: “Many companies close on federal holidays, although retail has not always followed suit. Memorial Day is a federal holiday, it’s a patriotic holiday, and it’s the unofficial start of the backyard grilling season. I am glad Costco has made the move to allow their employees the day off to celebrate and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Costco’s closure on Memorial Day is unique among other retailers that like to be open that day, as it is largely viewed as the kickoff to the summer retail season. However, the move can ultimately prove to be a positive one.”
What Happens Next
Costco stores will reopen with normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27, while Walmart, Sam’s Club, and other major retailers are expected to operate as usual throughout the holiday.
Customers seeking to shop at Costco should plan to visit before or after the Memorial Day closure.
“It builds goodwill among employees as a holiday they can enjoy and among customers who view the closure as a patriotic one,” Beene said. “It can also ironically boost sales at some locations as buyers spend more at Costco ahead of the holiday knowing they’ll be closed.”
