On Monday, May 27, all Costco warehouses across the United States will close their doors for Memorial Day, continuing the retailer’s long-standing policy of observing major federal holidays. The closure will affect all 624 U.S. locations, with operations expected to resume during regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28. Costco traditionally closes on several holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
While Costco shuts down for the day, other major retailers plan to remain open. Walmart, Target, and Kroger will operate as usual, with standard business hours across most locations. These companies are expected to benefit from increased customer traffic as shoppers seek out groceries, household items, and holiday weekend essentials. Retail experts note that Memorial Day often brings a surge in consumer activity, particularly in the grocery and discount sectors.
Modified Schedules at Other Nation Chains
Although many stores will remain open, some retailers are adjusting their hours. T.J. Maxx and Natural Grocers will operate on a shortened schedule for Memorial Day, with limited hours that may vary by location. Customers are advised to check with their local branches before visiting. Similarly, Whole Foods stores are expected to be open, but individual hours may differ based on region and franchise.
Memorial Day may also impact delivery and courier services. UPS will suspend its regular service for the day, while FedEx will offer modified operations for select services. These changes affect package deliveries, logistics timelines, and pickup scheduling. Consumers and businesses relying on these services are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid delays.
The decision echoes its long-standing policy of closing for major federal holidays. https://t.co/PqqogR0rB0
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 20, 2025
Balancing Operations and Observance
Costco’s Memorial Day closure has received support from labor advocates and employee representatives, who view the policy as a sign of respect for workers and a reflection of the holiday’s significance. The decision aligns with Costco’s broader approach to limiting operations on major holidays to allow employees to observe time with family or commemorate national events. While this results in missed sales opportunities, it is consistent with the company’s long-standing scheduling model.
Meanwhile, the move could shift short-term market dynamics. Retail competitors such as Walmart and Target, which remain open on most federal holidays, may absorb a portion of Costco’s customer base during the 24-hour closure. These trends have been observed in past years, particularly during periods of high consumer demand. Retail analysts will be monitoring traffic patterns and sales data across the sector in response to this seasonal adjustment.
