Are you planning a last-minute grocery run or stocking up on barbecue supplies before the long weekend? Costco is officially closed on Labor Day. If you arrive at your local warehouse expecting to pick up bulk items, you'll find locked doors and empty parking lot entrances.
Understanding holiday closures saves you wasted fuel and frustration. While major retailers keep their doors open or run shortened schedules, warehouse clubs like Costco maintain strict policies for major federal holidays. Let's break down everything you need to know about Costco's holiday schedule, alternative shopping days, and how to plan your bulk purchases.
Costco Holiday Closures Explained
Costco observes seven major federal and public holidays throughout the year. On these specific dates, all warehouse locations across the United States and Canada close completely.
The full list of holidays when Costco stores shut down includes:
- New Year's Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (Fourth of July)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Because Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September, the closure applies uniformly to every standard warehouse. You won't find modified morning hours or early afternoon shutdowns. The entire operation pauses for the day so employees can observe the holiday.
What Opens and What Stays Closed
It's easy to assume that ancillary services outside the main warehouse might operate on a different schedule, but standard policy keeps most auxiliary stations closed as well.
Gas Stations and Tire Centers
Gas stations attached to Costco warehouses stay closed on Labor Day. If your vehicle is running low on fuel, you'll need to fill up elsewhere before or after the holiday. Similarly, tire service centers and installation bays remain closed for the day. You can't drop off tires, pick up repaired wheels, or get pressure checks until regular business resumes the following morning.
Pharmacy, Optical, and Food Court
In-store pharmacies, optical departments, and hearing aid centers close right alongside the main retail floor. Even the famous Costco food court stays shuttered, meaning you won't be grabbing a cheap hot dog or pizza slice on your way out.
If you need urgent prescriptions filled, you'll have to use an alternative local pharmacy that remains open on federal holidays.
When to Shop Before and After Labor Day
Since warehouses close on Monday, you need to map out your shopping trips around the holiday weekend rush. Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Labor Day are notoriously busy. Shoppers rush in to buy bulk paper goods, meats for grilling, and snacks for end-of-summer parties.
To beat the heavy crowds, aim to visit during these windows:
- The Thursday or Friday before: Inventory is usually fully stocked, and foot traffic is much lighter than the weekend surge.
- Saturday morning: Arrive right when doors open to secure high-demand items before shelves empty out.
- Tuesday morning: Normal hours resume immediately at 10 a.m. the day after Labor Day. Shelves are typically restocked quickly, and shopping traffic drops back to normal weekday levels.
You can check your local warehouse hours and holiday exceptions directly on the Costco Warehouse Finder.
Alternative Retailers Open on Labor Day
If you miss the weekend window and urgently need supplies on Monday, you have other options. Most standard grocery chains, big-box department stores, and warehouse competitors operate on normal schedules during Labor Day.
Major nationwide supermarkets and retailers like Walmart and Target stay open during regular hours, though pharmacy departments inside them might operate on reduced schedules. If you specifically need club-store quantities, it's worth checking if regional membership alternatives have different holiday policies, though most major warehouse competitors mirror Costco's closures on major holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Costco gas stations open on Labor Day?
No. Costco gas stations close completely on Labor Day. Plan to fuel up over the weekend or at a standard commercial gas station on Monday.
Do Costco holiday hours vary by state?
No. The closure policy applies universally across all United States and Canadian warehouse locations.
Can I still order items on Costco's website on Labor Day?
Yes. You can place online orders through Costco.com or use same-day delivery services like Instacart, but warehouse fulfillment and customer service support won't process or ship orders until business resumes on Tuesday.
What time does Costco open the day after Labor Day?
Regular business hours resume immediately on Tuesday morning. Most locations open their doors at 10 a.m., though you should verify specific regional hours online before heading out.
