Costco is a unique retailer for a number of reasons. First, like other warehouse club stores, it requires that shoppers buy a membership to walk in the door (or at least tag along with an existing member).
Costco also specifically aims to offer the most competitive prices on the items it sells. And it won’t stock an item if it’s not happy with the price.
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The reason Costco takes care to offer up the lowest prices in town is that it wants the member experience to be as positive as possible. Much of Costco’s revenue comes from membership fees. So the warehouse club giant does everything it can to retain members while attracting new ones.
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Some members may notice that Costco’s grocery selection isn’t nearly as extensive as that of their local supermarket. There’s a reason.
Costco limits its inventory to about 4,000 SKUs (stock-keeping units) so that it can keep a close eye on prices and negotiate favorite terms with its suppliers.
Costco could expand its inventory, which would, in some regards, offer more value to members. But the price needs to be right for Costco to add an item to its lineup.
And if Costco can’t secure the goods it’s looking to sell at a reasonable price point, it might take matters into its own hands and create its own version. The Kirkland brand has expanded through the years to encompass everything from snacks to household supplies to apparel.
Costco hours are meant to serve customers’ needs
Costco’s hours aren’t set in stone. They can vary by location.
For the most part, though, Costco opens its doors to customers between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning, and it closes around 8:30 at night during the week.
On weekends, Costco typically opens later and closes earlier. Because weekend hours are more limited, and because more people are available to shop, Costco warehouses tend to get crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
Related: Costco drops key grocery product and members aren’t happy
Costco also recently expanded its gas station hours across its warehouse club locations to make it easier for members to fill up their cars. Low-cost gas is a big membership perk, but some customers are losing out on it due to the more limited hours that used to be used at Costco fuel stations.
Now, Costco gas stations typically open at 6 a.m. every day and stay open until 10 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, Costco fuel stations close at 8:30PM and 7:30 p.m., respectively. These hours apply to most Costco locations, but not all.
You will have to pick up your Easter chicken the day before the holiday.You will have to pick up your Easter chicken the day before the holiday.
Image source: Shutterstock
Costco store closures are rare, but they happen sometimes
Costco understands how much its members rely on access to the store. And the company aims to keep its warehouse club locations open as many days as possible during the year.
But Costco is also committed to treating its workers fairly. In early 2025, Costco raised its hourly pay to over $30 for most of its U.S. store employees. Costco also offers a robust benefits package for employees that includes paid time off and access to a retirement savings plan.
Related: Kroger borrows key part of Target, Costco playbook
Another thing Costco does for its employees is ensure that they’re able to take time off during major holidays to be with their families. To this end, Costco closes its stores on seven occasions during the year:
New Year’s DayEaster SundayMemorial DayIndependence DayLabor DayThanksgiving DayChristmas Day
What this means is that on April 20, Costco stores will not be open to members due to the Easter holiday.
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Of course, not every retailer chooses to close its doors for Easter. Walmart recently announced plans to remain open, and a number of supermarket chains will welcome in shoppers (though some will have limited hours).
However, a number of major retail chains will be closing up shop on Easter. These include:
Sam Club’sTargetPublixAldi
While Costco recognizes that some members may not be thrilled with its occasional closings, it’s a decision the company finds necessary. Last-minute shoppers should be mindful of Costco’s holiday hours during the year to avoid having to scramble.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
