Costco has built itself a loyal following by giving members access to bulk bargains nearly every day of the year. And it’s clear that members are more than willing to pay their annual fees for Costco access.
During Costco’s third quarter 2026 earnings call, the company reported $1.37 billion in membership fee income and a 92.2% member renewal rate across the U.S. and Canada.
A big reason Costco has had so much success with renewals is that it makes an effort to put members first.
But sometimes, Costco has to make the tough decision to close its doors to members. And those choices tend to surprise shoppers, who are increasingly accustomed to shopping at stores year-round.
One of those rare closures is just days away, so shoppers who are planning to stock up for July 4th cookouts, parties, and road trips may want to plan ahead.
Costco is closing all U.S. warehouses on July 4th
Costco will close all of its U.S. warehouse locations on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
While many national retailers remain open for July 4 (albeit with reduced hours), Costco believes in closing for certain holidays as a way to ensure that its employees are able to spend time with their families.
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Of course, Costco doesn’t close to members often. It limits closures to just seven days each year:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Still, Costco’s approach to employee benefits and work-life balance can catch some shoppers off guard during major holiday weekends.
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Don’t wait until the last minute
The days leading up to July 4 are typically among the busiest shopping periods of the summer, as customers stock up on burgers, hot dogs, steaks, beverages, snacks, and other cookout essentials.
That could mean crowded parking lots, longer checkout lines, and popular seasonal items selling quickly.
Anyone planning to rely on Costco for holiday supplies should make their shopping trip ahead of the holiday.
Why Costco’s holiday schedule stands out
Unlike many retailers that remain open for at least part of most federal holidays, Costco closes entirely on the aforementioned seven days during the year.
It’s a somewhat risky approach, since many of Costco’s biggest rivals are open for most of the days on the list above. Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, for example, is open on July 4, though stores may be operating on a shorter schedule.
But Costco is clearly confident in the value it offers members. And that makes it easier for the company to shut down completely seven times a year.
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For members, that means one simple rule – if a major holiday is approaching, it’s worth checking Costco’s calendar before heading to the store.
With July 4 now just around the corner, this is one of those rare occasions when even Costco’s famously busy warehouses will go quiet.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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