Costco will close all of its U.S. locations on New Year’s Day.
As in previous years, the warehouse giant confirmed the January 1 closure of its 500 stores across the U.S., meaning shoppers will have to search for alternatives on Wednesday.
Newsweek reached out via email to Costco media communications for comment on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
While most grocery, retail and restaurant chains are open on New Year’s Eve, albeit with adjusted hours, some will shut their doors on New Year’s Day.
The store closures affect holiday shopping patterns, forcing customers to plan purchases in advance.
What To Know
Costco has traditionally closed its stores on major holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s Day. A company spokesperson recently gave the reasoning behind the policy, saying, “This ensures our employees can enjoy quality time with their families, reflecting our commitment to work-life balance.”
On New Year’s Eve, Costco stores will close early, at 6 p.m. local time, instead of its usual closing time of 8:30 p.m. on weekdays. So Costco members needing last-minute items to prepare for the holiday have ample time on Tuesday.
A Costco store is pictured on July 11 in Richmond, California. All of the chain’s 500 stores across the U.S. will be closed on New Year’s Day.
A Costco store is pictured on July 11 in Richmond, California. All of the chain’s 500 stores across the U.S. will be closed on New Year’s Day.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Other retailers, such as Aldi and Sam’s Club, will also be closed on Wednesday. However, Walmart and Target plan to operate on New Year’s Day, though with reduced hours. Shoppers are advised to check local store schedules to avoid any inconvenience.
Is Walmart Open on New Year’s Day?
Walmart will be open on New Year’s Day.
The chain generally maintains normal business hours on January 1, as it does on New Year’s Eve. Double-check with your local store for any location-specific changes.
What Other Retail Stores Will Be Open?
Publix will be open on New Year’s Day, with regular hours. However, closing times may vary, with some locations shutting at 7 p.m. local time and others at 8 p.m. Check with your local store for exact hours.
Target will also be open on New Year’s Day. On New Year’s Eve, stores will close at 9 p.m. local time.
Is New Year’s Day a Federal Holiday?
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday in the United States. On January 1, most federal government offices, banks and post offices are closed, and many businesses and schools also observe the holiday.
What Happens Next
Costco resumes regular operations on Thursday. The closures on January 1 are unlikely to affect annual revenue significantly, as most shoppers will adjust their schedules accordingly.
