Shoppers planning to visit Costco for their Thanksgiving preparations will need to adjust their schedules, as the wholesale retail giant has announced it will shut down operations across all its 614 U.S. locations on November 28, 2024. The closure on Thanksgiving Day is part of Costco’s annual holiday schedule, which includes other major observances like New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Christmas.
The retailer’s decision aligns with similar moves by its warehouse club competitors, including BJ’s and Sam’s Club, who will also remain closed on Thanksgiving. However, customers will have opportunities for last-minute shopping, as Costco will maintain regular operating hours on November 27, the day before Thanksgiving.
The temporary closure comes during a period of significant growth for Costco, which has recently implemented several notable operational changes. Earlier this year, the company strengthened its membership verification process by installing card-scanning machines at store entrances to prevent membership sharing. Additionally, Costco raised its basic membership fee from $60 to $65 annually.
These modifications appear to have had minimal impact on the company’s performance. According to Costco’s fourth-quarter earnings report for 2024, the retailer experienced approximately 5% year-over-year growth in comparable sales. Moreover, the company reported a 7% increase in its membership base compared to the same quarter in the previous year.
For those requiring Thanksgiving Day groceries, several alternative retailers will remain accessible, albeit with limited hours. Whole Foods, Dollar General, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Kroger are among the stores planning to operate on the holiday.
Following the Thanksgiving closure, Costco will resume business on Black Friday, November 29, with doors opening at 9:00 AM and closing at 8:30 PM. This timing allows the retailer to participate in one of the year’s busiest shopping days while ensuring its employees can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
The warehouse club has maintained its strong market position despite recent policy changes, demonstrating continued popularity among consumers. Its presence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has contributed to its sustained success, with the retailer frequently trending and generating viral content.
The decision to close on Thanksgiving reflects a growing trend among major retailers to provide employees with time off during the holiday while ensuring adequate shopping opportunities on surrounding days. This approach balances consumer needs with employee well-being, a strategy that appears to resonate with Costco’s customer base.
The company’s recent operational adjustments, including the membership verification system and fee increases, showcase its ability to implement potentially controversial changes without negatively impacting customer loyalty or sales growth. This success is
particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the retail warehouse sector.
For members planning their holiday shopping, the key is to prepare accordingly, taking advantage of the pre-Thanksgiving operating hours on November 27 or waiting until the Black Friday reopening. This temporary closure represents Costco’s commitment to maintaining its traditional holiday schedule while adapting to changing market conditions and consumer expectations throughout the rest of the year.