You’re cruising down the highway, list in hand. You need three rotisserie chickens, a 48-pack of toilet paper, and that specific jar of artichoke hearts that only exists in the hallowed aisles of your local warehouse. Then it hits you. It’s Sunday. Not just any Sunday, but Easter Sunday. You see the parking lot. It’s empty. No carts clinking. No frantic search for a spot near the tire center. Costco closed Easter plans are a tradition as old as the brand itself, but every year, it still catches thousands of shoppers off guard.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to the system in our 24/7 retail culture. We are used to big-box stores being available whenever we have a whim to buy a kayak at 10:00 AM. But Costco isn't like Walmart or Target. They play by a different set of rules.
The Specifics of the Costco Holiday Schedule
Let’s get the facts straight so you don't waste gas. Costco officially shuts its doors on seven major holidays every year in the United States. Easter is one of the big ones. Along with New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, Easter Sunday is a guaranteed "lights out" day for the warehouse.
This isn't a "select locations" thing. It’s company-wide.
If you’re in Canada or the UK, the rules might shift slightly based on local provincial laws or bank holiday customs, but for the vast majority of the 800+ locations globally, the story remains the same. The employees are home. The rotisserie ovens are cold. The sample stations are packed away.
Why do they do it? It’s not just about tradition. It’s a massive logistical and cultural statement. While competitors like Walmart or Kroger might stay open with limited hours to grab those last-minute ham sales, Costco chooses to forfeit that revenue. It’s a calculated move that actually builds more brand loyalty in the long run than a few extra million in Sunday sales ever could.
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Why the "Closed" Sign Actually Matters for Business
Retail is brutal. Most companies treat holidays as "peak " earning windows. You’ve probably seen the "Doorbuseter" ads for almost every other holiday. But Costco’s business model is weird. It’s a membership club. Most of their profit doesn't even come from the markup on the goods—it comes from the annual fees you pay to walk through the door.
Because of this, they can afford to be "the good guys."
By staying closed on Easter, Costco is signaling to its 300,000+ employees that their time is valued. This isn't just corporate fluff. Costco consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in retail. When you treat people like humans who deserve to see their families on a holiday, they tend to stay longer. Low turnover means lower training costs. Lower costs mean cheaper hot dogs for you.
It’s all connected.
The Last-Minute Scramble
If you realize on Saturday night that you forgot the deviled egg tray, you are basically out of luck at the warehouse. Saturday before Easter is arguably one of the busiest shopping days of the entire year. It’s chaos. Pure, unadulterated madness. People are fighting over the last packs of Kirkland Signature dinner rolls like their lives depend on it.
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If you must go on Saturday, go early. Like, "standing at the door at 8:55 AM" early.
Where to Go Instead
Look, we've all been there. You forgot the vinegar for the egg dye. Or maybe you just need a gallon of milk. If you find Costco closed Easter morning, you do have a few fallback options, though they won't have those sweet, sweet bulk prices.
- CVS and Walgreens: Usually open, though the pharmacy might have weird hours. Good for candy and basic staples.
- 7-Eleven: Always there for you. Always.
- Whole Foods: Often open, but check your local listings because they sometimes close early on the holiday.
- Kroger/Harris Teeter: These typically stay open, though they might shut down by 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM to give their staff a break.
- Meijer: If you're in the Midwest, this is your best bet. They are famous for being open when everyone else is closed.
Basically, if it’s a standard grocery store, you have a 50/50 shot. If it’s a warehouse club (BJ’s or Sam’s Club), you better check the app first. Sam’s Club, for example, usually follows Costco’s lead and stays closed on Easter as well.
Managing the "Bulk" Logistics
The real trick to surviving a holiday closure isn't finding a replacement store; it's planning your fridge space. Costco shoppers buy in volume. If you buy your Easter ham, your sides, and three boxes of wine on Wednesday, you have to find a place to put them.
The "Costco Closed" phenomenon actually dictates the flow of American suburbs the week leading up to the holiday. You see the "Costco Haul" posts all over TikTok and Instagram starting on Tuesday. People are prepping. They know the window is closing.
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Does the Gas Station Stay Open?
This is a common question. People think the pumps might be automated. Nope.
If the warehouse is closed, the gas station is closed. Don't roll up to the pumps on Sunday morning with your tank on "E" expecting to use your membership card. The lights will be off, and the pylons will be up. It’s a total shutdown. This catches a lot of travelers off guard, especially those who rely on Costco's lower fuel prices for holiday road trips.
The Cultural Impact of the Day Off
There’s something sort of quiet and nice about a giant like Costco going dark. In an era where we can get a pizza delivered by a robot at 3:00 AM, having a massive physical space just... stop... feels significant. It forces a bit of intentionality. You have to plan. You have to think ahead.
It also levels the playing field for smaller, local grocers who might stay open. That little corner market that’s usually overshadowed by the giant warehouse suddenly becomes the hero of the neighborhood for twelve hours.
Actionable Steps for the Holiday Shopper
To avoid the frustration of a locked door and an empty stomach, follow this timeline for any major holiday where Costco closes:
- Inventory Check (5 Days Out): Open your pantry on Tuesday. Do you actually have enough coffee? What about the heavy cream?
- The "Heavy" Shop (Wednesday/Thursday): Buy your non-perishables and frozen items now. Avoid the Friday/Saturday rush at all costs.
- The Fresh Run (Friday): Get your salads, berries, and breads. By Friday evening, the shelves start looking a bit picked over.
- The "Forget-Me-Not" List: Write down the one thing you always forget (it's usually butter or napkins). Buy it before Saturday noon.
- Check the App: Costco's app will often update local hours if there's a specific regional reason for a change, but for Easter, assume the 100% "No" rule applies.
If you miss the window, don't panic. Take it as a sign to slow down. The giant muffins will still be there on Monday morning at 10:00 AM sharp. Just make sure you have your card ready—they’ll be checking at the door.