For many households, early July is filled with preparation, celebration, and last-minute shopping.

But a surprising shift from one of the nation’s biggest retailers could throw routines off course.

Another competing chain is already positioning itself to benefit from the temporary gap.

And it’s happening just as millions of Americans gear up for one of the busiest shopping weekends of summer.

Costco to close all 624 US stores for 24 hours​

In a rare but deliberate move, Costco will be shutting down all 624 of its US warehouses for an entire day on Independence Day.

This is not due to emergency repairs or a staffing issue.

It’s part of Costco’s consistent practice of honoring federal holidays by allowing its employees to spend the day with family.



This nationwide pause will happen on July 4—one of just seven holidays throughout the year when the retailer closes entirely.

This long-standing company tradition prioritizes worker wellness over one-day profits.

It also reflects Costco’s continued efforts to maintain strong employee satisfaction through better work-life balance.

These are the federal holidays when Costco remains closed:

• New Year’s Day
• Easter Sunday
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Also read: Skip the lines at Costco? A new perk lets you shop early—if you qualify

Sam’s Club prepares to serve shoppers Costco can’t​

While Costco shutters for a full 24 hours, its primary competitor Sam’s Club is staying open for most of the day.

Sam’s Club will only close two hours early on the Fourth of July.

This small window gives the retailer a valuable advantage—especially with Costco holding 62% of the warehouse club market, while Sam’s Club trails at 31%, according to a CFRA report.

This competitive tactic gives Sam’s Club a unique opportunity to capture customers needing last-minute grilling gear, snacks, drinks, and desserts.

It’s also worth noting that Costco’s daily revenue hovers around $730 million—meaning one missed day could lead to millions in lost sales.

Meanwhile, Sam’s Club is expected to enjoy a surge of shoppers who either missed their chance at Costco or are simply curious about the alternative.

Here’s what Independence Day will look like for other stores​

For anyone planning their errands around the holiday, it’s not just Costco that’s worth noting.

Some major chains will adjust their hours—but others will remain completely open.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect from other retailers:

Stores remaining open with normal hours include:

• Albertsons
• Best Buy
• Big Lots
• BJ’s Wholesale Club
• CVS
• Kohl’s
• Dollar General
• JCPenney
• Lowe’s
• Macy’s
• Publix

Stores with reduced or adjusted hours:

• Trader Joe’s is expected to close early at 5 PM
• Starbucks locations may close early or adjust their hours depending on location

Also read: Are you a Costco member? This hidden perk could save you $88 on tires

Essential services also experience disruptions​

As July 4 is one of 11 federal holidays in the United States, it’s not just retailers that will be impacted.

Here’s what else might be delayed or unavailable:

• Banks will be closed for the day.
• Trash pickup will likely be postponed by one day in many areas.
• Mail services will be suspended, as the US Postal Service observes federal holidays.

With fewer public services operating and a major warehouse retailer temporarily out of commission, many Americans may find themselves having to make early arrangements.

Most major retailers, including Walmart and Target, will remain open on July 4, with little disruption expected in the retail sector.

These are the 11 federal holiday dates for 2025 you should look out for:​

Costco’s culture prioritizes its workers over profit​

Unlike other retailers that stay open every day of the year, Costco has built a strong brand around employee care.

This employee-first model has earned Costco a loyal workforce and consistent praise from members who appreciate its policies—even when it means skipping their favorite bulk buys for one day.

Sam’s Club closes only for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, choosing instead to shorten hours on other holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day.

While Costco's temporary closure is planned, other retailers are making more permanent exits.

From big-name brands exiting shopping malls to smaller chains shutting multiple locations, the retail landscape is in constant flux.

Rising economic pressures and shifting consumer habits are forcing businesses to adapt fast.

But Costco’s consistency may be one reason it remains such a favorite among warehouse members—providing not just bulk goods, but reliable business practices.

Read next: Comfort, convenience, and value: What’s new at Costco in June
Do you plan ahead when your favorite warehouse store closes? Have you ever been caught off guard by a holiday shutdown? Do you prefer Costco, Sam’s Club, or another retailer altogether? The community would love to hear your shopping strategies and how you make the most of holiday closures.