THOSE consumers who frequent Costco are going to have to consider heading to competitors soon.
The warehouse retail giant is closing all 623 of its stores for 24 hours in just weeks.
Costco is closing the doors on all of its locations soon (stock image)[/caption]
Sam’s Club and other competitors will remain open (stock image)[/caption]
It comes as part of Costco’s holiday schedule, which recognizes Labor Day and has all stores shutter temporarily as a result.
Labor Day is always celebrated on the first Monday in September as a way to honor the achievements and dedication of American workers, as noted by the United States Department of Labor.
For many Americans, it also signifies the end of summer.
This year, Labor Day falls on September 1, which means Costco shoppers will not have access to brick-and-mortar stores until September 2.
Online purchases can still be made through Costco’s website on the holiday, but they won’t be processed and delivered until after Labor Day.
RIVAL REWARDED?
Costco members can either plan ahead and get what they need from their local warehouse before the closure, or consider heading to rivals like Sam’s Club, who will remain open on Labor Day.
Except, Sam’s Club’s website notes adjusted hours to keep in mind.
Those shoppers who have a Plus membership will be able to shop between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Labor Day.
Club members will only have from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The two hour extension for Plus members comes as part of their benefits, similar to how Costco’s Executive members can get early store access to beat the shopping rush.
Several other non-membership-based retailers will also remain open on September 1 this year for those who need grocery essentials, per Reader’s Digest.
Kroger, Publix, Target, and Walmart will remain open, for example, but customers should check with their local store for adjusted operating hours.
The same goes for Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.
Home improvement chains like Lowe’s and The Home Depot are also still operational on Labor Day.
Costco’s Holiday Closure Schedule
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
BANK BLACKOUT
Additionally, Americans looking to stop by their nearest bank branch on September 1 should adjust their plans.
Labor Day is a nationwide banking blackout, with top companies like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo shuttering locations for 24 hours in observance.
That’s because Labor Day is a holiday recognized by the Federal Reserve, and most banks follow the federal agency’s holiday schedule.
While transactions can still be made on September 1, they will remain pending until the following business day.
This is something to consider when making rent, mortgage, or credit card payments, which can often fall on the first of the month.
Most ATMs should also still be accessible on Labor Day.
Some retailers and banks have also conducted widespread closures recently that are permanent.
Kroger, for example, is closing multiple locations this month with dozens more on the way.
Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and others have also collectively closed over 100 branches over the span of two months.
