For millions of Americans, Costco is more than just a warehouse store. It is where families buy groceries for the week, businesses stock up on supplies, and individuals find everything from electronics to prescription medications under one roof. That’s why a simple question like is costco open today becomes so important, especially on days when other services are closed or operating on limited schedules.
Today is Monday, January 19, 2026, a federal holiday in the United States observed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many institutions shut down on this day, including banks and government offices, which often causes confusion about which businesses are open. Costco follows a retail-focused operating schedule rather than a federal one, and that distinction matters for shoppers planning a visit.
This comprehensive guide explains Costco’s operating status today, how its holiday policies work, what services are available inside warehouses, what shoppers should expect during a holiday visit, and how to plan future trips with confidence. Everything below is written for U.S. readers who want clarity, accuracy, and practical insight.
Costco’s Operating Status Today
Costco warehouses across the United States are open today and operating as they would on a normal weekday. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not included among the holidays when Costco closes its locations. As a result, members can enter warehouses, shop freely, and use most in-store services without interruption.
This applies to the vast majority of Costco locations nationwide. While individual warehouses can occasionally adjust hours due to local conditions such as severe weather or unforeseen events, there is no companywide closure or reduced-hour policy in place today. For most members, today functions as a standard Monday at Costco.
Why Costco Remains Open on Certain Federal Holidays
Costco’s holiday policy is designed to balance employee time off with customer accessibility. Unlike banks and government offices, which close on nearly all federal holidays, Costco limits full closures to a small group of major holidays each year.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is treated as a regular operating day because it does not fall into Costco’s category of full-closure holidays. This approach allows members who have the day off work to shop conveniently while keeping warehouse operations consistent across much of the year.
By remaining open on many federal holidays, Costco provides reliability to shoppers who depend on it for groceries, fuel, and essential household items.
Typical Costco Hours on a Monday
On a standard Monday, Costco warehouses usually open in the morning and close in the evening. Most locations allow general member entry starting mid-morning and remain open until later in the evening. These hours apply to the main shopping floor, checkout lanes, and most departments.
Executive members may receive earlier entry at certain locations. This early-access benefit varies by warehouse and region, but it is commonly available on regular weekdays. Members arriving early should be aware that exact entry times are determined locally and may differ slightly from one warehouse to another.
Because today follows a regular weekday schedule, shoppers can expect typical opening and closing times rather than reduced or holiday-specific hours.
What Departments Are Open Inside Costco Today
When Costco is open, most departments operate normally, and today is no exception. Shoppers can access the full range of products and services that Costco offers on a regular business day.
The main warehouse floor is open, offering groceries, bulk food items, beverages, household essentials, clothing, electronics, furniture, seasonal goods, and specialty items. Checkout services operate throughout the day, allowing members to complete purchases without restrictions.
Pharmacy departments are generally open when the warehouse is open, although pharmacy hours may not perfectly match warehouse hours. Members planning to pick up prescriptions are encouraged to visit earlier in the day for smoother service.
Optical centers typically operate during standard business hours as well. Services may include eye exams, eyewear fittings, adjustments, and order pickups. Like pharmacies, optical departments may close earlier than the main warehouse in some locations.
Costco gas stations are also open today at most locations. Fuel hours often extend beyond warehouse shopping hours, providing flexibility for members who want to refuel before or after shopping.
Food courts and bakery departments are usually open as part of regular operations. Members can purchase prepared foods, baked goods, and popular food court items throughout the day, though availability can vary depending on demand.
Membership Rules and Access Today
Costco’s membership requirements apply today just as they do on any other day. A valid membership card is required to enter the warehouse and make purchases. Gold Star, Business, and Executive memberships all grant access.
Guests are permitted only when accompanied by a member, and all purchases must be completed under the member’s account. Executive membership benefits, such as potential early entry and reward eligibility, remain in effect today.
Holiday status does not change membership rules, pricing policies, or checkout procedures.
What to Expect From Crowd Levels Today
Because today is a federal holiday for many workers, Costco locations may experience higher foot traffic than on a typical weekday. Shoppers often take advantage of a day off to complete errands, stock up on groceries, or browse large purchases.
Morning hours shortly after opening tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for shoppers who want a faster experience. Midday and early afternoon are typically the busiest times, especially in suburban and urban areas. Evening hours may see reduced crowds as families finish errands and prepare for the workweek.
Checkout lines can be longer during peak hours, but Costco generally adjusts staffing to manage higher traffic. Members who prefer a quicker trip may find early morning or later evening visits more efficient.
Holiday Shopping Tips for Costco Members
Planning ahead can make a holiday Costco visit smoother and less stressful. Creating a shopping list before arriving helps reduce time spent navigating busy aisles. Knowing where frequently purchased items are located can also save time.
If you are shopping for groceries or perishable items, arriving earlier in the day increases the likelihood of full shelves and fresher selections. High-demand items and seasonal products tend to sell more quickly on holidays.
For fuel purchases, gas stations may be busiest during midday. Refueling early in the morning or later in the evening can help avoid long lines.
Using self-checkout lanes, where available, can also shorten wait times during busy periods.
How Costco’s Schedule Compares to Other Services Today
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many public services close, including banks, post offices, and government offices. Financial markets also observe the holiday. In contrast, Costco remains open and fully operational.
This difference highlights the distinction between public institutions and private retail businesses. Costco’s decision to stay open provides essential shopping access at a time when other services are unavailable.
For consumers who need groceries, household goods, or fuel on a holiday, Costco serves as a reliable option when many doors are closed elsewhere.
Costco’s Annual Closure Policy Explained
While Costco is open today, it does close on several major holidays each year. These closures are consistent and predictable, allowing members to plan ahead.
Typically, Costco closes on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. On these dates, warehouses, gas stations, pharmacies, and most services are closed nationwide.
Outside of these major holidays, Costco remains open on many federal observances, maintaining consistent access for members throughout the year.
Planning Future Costco Visits With Confidence
Understanding Costco’s holiday schedule helps members avoid wasted trips and plan shopping more effectively. Keeping track of the few days when warehouses are closed ensures you arrive prepared.
For holidays when Costco remains open, shopping early, planning purchases, and being mindful of peak hours can significantly improve the experience. This approach is especially useful during long weekends and nationally observed holidays.
Costco’s consistency makes it easier for families, individuals, and small businesses to rely on the warehouse for regular and bulk purchases year-round.
Key Takeaways for Today’s Shoppers
Costco is open today and operating under its regular weekday schedule. Members can shop, refuel, and access most in-store services without restriction. Crowds may be heavier due to the holiday, but all standard offerings remain available.
Knowing how Costco handles federal holidays allows shoppers to plan efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays. Whether you are making a quick stop or planning a large shopping trip, today provides full access to Costco’s warehouse experience.
Have you shopped at Costco today or are you planning to go later? Share your experience or tips in the comments and stay informed about store hours throughout the year.