Costco warehouses and gas stations across the United States remained closed on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in observance of one of the retailer's seven annual holiday closures, leaving members seeking bulk groceries, household essentials or last-minute Easter supplies to look elsewhere or plan ahead for Monday's reopening.

Costco's first-quarter 2012 profits jumped 2.6 percent and revenue rose 13 percent, the company announced Thursday.

The membership-only warehouse club, known for its generous portions, free samples and competitive pricing on everything from rotisserie chickens to electronics, follows a consistent policy of shutting down on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Costco customer service and the company's official holiday schedule confirm that all U.S. locations, including gas stations, observe the full-day closure on Easter.

This year's Easter fell on April 5, creating a three-day weekend for many Americans celebrating with church services, egg hunts and family meals. While some retailers like Walmart stayed open with regular or adjusted hours to serve last-minute shoppers, Costco's decision to close gives its more than 130,000 employees nationwide a paid holiday to spend with family and loved ones — a policy the company has long emphasized as a way to support work-life balance.

"Costco closes its warehouses on Easter Sunday so our associates can enjoy the holiday with their families," a company spokesperson reiterated in response to customer inquiries. The closure applies uniformly to all U.S. locations, though international warehouses may follow local customs.

Shoppers who attempted to visit a Costco location on Sunday found locked doors and darkened interiors, with signs often reminding members of the holiday schedule. Gas pumps at Costco stations were also unavailable, forcing drivers to seek fuel at nearby stations that remained open.

The closure comes after a busy pre-Easter period. Costco warehouses were open on Good Friday, April 3, with Executive members able to shop starting at 9 a.m. and Gold Star or Business members from 10 a.m., typically closing around 8:30 p.m. Many members stocked up on holiday favorites such as ham, fresh produce, bakery items, chocolate and pre-made Easter baskets during the final shopping days before the shutdown.

For those caught without key items on Easter morning, alternatives abounded. Walmart operated most stores on regular Sunday hours, offering a wide selection of groceries and seasonal goods. Target stores, however, were closed nationwide. Grocery chains like Kroger, some Aldi locations and regional supermarkets varied by market, with many open but potentially with reduced staffing or modified hours.

Costco's online platform at Costco.com remained accessible throughout the holiday for members to browse and place orders, though same-day delivery or curbside pickup options were limited or unavailable at closed warehouses. Standard shipping continued for non-perishable items, providing a partial workaround for urgent needs.

Retail analysts note that Costco's strict holiday closure policy sets it apart from many big-box competitors and aligns with its member-focused culture. While it may inconvenience some shoppers on high-demand days like Easter, the company views the closures as an investment in employee satisfaction that ultimately supports long-term retention and service quality.

"Associates deserve a day to be at home with their families, their traditions and those who matter most," one Costco location posted on social media ahead of the holiday, echoing the company's longstanding rationale.

Membership holders planning post-Easter shopping can expect warehouses to reopen Monday, April 6, with normal operating hours — typically 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., though Executive members often gain early access. Gas stations will also resume operations, potentially offering relief for drivers who rely on Costco's frequently lower fuel prices.

The Easter closure fits into a broader pattern for 2026. Costco will also shut down on Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (Sept. 7), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas (Dec. 25), plus New Year's Day (Jan. 1, 2027). It remains open on other federal holidays such as Presidents' Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.

For international members, policies can differ by country. In Canada and other markets, local Costco locations sometimes observe different holidays or adjusted hours based on regional laws and customs.

As families gathered for Easter 2026 amid pleasant spring weather in many regions, the Costco closure prompted some lighthearted complaints on social media alongside practical advice to shop early. Many turned to warehouse competitors like Sam's Club, which also closed on Easter Sunday, or shifted to grocery delivery services and open big-box stores.

Costco has not announced any special extended hours or exceptions for Easter 2026. The company encourages members to use its website or mobile app to locate nearby stores and confirm hours for future visits. Those needing pharmacy services, optical or tire center assistance should note that these departments follow warehouse schedules and were unavailable on Sunday.

In the broader retail landscape, Easter shopping patterns continue to evolve. More consumers rely on a mix of in-store and online options, and Costco's robust e-commerce presence helps mitigate some inconvenience from physical closures. Still, the warehouse experience — with its bulk buying and discovery of new items — remains a draw that many missed on the holiday.

Members planning large holiday purchases for upcoming events like graduations or summer barbecues may want to mark future closure dates on their calendars to avoid similar surprises. Costco's predictable schedule allows savvy shoppers to stock up in advance.

As Easter Sunday drew to a close, Costco warehouses stood quiet while employees enjoyed the day off. Normal operations will resume Monday, bringing back the familiar buzz of shopping carts, sample stations and bulk deals that millions of members rely on throughout the year.

For the most accurate information on any specific location or service, members should consult the official Costco website, contact customer service or use the store locator tool. While today's closure honored the holiday, the company looks forward to welcoming shoppers back for another year of value and selection.