There’s a reason millions of consumers are willing to pay a membership fee to get in the door at Costco.
Simply put, there are so many things Costco does right that forking over a membership fee starts to become a no-brainer.
Take it from me. I’ve been paying that fee for 20 years and counting. And not once have I ever thought to myself, “Hmm, maybe it’s not worth renewing this year.”
First of all, what I pay to access Costco (which, right now, is $130 a year for my Executive membership), I more than make back in the form of savings on groceries and essential household products, like paper towels (which, in my messy home, we go through a lot of).
Also, I’ve yet to find a retailer that matches Costco’s level of customer service.
If I end up unhappy with a purchase, I know I can bring it back to Costco and get a refund without getting the third degree from the folks at customer service. And I also don’t have to stress about not having a receipt.
Part of Costco’s customer-first policy means being open for business as often as possible. And Costco has taken many steps to improve in that regard.
Costco added an extra shopping hour for all members on Saturday evenings last year.
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Costco has expanded its operating hours
Roughly a year ago, Costco made the decision to extend its fuel station hours, making it easier for members to fill up their cars on their way to work or later at night.
Later on in 2025, Costco brought back early shopping hours for Executive members — a perk I missed for many years and now get to benefit from.
Related: Costco copies key Walmart move customers love
Costco also added an extra shopping hour for all members on Saturday evenings last year, which was a really solid move on the company’s part.
Anyone who’s ever been forced to save Costco shopping for the weekend knows how unpleasant navigating a jam-packed store can be. That extra hour at the end of the day allows shoppers to space out more, making for a better experience overall.
Costco has also tried to limit the number of times it closes during the year so that members don’t have to stress about doing their shopping.
Costco will open to members on Presidents Day
As much as Costco tries to do right by its members, the company also has to think about the happiness of its employees when making store closure decisions. And part of that means shutting its doors on certain major holidays.
Costco closes for the following seven holidays during the year:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Source: Costco.com
However, Costco will be open to members on Presidents Day.
Shoppers may, however, want to confirm store hours with their local warehouse clubs in case they’re slightly different for the holiday.
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Of course, just as shopping at Costco on weekends can be a frustrating experience, so too might hitting the store on Presidents Day result in extra crowds and longer lines.
So while the option to go to Costco on Presidents Day will be on the table, it may be worth visiting the store another day.
Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco.
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