One of America’s top retailers, Costco, is closing its doors for 24 hours. By now, many workers are excited about celebrating Labor Day, and this includes the employees of the retail powerhouse. However, many other retailers like Walmart and ALDI are open on Labor Day, and one may wonder what implications this may have on the retail powerhouse.
Costco: Nationwide 24-hour Closure
Costco decided to close its doors for 24 hours, nationwide. The main reason for this is to allow employees to celebrate Labor Day. This speaks volumes to the retailer’s value of its employees. Also, it emphasises the retailer’s view on the commemoration of Labor Day. Before labour laws were implemented, the United States employees were expected to work 12 hours per day and 7 days per week.
Also, with these long hours of working every single day, employees received low wages and did not have protection, for employees specifically. Due to these conditions, many citizens, especially American employees, participated in strikes and protects to ensure better working conditions for employees. As a result, Labor Day were signed into law on June 28, 1894, under the leadership of President Grover Cleveland.
Importance of Labor Day
For 2025, Labor Day is set to be celebrated on September 1. For many Americans it is the last opportunity to enjoy the summer. Labor Day is set out to be a federal holiday, which celebrates and commemorates the contributions and achievers of American employees. Since the first of September falls on a Monday, it becomes a long weekend for many. This long weekend is an opportunity for family and friends to come together and celebrate or just to rest.
What makes this day special is the fact that a major improvement can be seen compared to the 20th century and now. The American workforce is currently sitting at 170 million people as of June 2025. This is supported by Statista, and it has also been stated that there is no cap on the total hours American employees work per week. In addition, the federal law mandates that employees shall be paid a minimum wage. However, this minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 since 2009.
Moreover, due to today’s cost of living, many cities and states across the America have passed legislation to enforce higher minimums wage adjustments. In July 2025, the minimum wage American employees receive, has been raised in 15 states and cities. This is why Labour Day should be celebrated, because of the little changes that occurs on a regular, slowly, but surely. The closure of Costco on Labor Day will allow its employees to celebrate with their families and friends.
Labor Day operations
Although Costco made the decision to close its doors for 24 hours on Labor Day, many other retailers are still operating. Big retailers will remain in operation on September 1. Below is a list of some of the retailers that will remain open on Labor Day:
- Walmart,
- ALDI,
- Walgreen,
- Target,
- Starbuck,
- Taco Bell,
- Kroger, and
- Whole Foods.
Unlike Costco, most of the grocery stores will remain open, consumers are reminded to check ahead for specific hours of operation. Kroger’s website indicated that the retailer would operate regular hours on September 1. Whole Foods on the other hand recommends consumers to check their local store’s webpage on Labour Day to see what the operation hours will be.
In addition, other fast-food chains such as Starbucks and Taco Bell, will also remain in operation on September 1. However, consumers should note that some Starbucks will operate normal hours, but other chains indicated that consumers should check the operation hours in advance. The reason for this is that some local stores hours may be limited on holidays.
United States government offices will also be closed on Labor Day, just like Costco, which is set out as a federal holiday. Customers should also note that the stock market, United States Postal Service and other big banks such as Bank of America will also be closed for Labor Day. However, it has been indicated that most ATMs will be available for basic transactions such as deposit and withdrawals.