A shocking headline has been making the rounds on social media, claiming that Costco will be closing all of its stores across the United States this May. The news caused confusion and concern among shoppers, especially those who rely on Costco for their daily needs and bulk purchases.
However, this claim is completely false. Costco has not announced any such decision, and there is no credible evidence or official statement to support this rumor.
Here’s the full story, explained in simple terms.
Where Did the Rumor Start?
The false news started circulating through a viral post on Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms. The post claimed that Costco would be closing all its U.S. locations in May due to restructuring or financial issues. However, the post did not include any source, official link, or news reference. It was designed purely for attention and clicks.
This kind of content is commonly known as clickbait — attention-grabbing but misleading information that spreads quickly online. Since Costco is a widely trusted and popular brand with millions of members, the rumor gained traction almost immediately.
Costco’s Official Response
Soon after the rumor started trending, Costco issued an official statement to clear the confusion. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that there were no plans to close any U.S. warehouses in May or in the near future.
In their response, they said:
“There are no plans to shut down any of our stores in the U.S. The claims being shared online are completely false and misleading.”
Costco Is Growing, Not Shrinking
In fact, rather than closing stores, Costco has been expanding. As of early 2025, Costco operates more than 600 warehouses across the U.S. The company has also announced plans to open new stores in various locations, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Here are a few facts that prove Costco is doing well:
- Strong earnings: Costco recently reported solid financial results in its quarterly earnings.
- Rising membership: The number of Costco members continues to grow.
- Ongoing expansion: New store openings are planned for several U.S. states in 2025.
- Customer trust: Costco ranks among the top companies in customer satisfaction in retail.
Clearly, there is no financial or operational reason for the company to shut down all of its stores.
Why Do Such Rumors Spread So Quickly?
Misinformation spreads fast online, especially when it involves popular brands. Here are a few reasons why such false news becomes viral:
- Shock value: A claim like “Costco is closing all its stores” grabs attention quickly.
- Lack of verification: Many users share posts without checking the facts.
- Viral algorithms: Social media platforms tend to boost content that creates engagement, even if it’s false.
- Clickbait motivation: Some websites create such headlines to attract users and earn money through ads.
That’s why it’s always better to fact-check before sharing any news on social media.
How Can Shoppers Stay Informed?
If you’re a regular Costco shopper, there’s no need to worry. The stores are open and operating normally. But it’s important to know how to stay informed and avoid being misled by rumors.
Here’s what you can do:
- Visit Costco’s official website: https://www.costco.com
- Check the warehouse locator to see your local store’s status: https://www.costco.com/warehouse-locations
- Follow Costco’s verified social media accounts for authentic updates
- Avoid forwarding or sharing unverified news on WhatsApp, Facebook, or other platforms
Also, reliable fact-checking websites like https://www.snopes.com often address these viral rumors with evidence-based verification.
Costco’s Business Is Stable and Trusted

Unlike many businesses that struggled during recent economic changes, Costco has remained financially strong and well-managed. The company’s bulk pricing model, strong supplier relationships, and loyal member base have helped it weather market challenges effectively.
Its services go beyond groceries. Costco offers:
- Electronics and appliances
- Clothing and household goods
- Pharmacy and optical services
- Travel packages
- Auto and insurance programs
This wide range of services makes Costco a preferred destination for millions of families across the country. A company this diversified and stable is unlikely to shut down suddenly without notice.
False News Can Harm Businesses and Mislead Consumers
These kinds of false stories do more harm than just causing confusion. They can:
- Affect consumer trust
- Damage the brand’s reputation
- Create unnecessary panic
- Lead to economic losses for small vendors dependent on Costco footfall
That’s why both companies and users must take such misinformation seriously.
Conclusion
The claim that Costco is closing all of its U.S. stores in May is completely false. The company has denied the rumor and confirmed that all its U.S. warehouses will remain open.
If you’re a Costco shopper, you can continue to shop as usual. There is no shutdown happening.
Always trust official websites and verified news sources. Avoid sharing posts just because they seem dramatic or urgent. Being responsible with information online helps everyone stay informed and safe.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.

Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.