Costco’s New Executive-Only Shopping Hour: What You Need to Know
Costco is turning the tables for its top-tier shoppers with a brand-new perk that gives Executive members a head start—literally. Beginning September 1, 2025, Executive members can walk through Costco’s doors at 9 a.m., an hour before typical shoppers even get to start. It’s a strategic move aimed at rewarding loyalty, boosting convenience, and all but daring regular members to consider an upgrade.
An Early Start for Executive Members
Once the store’s doors officially open, all members can shop as usual. But for Executive members—who shell out $130 a year for their membership—there’s now a VIP window. From 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, you’ll enjoy quieter aisles, shorter checkout lines, and full access to amenities like the food court, optical center, and pharmacy (though the pharmacy remains closed on Sundays). Everyday Gold Star and Business members, who pay $65 annually, still enjoy their usual benefits but must wait until the standard opening times.
Perks Already Packed into Executive Tier
This new early access joins an already attractive bundle of benefits for Executive members. Each year, members earn 2% cashback on qualifying purchases—up to $1,250. On top of that, Costco recently added a $10 monthly credit for same-day delivery or Instacart orders of $150 or more.
Costco’s own data shows that Executive members—though fewer in number—generate a significant share of revenue. They represent less than half of the roughly 79.6 million members but account for 73% of sales. The message is clear: Costco is making loyalty pay.
Controversy and Reactions
Not everyone is thrilled. When the early access perk was quietly rolled out in June, it came with a grace period during which regular members were still allowed in early. That ended August 31, and enforcement began in earnest on September 1.
Some customers and employees have taken to social media to voice frustration. Critics argue the policy is elitist—especially since it seems to favor shoppers with more disposable income. Comments like calling regular members “peasants” have inflamed tensions.
Workers, too, have raised concerns. Many say the company has not increased staffing to support earlier openings, which could strain already-light schedules and disrupt restocking routines. One store manager called it “an absolute nightmare.”
What It Means for Shoppers
For regular members, this means adjusting shopping routines: weekdays and Sundays now begin at 10 a.m., and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Meanwhile, frequent Costco visitors may find the Executive upgrade more compelling. The quieter environment and priority access could tip the scale for those weighing the extra $65.
Additionally, this aligns Costco with competitors like Sam’s Club, which has long offered similar early-access privileges to its premium members.
Beyond the Early Entry
This update isn’t Costco’s only shift in strategy. Earlier in the summer, the company secured a new deal to replace Pepsi with Coca-Cola in its food courts—a noticeable change for longtime shoppers. Costco is sending a message: loyalty and change are closely linked for its most valuable shoppers.
Ultimately, as of September 1, 2025, only Executive members will enjoy that coveted hour before others. Whether it’s worth the upgrade depends on how much you value convenience, space, and peace—especially when the warehouse aisles tend to feel like a rush-hour expressway on weekends.
