Costco is about to make a big change that will affect millions of shoppers across the country. Starting on August 31, the “grace period” ends, and the company’s new Executive member policy officially begins. This means some of you will have to adjust your shopping routine, whether you like it or not.
What is Costco’s new executive policy?
Costco rolled out a new rule on June 30 that gave its Executive members early access to stores. These members, who pay $130 a year for the premium membership, now get to shop before everyone else.
Here is what the new hours look like:
- Weekdays and Sundays: Executive members can shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Saturdays: Executive members can shop 30 minutes early, from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Closing time: Stores now stay open an hour later on Saturdays, closing at 7 p.m. for everyone.
Gold Star and Business members, who pay $65 a year, were given a grace period through August 31 to adjust. After that, only Executive members will be allowed in early.
Why is Costco making this change?
According to Costco, the reason is simple: Executive members are the company’s most valuable customers.
- They make up less than half of Costco’s 79.6 million members.
- But they are responsible for about 73% of the company’s sales.
“Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco,” the retailer said in a statement to Business Insider.
In other words, Costco wants to give a perk to the people spending the most money in its stores.
How much does a Costco executive membership cost?
If you are thinking about whether the upgrade is worth it, here is a quick breakdown:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 a year. Gives you access to all stores and online shopping, with two cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 a year. Includes everything from the Gold Star membership, plus:
- 2% annual reward on most purchases
- Extra discounts on Costco services
- Exclusive savings and benefits
- 2% annual reward on most purchases
For some families, the 2% cash back ends up covering most of the cost of the upgrade. For others, it may not be worth it unless you shop at Costco often.
What are shoppers saying about the new hours?
The new policy has stirred up strong feelings. Many customers were not happy about it. Some compared Costco to its competitor.
“Costco just copies everything Sam’s Club already does,” one shopper complained on Facebook. Another said, “Why does Costco act like it’s a hot exclusive night club? I’ll stick with BJ’s.”
Some felt it was unfair to non-Executive members. One even said the rule makes them feel like “peasants.” Others worried about elderly shoppers who often line up before opening but will now have to wait outside.
Still, not everyone was upset. Some Executive members loved the change. “Honestly, I’m vibin’ with this because I’m paying for Executive. With how expensive it is, this is a treat,” one customer wrote.
How are workers reacting to the policy?
It is not just shoppers who are divided. Costco workers have voiced concerns, especially about the longer hours.
One meat department employee explained, “Two hours may not sound like a lot, but we already struggle to get certain parts of the day covered and certain things done between opening and night crew. This two hour change will make it infinitely worse.”
Workers now have to show up even earlier, with some shifts starting around 4 a.m. to prepare for the new schedule.
How does Costco compare with competitors?
If the change feels familiar, that is because Sam’s Club already offers early shopping hours for its Plus members. Sam’s Club charges $110 a year for its Plus plan, which includes early access, free shipping, and pharmacy discounts.
Costco seems to be following a similar path, rewarding its higher-paying members while giving regular members fewer perks. For shoppers, it may come down to whether the benefits match the cost of the upgrade.
