Costco expands early shopping hours for executive members

In the United States, Costco began implementing a new shopping policy for Executive members that allows them to access the store an hour earlier than other members. This change, which officially took effect recently, aims to enhance the shopping experience for Executive members, who pay a higher annual fee compared to other membership tiers. The early hours began with a soft launch in June 2025 at select locations, leading to its rollout across all Costco warehouses. The new schedule provides Executive members exclusive access to stores on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sundays. In addition to the earlier opening times, Costco has adjusted its operating hours on Saturdays for all members to remain open until 7 p.m., allowing more shopping flexibility on weekends. With 882 warehouses globally, including significant numbers in the U.S. and Canada, this policy demonstrates Costco's commitment to catering to their more affluent clientele. The decision for the early access initiative directly stems from customer feedback pointing to the desire for more convenient shopping experiences during busy times. By catering specifically to its Executive membership tier, which requires an annual fee of $130, or about 40% more than the standard membership, Costco aims to provide added value for its loyal members. This strategic adjustment may have potential implications for their membership growth as the company seeks to draw more customers into higher-tier memberships while simultaneously addressing the practical needs of their shoppers. As this new policy unfolds, it remains to be seen how much of an impact it will have on customer satisfaction and membership retention. Costco's move also highlights a growing trend among retailers to differentiate their service offerings based on customer loyalty and membership levels, which could reshape consumer shopping habits in warehouse club settings. The ongoing analysis of consumer behavior and engagement with the adjusted shopping hours will likely inform future strategies as Costco continues to evolve its business model in a competitive retail landscape.