Costco’s latest membership policy change is set to officially take effect on Sunday, August 31, marking the end of a transitional grace period. As first reported by The U.S. Sun, this shift will give Executive Members exclusive early access to warehouse stores, stirring a mix of support and frustration among customers and employees.
Early Access For Executive Members Reshapes Shopping Experience
Costco’s new policy introduces exclusive early store access for Executive Members, who pay $130 per year, compared to the $65 Gold Star membership. Beginning June 30, Executive Members have been able to enter the store an hour earlier on weekdays and Sundays—from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 30 minutes early on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.. Additionally, Costco has extended store closing hours on Saturdays by one hour, keeping doors open until 7 p.m. for all customers.
This update is positioned as a loyalty reward. “Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco,” the retailer told Business Insider. These customers, although representing less than half of the 79.6 million total members, account for approximately 73% of total sales, according to internal company data.
The move closely mirrors policies at Sam’s Club, where Plus Members have enjoyed early access for years. Despite the similarities, Costco’s approach has prompted mixed reactions from both customers and employees.
Mixed Reactions From Shoppers And Workers
The early access initiative has ignited a notable backlash on social media, where many non-Executive Members have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a two-tier shopping experience. Some users likened the new system to exclusivity culture, with one Facebook commenter stating, “Why does Costco act like it’s a hot exclusive night club? I’ll stick with BJ’s.”
Another shopper compared Costco to Sam’s Club dismissively, saying, “Costco just copies everything Sam’s Club already does.” For some, the feeling is more personal—one user wrote that the new hours make non-Executive members feel like “peasants.”
For Costco workers, the policy has also introduced new complications. Employees now need to arrive earlier, particularly in departments like meat and bakery. One worker noted that they already started at 5 a.m., and now have to report at 4 a.m., making an already tight staffing situation more challenging. “This two hour change will make it infinitely worse,” one employee shared, citing increased strain during transitions between morning and night shifts.
Temporary Grace Period Ends August 31
In the weeks leading up to the full rollout, Costco implemented a grace period to allow all members, regardless of tier, to adjust. “A grace period for Gold Star and Business members will be in effect through August 31,” read one sign posted at various warehouse entrances. The aim, the company stated, was to ease the transition and avoid confusion at the door.
That period is now drawing to a close. Starting Sunday, only Executive Members will be allowed entry during the early access windows. Employees have been instructed to enforce the policy strictly, and non-Executive members attempting to enter early will be asked to wait until regular hours.
Some shoppers expressed concern about how this will affect elderly customers or those who traditionally wait at the doors before opening. The decision to end the grace period may result in longer morning queues and added tension between shoppers and staff at opening time.
Supporters Say It’s A Justified Perk
Despite the criticisms, many Executive Members welcome the new policy. For some, the early hour offers a quieter, faster shopping experience that feels like a premium benefit worth the higher fee. One customer commented, “Honestly, I’m vibin’ with this because I’m paying for Executive. With how expensive it is, this is a treat.” Another wrote, “Thank you Costco! I deserve that! Executive member here.”
A few even suggested the early access has improved their overall experience, from shorter checkout lines to better parking availability and less crowded aisles. Some members have gone as far as asking others to “keep it a secret”, fearing the perk could be watered down if more people upgrade.
Still, even among Executive Members, there are voices calling for better communication and clearer signage to avoid conflict and confusion—especially in locations where store staff may not be fully prepared to handle the policy shift smoothly.
Competitive Landscape May Be Driving The Shift
Costco’s policy change places it in direct alignment with its biggest competitor, Sam’s Club, which has long provided early access to Plus Members. The competitive pressure between warehouse retailers appears to be intensifying, especially as both chains expand digital services, boost membership perks, and increase store footprints across the U.S.
Retail analysts suggest that early access is an easy way to differentiate membership tiers without overhauling core pricing or operations. Offering exclusive time slots may improve the perceived value of premium memberships while managing peak-hour congestion.
That said, such changes risk alienating core customer groups—especially those loyal to the traditional egalitarian spirit that Costco has long been known for.
As Policy Takes Effect, Customers Must Adjust
With the grace period ending August 31, Costco’s early access policy for Executive Members becomes permanent. Whether this move will drive more standard members to upgrade, or push them toward competitors like BJ’s or Walmart, remains to be seen.
For now, all members should be aware of the new rules—and plan accordingly. Executive Members will be able to shop from 9 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays, while standard members must wait until 10 a.m. or 9:30 a.m., respectively.
The long-term success of the policy may depend on how well it’s enforced, and how many customers feel valued or left behind by the evolving membership model.
