Starting June 30, 2025, Costco executive hours are getting a major overhaul, offering exclusive early shopping access to Executive Members across all U.S. warehouses. This change, announced via Costco’s social media and confirmed through various news outlets, revives a perk once offered years ago, giving higher-tier members a head start on their shopping. If you’re an Executive Member or considering upgrading, here’s the lowdown on what these changes mean, why they’re happening, and how they’ll impact your Costco experience.
Why Costco Executive Hours Are Changing
Costco’s decision to tweak its hours stems from a desire to reward its most loyal customers—those with the $130-per-year Executive Membership. These members, who make up about 47% of Costco’s membership base but drive over 70% of its sales, are getting exclusive access to warehouses from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Regular Gold Star members, paying $65 annually, will wait until regular hours—typically 10 a.m. weekdays and Sundays, and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. The move mirrors rival Sam’s Club, which has long offered early hours to its Plus members. Costco aims to ease overcrowding, a common complaint, while boosting the value of its premium membership.
This change also comes on the heels of a membership fee hike in September 2024, when Executive Memberships rose from $120 to $130 and Gold Star from $60 to $65. By adding perks like early shopping, Costco hopes to encourage more members to upgrade, especially since Executive Members spend significantly more.
Key Point Summary: What’s New for Costco Executive Hours
- Start Date: June 30, 2025
- Executive Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. (weekdays/Sundays); 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (Saturdays)
- Regular Hours: 10 a.m. (weekdays/Sundays); 9:30 a.m. (Saturdays)
- Additional Perk: $10 monthly credit for Executive Members on Instacart or same-day orders over $150
- Saturday Closing: Extended to 7 p.m. for all members
How the Costco Executive Hours Change Impacts Shoppers
For Executive Members, the new Costco executive hours are a game-changer. Shopping at 9 a.m. means fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a better chance to snag high-demand items like fresh produce or seasonal goods. Social media posts on platforms like Instagram and Reddit show Executive Members buzzing with excitement. One commenter jokingly said they’re ready for “fresh morning hot dogs” at the food court, which opens early for Executive Members too. Pharmacies, optical centers, and tire shops will also be accessible during these exclusive hours, except on Sundays for pharmacies.
However, Gold Star members in some regions, particularly California’s Bay Area where stores already open at 9 a.m., aren’t thrilled. These locations will now reserve the 9 a.m. slot for Executive Members only, pushing regular members to 10 a.m. This has sparked some backlash on social media, with comments like, “Does this mean I’m losing my early shopping time?” Costco has promised a grace period to ease the transition, but details remain unclear.
Employee Concerns and Operational Shifts
The Costco executive hours change isn’t just affecting shoppers—employees are feeling the pinch too. Reddit threads reveal workers’ worries about tighter schedules. One employee noted their warehouse already struggles to open by 9:45 a.m., and starting at 9 a.m. could mean unfinished tasks or earlier shifts. Some locations are reportedly moving morning restocking to nighttime to cope, but workers fear this won’t fully address the strain. Despite these concerns, Costco’s focus remains on enhancing the member experience, with early hours seen as a way to reduce congestion.
Additional Perks Sweeten the Deal
Beyond Costco executive hours, Executive Members are getting more bang for their buck. Starting June 30, they’ll receive a $10 monthly credit for orders over $150 through Costco’s same-day delivery or Instacart. This perk, combined with the existing 2% annual reward on eligible purchases (up to $1,250), makes the $130 membership more appealing for frequent shoppers. For context, you’d need to spend at least $3,250 annually at Costco to break even on the Executive Membership’s cost compared to Gold Star, thanks to the cashback.
What’s Next for Costco Shoppers?
As Costco rolls out these changes, the retailer is also testing other upgrades, like a Scan-and-Go checkout system and a switch to Coca-Cola products in food courts by mid-2025. These moves show Costco’s commitment to staying competitive while addressing customer pain points like long lines and crowded stores. For now, the focus is on making Executive Memberships more valuable, but Gold Star members might feel the squeeze in areas where early hours were standard.
If you’re a Costco shopper, now’s the time to weigh your options. Executive Members will enjoy a quieter, more convenient shopping experience, but the $130 price tag might not suit everyone. Check your local warehouse’s hours, as some variations exist, and consider how often you shop to decide if upgrading makes sense.
Ready to take advantage of these new Costco executive hours? Visit your local Costco or check their website to upgrade your membership and start shopping early on June 30!