Starting June 30, 2025, Costco is rolling out new hours for Executive Members, giving them exclusive early access to shop before the general membership. This change, announced via email and social media, marks the return of a coveted perk that allows Executive Members to enter warehouses at 9 a.m. daily, beating the crowds and enjoying a quieter shopping experience. With membership fees recently increased, this move aims to sweeten the deal for those paying the premium $130 annual fee for an Executive Membership. Let’s dive into what these new hours mean for shoppers, why Costco is making this change, and how it impacts both Executive and Gold Star members.
Why Costco Introduced New Hours for Executive Members
Costco’s decision to reinstate early shopping hours for Executive Members comes as a strategic move to enhance the value of its higher-tier membership. The Executive Membership, now priced at $130 per year after a $10 increase in September 2024, offers perks like a 2% annual reward on eligible purchases (up to $1,250) and discounts on Costco services. By opening warehouses at 9 a.m. exclusively for these members, Costco aims to reward their loyalty and address overcrowding issues that have frustrated shoppers. CEO Ron Vachris emphasized improving the member experience during a May 2025 earnings call, noting that high-traffic warehouses often face long lines and parking challenges.
This isn’t a brand-new idea. Costco offered early hours for Executive Members years ago, but the perk was phased out in many locations. Its return aligns with competitors like Sam’s Club, which provides early access to its Plus members. The change also responds to member feedback about crowded stores, especially during peak shopping seasons like summer and holidays.
Key Details of the New Executive Member Hours
Here’s a breakdown of Costco’s new hours for Executive Members, effective June 30, 2025:
- Monday–Friday: Executive Members can shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with Gold Star members entering at 10 a.m.
- Saturday: Executive Members get access from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by Gold Star members at 9:30 a.m.
- Sunday: Executive Members shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with regular hours starting at 10 a.m. for others.
- Additional Perk: Warehouses will stay open until 7 p.m. on Saturdays for all members, extending shopping time by an hour.
These hours apply to most U.S. warehouses, though some locations already opening at 9 a.m. will now reserve that first hour for Executive Members only. Costco Business Centers and gas stations are unaffected by this change. Ancillary services like pharmacies, food courts, and optical departments will also open at 9 a.m. for Executive Members.
Key Point Summary
- Start Date: June 30, 2025
- Executive Member Hours: 9 a.m. daily (30 minutes earlier on Saturdays)
- Membership Cost: $130/year for Executive, $65/year for Gold Star
- Additional Benefits: $10 monthly Instacart credit for orders over $150, 2% reward up to $1,250
- Goal: Reduce overcrowding, reward loyal members
Impact on Shoppers and Employees
For Executive Members, the new hours for Executive Members are a game-changer. Shoppers like Joann Feinstein from Tinton Falls, New Jersey, told News 12 that early access will help them avoid crowds, making trips more efficient. Social media reactions show excitement, with one Instagram commenter joking about enjoying “fresh morning hot dogs” with their black card. However, not all feedback is positive. Some Gold Star members, paying $65 annually, feel shortchanged, as stores that previously opened at 9 a.m. for all will now delay their entry to 10 a.m. One commenter on Costco’s Instagram called it “punishing” for those not upgrading.
Employees, meanwhile, have mixed feelings. A front-end manager told Business Insider that the earlier hours could strain staff, especially with smaller payroll budgets. Some Reddit users identifying as Costco workers called the change an “absolute nightmare,” citing scheduling challenges. To mitigate this, some stores are shifting morning restocking to nighttime, but the transition may still be rocky.
Additional Perks Sweetening the Deal
Beyond new hours for Executive Members, Costco is adding value with a $10 monthly credit for Instacart or Same-Day service orders over $150. This perk targets busy shoppers who prefer delivery. The 2% reward, now capped at $1,250 annually, also makes the Executive Membership appealing for those spending at least $3,250 yearly at Costco, as the rewards can offset the membership cost. With Executive Members driving 73% of Costco’s sales despite being 47% of its 79.6 million members, these benefits aim to boost upgrades from Gold Star.
What This Means for Your Shopping Strategy
If you’re an Executive Member, set your alarm earlier to take advantage of the quieter 9 a.m. slot. It’s perfect for grabbing high-demand items like eggs or seasonal goods before they sell out. Gold Star members might consider upgrading if they shop frequently or value the extra hour, especially in busy locations. Check your local warehouse for specific hours, as some variations exist. For those sticking with Gold Star, the extended Saturday hours until 7 p.m. offer more flexibility.
Costco’s move reflects its focus on enhancing member value while tackling overcrowding. As the retailer expands globally, with 914 warehouses by year-end, these changes could set a precedent for future perks.
Upgrade your Costco membership or plan your shopping around the new hours to make the most of this change. Visit your local warehouse or check Costco’s website for details on how these hours apply to you.