Costco Wholesale Corporation has rolled out a new benefit for its Executive members, granting them exclusive early shopping hours across U.S. warehouses and extending weekend operations.
The move is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the value of its premium membership tier and drive customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
Starting today, Executive members—who pay $130 annually—can access Costco stores at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, an hour earlier than Gold Star and Business members.
On Saturdays, Executive members gain a 30-minute head start at 9:00 a.m., while other members can enter at 9:30 a.m.
In addition, Costco has extended Saturday closing hours to 7:00 p.m. for all shoppers, offering increased flexibility for weekend visits.
Exclusive Perks Aim to Strengthen Member Retention
The early access initiative revives a previously discontinued benefit and reflects Costco’s ongoing effort to differentiate its membership tiers with time-based and service-related advantages.
According to the company, Executive members—though fewer in number—generate over 70% of total sales volume, making them a vital segment of Costco’s customer base.
Beyond store access, Executive members are now eligible for a $10 monthly credit on same-day delivery or Instacart orders of $150 or more, further enhancing the value of membership amid growing consumer demand for convenience.
“Rewarding our Executive members with more flexibility and benefits is part of our long-term commitment to providing them exceptional value,” said a Costco spokesperson. “These enhancements aim to offer tangible day-to-day advantages that make shopping more efficient and rewarding.”
Industry analysts see this as a strategic response to recent membership fee increases and intensifying competition from rivals like Sam’s Club, which already offers early shopping to premium-tier members.
The added incentives not only promote Executive tier upgrades but also position Costco to retain its high-spending customer segment.
Despite positive reactions from many Executive members, the rollout has drawn criticism from some Gold Star and Business members who view the new schedule as inequitable.
To ease the transition, Costco has implemented a grace period through August 31, allowing all members temporary access to the early time slots.
As Costco continues to refine its membership structure and customer experience, the introduction of early access and enhanced perks signals a focused approach to long-term growth.
With expanding warehouse locations and improved e-commerce capabilities, the retailer appears committed to staying ahead by deepening its relationship with its most valuable members.
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