Shoppers at Costco are about to notice a big change at the doors. Starting this week, only those paying for the company’s top-tier plan will be allowed inside during the first hour of the day.
What’s Happening: Costco says the new rule gives its Executive Members—who pay twice as much as standard members—exclusive access from 9 to 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and a half-hour early start on Saturdays. Other members who show up early will be told to wait until regular hours.
Between the Lines: The move isn’t just about convenience. Company figures show Executive Members make up less than half of Costco’s 79 million memberships but drive nearly three-quarters of its sales. That’s the group the company is betting on.
Catch Up Quick: Rival Sam’s Club has long given its premium members an early-shopping perk. Costco is now closing that gap. The chain also added an extra hour of shopping for everyone on Saturdays, with warehouses closing at 7 p.m.
The Ripple Effect:
- For budget-conscious shoppers, the change may feel like a divide between membership tiers.
- For Executive Members, the perk means quieter aisles and shorter checkout lines during the early hours.
Membership prices went up last year for the first time since 2017. Standard plans now cost $65 a year, while Executive Members pay $130.