Costco’s new policy, effective Monday, September 1, 2025, is all about exclusive access. The retail giant has officially begun enforcing its revised rules, granting early shopping privileges exclusively to Executive members across all U.S. warehouses. Announced initially on June 30, 2025, the policy underwent a grace period, but now the changes are firmly in place, impacting millions of shoppers.
The New Costco Policy: Who’s Affected?
The primary impact of this policy revolves around membership tiers. According to Costco’s official announcement, Executive Members, who pay an annual fee of $130, now receive exclusive early shopping hours. In contrast, Gold Star and Business Members, who pay a $65 annual fee, are no longer permitted to enter stores during these designated early access periods. Store employees are also affected, with some reporting adjustments to their schedules.
Executive Member Benefits
Executive members now enjoy a significant perk: access to Costco warehouses before the general membership. On weekdays and Sundays, Executive members can shop one hour early, typically from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturdays offer a 30-minute head start, with early access from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Costco representatives have confirmed that non-Executive members attempting to enter during these times will be turned away. This new benefit is intended to reward the loyalty of Costco’s premium members.
When and Where the Changes Took Effect
While the policy was initially announced on June 30, 2025, strict enforcement began on Monday, September 1, 2025, following a two-month grace period. This grace period allowed members to adapt to the new rules and understand the changes to shopping hours. The policy is now in effect across all Costco warehouses in the United States, impacting millions of shoppers nationwide.
The “Why” Behind Costco’s Decision
Costco’s rationale for implementing this policy centers on rewarding its most loyal customers and enhancing the value proposition of the Executive membership. According to internal sales data, Executive members, while representing less than half of Costco’s nearly 80 million members, account for approximately 73% of the company’s sales. By offering exclusive early access, Costco aims to further incentivize upgrades to the Executive tier. This strategic move also aligns Costco’s membership benefits with those offered by competitors like Sam’s Club, which has a similar premium membership program.
Impact and Reactions to the New Policy
The new policy has had a multifaceted impact on Costco shoppers and employees. Executive members are generally pleased with the less crowded shopping environment and earlier access to popular items. Many view this as a justified perk for the additional cost of their membership. However, the change has been met with mixed reactions from Gold Star and Business members. Many have voiced their discontent, arguing that the policy is exclusionary and reduces their shopping flexibility. Some have expressed frustration, especially at warehouses that previously opened at 9 a.m. for all members. Store employees have also reported some operational challenges due to the new schedule adjustments required for early openings, according to employee interviews.
Exclusive Access: A Controversial Change
The introduction of exclusive early access for Executive members represents a significant shift in Costco’s operational strategy. While it aims to reward loyalty and enhance the value of premium memberships, it has also sparked controversy among non-Executive members. The long-term effects of this policy on membership trends and overall customer satisfaction remain to be seen, but the initial reactions indicate a divided response to Costco’s latest move.
Source: Vertex AI Search, as of September 1, 2025.
