Costco Wholesale has officially ended its grace period for early shopping access, enforcing a policy that gives Executive Members exclusive entry before regular store hours. The change, effective September 1, 2025, has drawn both praise and criticism from customers, as the warehouse giant continues to differentiate between its membership tiers.
Details of the New Policy
Under the new rules, Executive Members can shop earlier than Gold Star members: doors open at 9 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Gold Star members, by contrast, must wait until the standard 10 a.m. opening time. Costco confirmed on its website that these hours are now enforced after a temporary grace period allowed broader access.
Membership Tiers and Costs
A standard Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, while the Executive Membership is priced at $130 annually. Executive Members already receive additional perks, including 2% rewards on purchases, and now benefit from dedicated early access shopping hours. Costco described the change as a new benefit designed to add value for its higher-tier members.
Customer Reactions
While some shoppers welcome the quieter shopping experience, others argue the policy favors wealthier customers at the expense of regular members. Critics say the shift undermines Costco’s reputation as a retailer known for equality among its members. The policy has sparked debates across online forums and social media, where frustrated Gold Star members have expressed disappointment at being excluded from the earlier hours.
Conclusion
By granting exclusive early access to Executive Members, Costco has created a new incentive for upgrading memberships while also raising concerns about fairness among loyal customers. Whether the move boosts higher-tier sign-ups or alienates budget-conscious shoppers remains to be seen, but the warehouse giant’s decision marks a notable shift in how it balances perks and accessibility.
