Costco, one of the most popular wholesale retailers in the United States, has officially rolled out its new shopping policy that changes how customers experience Costco hours. Beginning this week, the company is strictly enforcing early access privileges for shoppers who hold a Costco Executive Membership.
What’s Changing with Costco Hours?
Starting on Labor Day 2025, Costco Executive Membership holders will be allowed to enter the warehouse from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. Regular members, however, will not be able to shop until after 10 a.m. While the company first announced this policy back in June, enforcement was relatively loose, with many stores allowing all shoppers in earlier. Now, the grace period is officially over, and Costco hours today mean a stricter divide between Executive Members and standard cardholders.
For many long-time shoppers, this is a significant change in the way Costco hours operate. Families used to arriving early for groceries, household items, or bulk shopping may now need to adjust their schedules if they do not have an Executive Membership.
Why Is Costco Making This Change?
The new enforcement highlights the growing value of the Costco Executive Membership, which already comes with perks such as 2% annual rewards on qualifying purchases and additional savings on Costco services. By reserving the first shopping hour of the day for Executive Members, Costco is signaling that it wants to provide added convenience for customers willing to pay for the higher-tier membership.
The company has framed the decision as a way to reward its most loyal shoppers, but some customers argue that the move feels exclusionary. Critics worry that this could create a “two-tier” shopping experience, favoring those who spend more while frustrating everyday members.
How Members Are Reacting
Reactions to the updated Costco hours have been mixed. Some Executive Members welcome the quieter shopping experience, noting that the first hour of the day is often less crowded, making it easier to browse and check out quickly. On the other hand, non-Executive Members feel disappointed, saying they feel left out of a privilege that used to be more widely shared.
For shoppers who rely on early weekday trips to beat the rush, the new rule may mean busier aisles later in the morning. Online forums and social media discussions reveal that some customers are now considering upgrading to a Costco Executive Membership just to access the earlier hours, while others are questioning whether the change justifies the additional cost.
What This Means for Costco Hours Today
With this adjustment, Costco hours today depend on what type of membership you have. Executive Members can begin shopping at 9 a.m. during the week, while all other members can only enter starting at 10 a.m. Weekend hours remain unchanged, and stores continue to open at their usual times for all customers.
This clear distinction in Costco hours is part of a broader retail trend where companies look for ways to add premium perks for top-tier members. While it may be controversial, it underscores the value Costco places on its Executive Membership program.
Looking Ahead
It remains to be seen whether this change will drive more people to upgrade to an Executive Membership or push some customers to rethink their loyalty to the wholesale giant. For now, though, it’s clear that anyone planning a weekday shopping trip must pay close attention to the new Costco hours today to avoid unnecessary waiting.
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