Seattle, WA — Costco shoppers are facing a significant change starting September 1, as the wholesale giant officially enforces its new shopping window policy for Executive Members.
The perk, first introduced in June with a grace period, gives higher-tier members access to the warehouse before other customers. While some shoppers are praising the move, others are voicing frustration over the exclusivity.
Early Shopping Privilege for Executive Members
Under the new rule, only those with a $130 Executive Membership will be allowed into Costco stores from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays, the early window will be reduced to 30 minutes, with all members allowed to enter starting at 9:30 a.m.
For non-Executive members, entry will remain restricted until 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
The company explained that the policy was designed to reward its most loyal members. In a statement shared with Business Insider, Costco said:
“Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco.”
Membership Tiers and Perks
Costco currently offers multiple membership levels:
- Gold Star Membership ($65 annually)
- Business Membership ($65 annually)
- Executive Membership ($130 annually)
Only the Executive tier includes the exclusive shopping hour. Business members are not eligible for the perk.
In addition to early shopping, Executive members began receiving a $10 monthly credit earlier this summer, adding another incentive for customers to upgrade their membership. According to The Independent, the retailer is positioning these perks as a way to strengthen loyalty among its most profitable members.
Mixed Reactions From Shoppers
The rollout of the policy has sparked debate among Costco’s vast customer base. Some Executive members welcome the quieter shopping environment, while Gold Star members say they feel excluded from a company known for inclusivity and low-cost deals.
Social media platforms, especially Reddit, have been filled with posts where shoppers share both excitement and criticism over the new rule.
Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola: Another Change for Members
This membership rule is not the only change Costco has introduced in recent months. Earlier in August, the retailer finalized its switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products in its food courts nationwide.
The transition marks a return to Coca-Cola, which Costco served before 2013, when it switched to Pepsi to keep the $1.50 hot dog combo affordable, as reported by CNN. Now, Costco is stocking only Coca-Cola products in all of its food courts by the fall.
The move divided members, with many voicing their opinions online about the sudden shift in soft drink offerings.
What It Means for Shoppers
Between early shopping access and the soda brand shakeup, Costco is signaling a willingness to prioritize loyalty and exclusivity in its offerings. For some, these changes represent better value for upgraded memberships; for others, they create frustration and a sense of being left out.
What are your thoughts on Costco’s new Executive Member policy and product changes? Share your views in the comments below.
