Early Shopping Returns for Executive Members
Costco Executive Hours are officially expanding starting June 30, marking a significant shift in how the retail giant rewards its top-tier members. Executive Members will now enjoy exclusive early shopping access from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Regular Gold Star and Business members will continue to shop during standard hours, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
This change comes as Costco seeks to add more value to its Executive Membership program following recent membership fee increases. With summer in full swing and foot traffic on the rise, this move gives Executive members a more relaxed, less crowded shopping window.
Key Point Summary: Costco Executive Hours
- Start Date: June 30
- Early Access For: Executive Members only
- Weekday & Sunday Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Standard Hours Resume: After the exclusive window
- Extended Saturday Closing: Now open till 7:00 p.m. for all members
- Grace Period: Until August 31, all members can still shop early
- Monthly Benefit: $10 credit on eligible online orders over $150 for Executive members
What’s Driving the Return of Costco Executive Hours
The reintroduction of Costco Executive Hours is more than just a courtesy—it’s a strategic shift to elevate the Executive Membership tier. Executive members, while a smaller percentage of total memberships, generate a significantly higher portion of overall sales. Recognizing this, Costco is investing in exclusive benefits tailored to this group.
The retail chain recently raised prices for both its standard and Executive memberships. To balance that increase and reduce potential dissatisfaction, reinstating early access gives high-value members something tangible in return. It also helps to thin out crowds during peak hours for a more efficient in-store experience.
Reactions to the New Schedule
The feedback from shoppers and staff is mixed:
- Executive members are excited to avoid heavy foot traffic and long lines.
- Gold Star members feel slightly alienated, as their shopping window remains unchanged.
- Warehouse employees have voiced concerns about shorter prep times in the morning and more pressure to accommodate earlier store openings.
Still, for many loyal Costco shoppers, early access during peak summer months could be a game-changer—especially for families stocking up ahead of July 4th and other summer events.
Grace Period Until August 31
To ensure a smooth rollout, Costco is offering a two-month grace period until the end of August. During this time, even non-Executive members will be allowed entry during the early morning window. This helps ease confusion and gives shoppers time to adjust or consider upgrading their memberships.
Costco staff at all warehouses will be trained to guide members through the transition, including placing updated signage and making in-store announcements. The company is emphasizing a clear, respectful rollout to avoid friction.
Extra Perks for Executive Members
Beyond Costco Executive Hours, starting June 30 Executive Members will also benefit from:
- A $10 monthly digital credit for orders of $150 or more via Costco’s same-day delivery service.
- Continued eligibility for 2% annual rewards (up to $1,250).
- More relaxed shopping during early access windows, with priority at services like the Optical Center and Pharmacy during that time.
This is designed to reinforce the value of the Executive Membership, giving shoppers more incentive to upgrade if they haven’t already.
Is It Worth Upgrading to Executive?
If you frequently shop at Costco, especially on weekends or during busy holiday periods, the return of Costco Executive Hours makes the upgrade far more appealing. Not only do you get a quieter, faster shopping experience, but you can also accumulate annual cash rewards and enjoy exclusive online credits.
For those who value efficiency and fewer crowds, it’s a perk that could easily pay for itself over time. And with the addition of more weekend hours and early morning access, you can beat the rush and make the most of your Costco trip.
Looking Ahead
With Costco Executive Hours now officially returning, many shoppers are reassessing their membership levels. Whether you’re an early riser who values quiet aisles or a weekend warrior looking to avoid crowds, this change is all about providing flexibility and enhancing the Costco experience.
The next few weeks will be key as members adjust to the new schedule, but the overall response already indicates a strong interest in the upgraded benefits. Keep an eye on your local warehouse—hours and access may vary slightly by location.
Ready to beat the rush? Upgrade to Executive today and enjoy early access, rewards, and exclusive perks before the rest of the crowd walks in. Make your shopping smarter, not harder.