Costco Just Extended Shopping Hours for Some Members—Here's What to Know
Standard members (Gold Star and Business) face delayed entry, though extended Saturday hours benefit all tiers.
If you're a morning shopper and Instacart user, it may be worth upgrading.Costco is rolling out a major shift that affects how, and when, its most-dedicated customers shop. Starting June 30, Executive members now get earlier access at warehouses nationwide, a change that marks a new chapter in how the wholesale retailer rewards its shoppers.
The shift comes just days after Costco announced another membership price hike for the second year in a row, raising the Executive tier to $130 annually and the basic Gold Star fee to $65. But with this bump comes a range of perks that aim to sweeten the deal, especially for those who stop in frequently or value a quieter, less-crowded store experience.
Related: 12 Bulk Costco Buys That Make Stocking Up Worth It
Executive members can now shop as early as 9 a.m. every day, giving them a chance to explore the aisles before other customers. On Saturdays, typically one of the busiest shopping days, Executive members will have a 30-minute advantage, with general access beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Gold Star and Business members will need to wait until 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays to grab their carts. Sunday shopping, often a peak period for families and bulk errand-runners, is also now reserved for Executive members before 10 a.m.
In addition to early access, Executive members will receive a $10 monthly Instacart credit when they spend $150 or more on SameDay.Costco.com or Instacart orders—another incentive aimed at high-volume or time-conscious shoppers.
There's also a new perk for all members! Starting July 5, Costco warehouses will extend Saturday hours across the board, staying open until 7 p.m., a welcome move for weekend shoppers looking to beat the rush or squeeze in errands later in the day.
Related: 5 Reasons to Go to the Grocery Store Instead of Delivery, According to Supermarket Experts
Costco's Executive membership base is not only its largest revenue driver, it's also its most engaged. While only about 47% of members are in the Executive tier, they account for roughly 73% of total spending. The new schedule seems designed to reward that loyalty while encouraging more members to upgrade.
It's also a competitive move. Sam's Club, one of Costco's main challengers, already offers early access to its premium members. By adopting a similar model, Costco is signaling that it's willing to match those perks, (and then some).
On a practical level, staggered hours help reduce crowding during peak times, particularly in summer and holiday seasons. Early access for a smaller group means faster checkout, shorter lines, and a less chaotic warehouse experience.
While Executive members are largely welcoming the changes, the reaction among standard members has been more mixed. Some feel sidelined by the staggered hours, viewing it as a not-so-subtle push to upgrade. Over on Reddit's r/Costco community, one commenter called it 'a sales tactic to get more members to make the bump to Executive,' while another described the new policy as 'classist,' saying it favors wealthier customers at the expense of everyone else.Others, however, struck a more balanced tone, acknowledging that Costco is still offering generous shopping hours for all tiers, especially with the newly extended Saturday hours and grace period through August 31.
Some employees have expressed concern about the operational impact of these changes. According to reports from Business Insider, workers worry that longer hours and early openings could lead to staff shortages during high-traffic periods, especially if warehouses aren't adjusting staffing levels accordingly.
If you're a frequent Costco shopper, especially one who prefers early mornings or relies on Instacart, the Executive membership could be a smart move. The $10 monthly delivery credit alone adds up to $120 annually, nearly offsetting the cost difference. Add in the 2% annual cashback and early access to less crowded store hours, and the math starts to work in your favor.
Related: I've Never Been to Trader Joe's—These 4 Unexpected Features from My First Trip Made Me a Frequent Shopper
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens
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