Costco Wholesale, the popular membership-based warehouse club, is bringing back a beloved perk for its Executive Members that many shoppers have been eagerly awaiting: exclusive early shopping hours. Starting June 30, 2025, Executive Members will once again have the advantage of shopping at Costco warehouses before the general membership, providing a quieter, more relaxed shopping environment.
This reintroduction comes as a strategic move to improve the shopping experience for the highest tier of Costco members, especially as more shoppers return to physical stores and crowds at peak hours grow. It’s a smart way for Costco to reward its most loyal customers with better convenience and fewer hassles.
What Are the New Early Shopping Hours?
The early shopping hours for Executive Members are set to begin at 9:00 AM on weekdays, one hour before the regular store opening time for Gold Star and Business Members, who will continue to enter at 10:00 AM. On Saturdays, Executive Members’ early access will remain at 9:30 AM, which is consistent with the previous arrangement.
By giving Executive Members this exclusive early window, Costco aims to reduce the stress of shopping during busy times, improve social distancing, and make the experience more enjoyable. This is especially important during periods of high demand or special promotions when crowds tend to be large.
Why Is Costco Bringing Back Early Shopping Hours?
Over the past few years, Costco has seen a surge in membership and in-store traffic. While this is great news for businesses, it has also resulted in crowded aisles, long checkout lines, and sometimes frustrating shopping experiences for customers. Executive Members, who pay a premium for their memberships, have voiced a desire for added value and a smoother shopping environment.
Reintroducing early shopping hours addresses these concerns directly. By allowing Executive Members to shop ahead of the rush, Costco is ensuring that these customers can enjoy their visits with fewer people around, more product availability, and a more leisurely pace.
This move also aligns with broader trends in retail where stores are trying to manage peak traffic and improve customer satisfaction through targeted perks and exclusive access.
What Makes Executive Membership Special?
Costco Executive Membership is the highest tier of membership offered by Costco. It costs an additional $65 annually on top of the regular membership fee, bringing the total to approximately $130 per year. For this price, members receive a variety of benefits that make shopping more rewarding.
One of the most significant benefits is a 2% annual reward on eligible Costco purchases, which can add up to substantial savings for frequent shoppers. Executive Members also get access to exclusive offers, discounts on services like insurance and travel, and now, the return of early shopping hours.
These perks make the Executive Membership attractive for shoppers who want to maximize value, convenience, and exclusivity. For those who shop at Costco regularly, especially families or small businesses, upgrading to Executive Membership can be a smart financial decision.
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Additional Perks for Executive Members: Delivery Credits
In addition to early store access, Costco is introducing another valuable benefit for Executive Members: a $10 monthly credit toward qualifying same-day delivery orders of $150 or more. This credit applies to orders placed through Costco’s Same-Day service or through Instacart, a popular grocery delivery platform.
This new benefit complements the early shopping hours by providing Executive Members with flexible shopping options—whether they want to visit the store early or opt for convenient delivery right to their doorsteps. Especially for busy households or those with mobility challenges, this delivery credit can significantly enhance the Costco experience.
How to Upgrade to Executive Membership
For existing Gold Star or Business Members interested in upgrading, the process is straightforward. Members can simply pay the additional $65 fee to gain access to all the Executive benefits, including early shopping hours and the delivery credit.
New customers can also choose to sign up directly for the Executive Membership, which may be the best option for those who anticipate making frequent purchases or who value the exclusive perks.
Costco’s membership model is designed to reward loyalty and higher spending, so upgrading often pays for itself through the 2% cashback rewards and other exclusive benefits.
What This Means for Shoppers
The reintroduction of early shopping hours is a clear signal that Costco values its Executive Members and wants to enhance their shopping experience. For these customers, the benefits go beyond just saving money—they gain access to a less crowded, more comfortable environment that makes shopping faster and more enjoyable.
This change will likely encourage more members to upgrade to Executive status and may even attract new customers who appreciate the added convenience and perks.
For all Costco shoppers, it’s also good news as it may help reduce overall congestion during peak shopping times, leading to a better experience for everyone.
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Tips to Make the Most of Executive Early Shopping Hours
If you’re an Executive Member or planning to upgrade, here are a few tips to take advantage of the early shopping hours:
- Plan Your Shopping List Ahead: Early hours are ideal for quickly grabbing essentials without the distraction of large crowds. Prepare your list so you can shop efficiently.
- Arrive Early: While Executive Members get early access, arriving right at the start of the early hour maximizes your chance to shop when the store is least busy.
- Take Advantage of Fresh Stock: Warehouses tend to restock overnight. Early shoppers often find the freshest produce and well-stocked shelves.
- Use Delivery Credits Smartly: Combine in-store shopping with Costco’s same-day delivery service, using your monthly credit to get heavy or bulky items delivered.
- Explore Exclusive Offers: Executive Members often have access to special deals. Keep an eye on Costco newsletters or their app for these.
Conclusion
Costco’s decision to reintroduce early shopping hours exclusively for Executive Members reflects its commitment to rewarding loyalty and improving the customer experience. In today’s retail environment, convenience and safety are paramount, and this perk addresses both by offering a less crowded, more pleasant shopping time.
Paired with a new monthly delivery credit, the Executive Membership is becoming more valuable than ever. For Costco shoppers who want to save time, avoid crowds, and enjoy exclusive benefits, upgrading to Executive status makes a lot of sense.
As Costco continues to innovate and respond to member feedback, perks like early shopping hours show that the company is listening and adapting. Whether you’re a long-time member or considering joining, now is a great time to explore the advantages of Costco Executive Membership.
