A major membership change at Costco starts tomorrow—here’s what to know before you shop
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If you’ve got a Costco card in your wallet, your next shopping trip might feel a little different.
A new policy is rolling out that gives select members a head start—literally—while others will notice subtle changes to store hours.
Employees are already weighing in on how it’s affecting them behind the scenes, and shoppers are debating whether the benefits are worth it.
From early entry to food court shakeups, the warehouse club is evolving fast.
Whether you visit weekly or only for the big-ticket items, here’s what’s happening and how it could impact your routine.
Starting today, Executive-tier members will get early entry to shop at Costco.
These members will now be able to enter stores at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
That gives them a head start—before regular members are allowed in.
While this change has been rolling out in select locations since June 30, it will now take effect at all 634 Costco warehouses nationwide.
(The official launch was delayed by one day due to Labor Day closures.)
For those paying $130 annually for Executive membership, this change adds another perk to the list.
Executive members already receive a 2% annual reward, extra savings on services, and a $10 monthly Instacart credit.
Now, they’ll also have the chance to shop in a quieter store with fully stocked shelves before the crowds arrive.
It may not be life-changing, but for those who prefer less hustle, the new hours are a welcomed addition.
It’s not just Executive members benefiting from a schedule change.
All members will now enjoy extended Saturday hours, with warehouses staying open until 7:00 p.m.
That’s one extra hour to beat the weekend rush, get your shopping done, and maybe even avoid the checkout bottlenecks!
While some shoppers are excited, a number of Costco employees are raising concerns about the rollout.
Earlier openings mean earlier arrival times for morning staff, who are already juggling responsibilities like childcare, school drop-offs, or elder care.
One Arizona employee, Holly Dickey White, shared online that the change, while small on paper, has had a disruptive impact on daily routines.
“If you’re caring for an elderly member of your family, it is disrupting our lives!!” she wrote.
Still, Holly encouraged customers to be patient: “Costco is still an awesome employer and we will all get adjusted to these new hours. Greet us with a smile, it will help—I PROMISE!”
Costco fans have taken to social media with a wide range of opinions.
Some Executive members are thrilled at the idea of peaceful, early-morning shopping, while others feel the change creates a two-tier experience.
Regular members, meanwhile, are questioning whether it’s worth upgrading for earlier entry.
The conversation is unfolding alongside other recent changes to Costco’s food court, membership perks, and branding choices.
This year alone, shoppers have reacted to:
Even small changes have sparked major debates among loyal Costco fans.
Costco continues to grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, the retailer plans to open its first standalone gas station in spring 2026, potentially offering even more value to members.
While some updates may be controversial, others signal Costco’s effort to adapt to customer demand while keeping the core shopping experience intact.
If you’re already an Executive member, the early hours might be a welcome bonus.
If not, this could be the push that makes the $130 membership fee feel more worthwhile.
Even without the early access, the longer Saturday hours give everyone more time to tackle bulk shopping—and hopefully avoid the busiest crowds.
Read next: Nationwide Costco recalls: What you need to know about these urgent product safety warnings
Will you be taking advantage of the new hours? Are you considering upgrading for early access, or are you happy with your current membership? If you're a Costco employee—or know someone who is—how are you or your family adjusting to the new schedule?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let your fellow GrayVine readers know how you’re navigating the latest changes!
A new policy is rolling out that gives select members a head start—literally—while others will notice subtle changes to store hours.
Employees are already weighing in on how it’s affecting them behind the scenes, and shoppers are debating whether the benefits are worth it.
From early entry to food court shakeups, the warehouse club is evolving fast.
Whether you visit weekly or only for the big-ticket items, here’s what’s happening and how it could impact your routine.
Costco’s new early shopping hours for Executive members are changing how—and when—shoppers hit the aisles. Image Source: YouTube / News 19 WLTX.
Early access for Executive members begins tomorrow
Starting today, Executive-tier members will get early entry to shop at Costco.
These members will now be able to enter stores at 9:00 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
That gives them a head start—before regular members are allowed in.
While this change has been rolling out in select locations since June 30, it will now take effect at all 634 Costco warehouses nationwide.
(The official launch was delayed by one day due to Labor Day closures.)
Also read: 11 member-only Costco savings you’ll want to check out this month
What this means for Executive members
For those paying $130 annually for Executive membership, this change adds another perk to the list.
Executive members already receive a 2% annual reward, extra savings on services, and a $10 monthly Instacart credit.
Now, they’ll also have the chance to shop in a quieter store with fully stocked shelves before the crowds arrive.
It may not be life-changing, but for those who prefer less hustle, the new hours are a welcomed addition.
Also read: Are you missing out on these 7 Costco Executive perks members love?
Everyone gets more Saturday time
It’s not just Executive members benefiting from a schedule change.
All members will now enjoy extended Saturday hours, with warehouses staying open until 7:00 p.m.
That’s one extra hour to beat the weekend rush, get your shopping done, and maybe even avoid the checkout bottlenecks!
Also read: 7 standout Costco deals that loyal members say beat every other store
Employees voice concern over schedule shifts
While some shoppers are excited, a number of Costco employees are raising concerns about the rollout.
Earlier openings mean earlier arrival times for morning staff, who are already juggling responsibilities like childcare, school drop-offs, or elder care.
One Arizona employee, Holly Dickey White, shared online that the change, while small on paper, has had a disruptive impact on daily routines.
“If you’re caring for an elderly member of your family, it is disrupting our lives!!” she wrote.
Still, Holly encouraged customers to be patient: “Costco is still an awesome employer and we will all get adjusted to these new hours. Greet us with a smile, it will help—I PROMISE!”
Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
Shoppers have mixed feelings
Costco fans have taken to social media with a wide range of opinions.
Some Executive members are thrilled at the idea of peaceful, early-morning shopping, while others feel the change creates a two-tier experience.
Regular members, meanwhile, are questioning whether it’s worth upgrading for earlier entry.
The conversation is unfolding alongside other recent changes to Costco’s food court, membership perks, and branding choices.
This year alone, shoppers have reacted to:
- Price hikes on food court favorites like the chicken bake
- A divisive new drink, the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
- The switch from Pepsi to Coca-Cola at food courts nationwide
Even small changes have sparked major debates among loyal Costco fans.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
What else is in the pipeline?
Costco continues to grow and evolve.
Looking ahead, the retailer plans to open its first standalone gas station in spring 2026, potentially offering even more value to members.
While some updates may be controversial, others signal Costco’s effort to adapt to customer demand while keeping the core shopping experience intact.
Also read: Costco in Japan is a whole new experience—here’s why travelers are obsessed
Should you upgrade?
If you’re already an Executive member, the early hours might be a welcome bonus.
If not, this could be the push that makes the $130 membership fee feel more worthwhile.
Even without the early access, the longer Saturday hours give everyone more time to tackle bulk shopping—and hopefully avoid the busiest crowds.
Read next: Nationwide Costco recalls: What you need to know about these urgent product safety warnings
Will you be taking advantage of the new hours? Are you considering upgrading for early access, or are you happy with your current membership? If you're a Costco employee—or know someone who is—how are you or your family adjusting to the new schedule?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let your fellow GrayVine readers know how you’re navigating the latest changes!
