The secret times Costco pros shop to score deals and skip the crowds
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If you’ve ever spent a Saturday weaving through crowded aisles, dodging shopping carts, and standing in checkout lines that seem endless, you’re not alone.
For many, Costco shopping can feel like a full-contact sport if you go at the wrong time.
But according to long-time members, there’s a “golden hour” that makes all the difference—offering shorter lines, calmer aisles, and better product selection.
This timing trick isn’t just about convenience; it can also help you spot fresh deals before the shelves get picked over.
And if you’re an Executive Member, you’ve got an extra advantage most shoppers don’t even know about.
The rookie mistake: Shopping at the wrong time
One of the fastest ways to ruin a Costco trip is to head in during peak hours.
Weekend afternoons, especially Saturdays, are prime chaos time—sample stations are mobbed, carts clog the main aisles, and checkout lines test your patience.
Shopping right after work on weekdays isn’t much better, as crowds pick up then too.
When you shop during these busy periods, you’re more likely to miss out on new stock, clearance finds, or freshly restocked bakery items.
Even seasoned shoppers admit that poorly timed trips can make you want to turn around and leave before you’ve filled your cart.
Also read: Are you missing out on these 7 Costco Executive perks members love?
The secret of the "golden hour"
Veteran Costco shoppers say the best time to go is during the “golden hour.”
According to one tip that’s made the rounds online, 7 pm on a Friday is ideal—most people are at dinner or winding down for the weekend, leaving the store calm and easy to navigate.
Other prime times include weekday evenings around dinnertime and the final hour before closing.
These windows often mean fewer people in the aisles, quicker checkout times, and a chance to browse without feeling rushed.
Also read: 7 standout Costco deals that loyal members say beat every other store
The Executive Member advantage
If you’re a Costco Executive Member, you now have access to an even more exclusive perk.
As of July 1, Executive Members can enter the store early—9 am to 10 am Sunday through Friday, and 9:30 am to 10 am on Saturdays.
This means you can shop before the general crowd, snag the freshest products, and enjoy near-empty checkout lanes.
The change has been met with glowing reviews.
“I went on Sunday at 9 and it was amazing,” one shopper shared.
“I get so overwhelmed normally. 9–10 was amazing!”
Others jokingly warn against spreading the word too widely—after all, the quieter it stays, the better the perk.
Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
Is early morning shopping for everyone?
While early hours sound appealing, they aren’t realistic for everyone, especially those with strict work schedules.
Still, if your mornings are free, it’s worth trying at least once.
For everyone else, those evening golden hours remain a smart alternative.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
Tips to make the most of your Costco membership
Whether you’re a Gold Star or Executive Member, these strategies can help you get more out of every trip:
Also read: Costco swaps Pepsi for Coca‑Cola as stores begin offering new beverage lineup
Membership deal alert
If you’ve been thinking about joining, watch for special promotions.
One recent offer bundled a 1-year Gold Star membership for $65 with a free $20 Digital Costco Shop Card—ideal for new members looking to save from day one.
Costco can be one of the most rewarding shopping experiences when you time your trip right.
By skipping peak hours and taking advantage of golden hour shopping, you can make the process faster, calmer, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re stocking up for the week, searching for seasonal deals, or grabbing your favorite rotisserie chicken, the right timing can make all the difference.
Read next: Costco shoppers are stocking up on these 11 bargains
Have you found your own “golden hour” for Costco shopping? Do you think the early Executive Member hours are worth the upgrade?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make your Costco trips stress-free.
For many, Costco shopping can feel like a full-contact sport if you go at the wrong time.
But according to long-time members, there’s a “golden hour” that makes all the difference—offering shorter lines, calmer aisles, and better product selection.
This timing trick isn’t just about convenience; it can also help you spot fresh deals before the shelves get picked over.
And if you’re an Executive Member, you’ve got an extra advantage most shoppers don’t even know about.
Costco shoppers say timing your trip right can make the experience faster, calmer, and more rewarding. Image Source: YouTube / The Wall Street Journal.
The rookie mistake: Shopping at the wrong time
One of the fastest ways to ruin a Costco trip is to head in during peak hours.
Weekend afternoons, especially Saturdays, are prime chaos time—sample stations are mobbed, carts clog the main aisles, and checkout lines test your patience.
Shopping right after work on weekdays isn’t much better, as crowds pick up then too.
When you shop during these busy periods, you’re more likely to miss out on new stock, clearance finds, or freshly restocked bakery items.
Even seasoned shoppers admit that poorly timed trips can make you want to turn around and leave before you’ve filled your cart.
Also read: Are you missing out on these 7 Costco Executive perks members love?
The secret of the "golden hour"
Veteran Costco shoppers say the best time to go is during the “golden hour.”
According to one tip that’s made the rounds online, 7 pm on a Friday is ideal—most people are at dinner or winding down for the weekend, leaving the store calm and easy to navigate.
Other prime times include weekday evenings around dinnertime and the final hour before closing.
These windows often mean fewer people in the aisles, quicker checkout times, and a chance to browse without feeling rushed.
Also read: 7 standout Costco deals that loyal members say beat every other store
The Executive Member advantage
If you’re a Costco Executive Member, you now have access to an even more exclusive perk.
As of July 1, Executive Members can enter the store early—9 am to 10 am Sunday through Friday, and 9:30 am to 10 am on Saturdays.
This means you can shop before the general crowd, snag the freshest products, and enjoy near-empty checkout lanes.
The change has been met with glowing reviews.
“I went on Sunday at 9 and it was amazing,” one shopper shared.
“I get so overwhelmed normally. 9–10 was amazing!”
Others jokingly warn against spreading the word too widely—after all, the quieter it stays, the better the perk.
Also read: Costco shopper shares “secret code” for cheaper meds—members say they’re stunned
Is early morning shopping for everyone?
While early hours sound appealing, they aren’t realistic for everyone, especially those with strict work schedules.
Still, if your mornings are free, it’s worth trying at least once.
For everyone else, those evening golden hours remain a smart alternative.
Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method
Tips to make the most of your Costco membership
Whether you’re a Gold Star or Executive Member, these strategies can help you get more out of every trip:
- Plan ahead: Make a list to avoid impulse buys and ensure you don’t forget essentials.
- Check for perks: Keep track of new hours, special promotions, and member-only discounts.
- Shop off-peak: Evenings, early mornings, and right before closing tend to be the calmest times.
- Upgrade if worth it: Frequent shoppers may find the Executive Membership pays for itself in annual rewards.
- Keep it semi-secret: Share the timing trick with friends—just not everyone you know.
Also read: Costco swaps Pepsi for Coca‑Cola as stores begin offering new beverage lineup
Membership deal alert
If you’ve been thinking about joining, watch for special promotions.
One recent offer bundled a 1-year Gold Star membership for $65 with a free $20 Digital Costco Shop Card—ideal for new members looking to save from day one.
Costco can be one of the most rewarding shopping experiences when you time your trip right.
By skipping peak hours and taking advantage of golden hour shopping, you can make the process faster, calmer, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re stocking up for the week, searching for seasonal deals, or grabbing your favorite rotisserie chicken, the right timing can make all the difference.
Read next: Costco shoppers are stocking up on these 11 bargains
Have you found your own “golden hour” for Costco shopping? Do you think the early Executive Member hours are worth the upgrade?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear how you make your Costco trips stress-free.
