If you’re an Executive Member at Costco, you’ll now be able to shop earlier than everyone else. Starting Monday, June 30, customers who pay for the highest-level membership at the big-box store will be granted access to the aisles one hour earlier than their Gold Star counterparts.
“Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco,” noted an email sent to employees, published by Business Insider. “In addition, Executive Members will receive some other unique benefits, such as a $10 monthly credit on Instacart orders over $150 and new benefits and additional savings on several Costco services.”
According to the email, Executive Member shopping hours will take place Monday through Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m., Saturday, from 9 to 9:30 a.m., and Sunday, from 9 to 10 a.m. In addition, the email noted, warehouses will now stay open one hour later on Saturday, closing at 7 p.m. for all members.
In regions where stores already open at 9 a.m., including the Staten Island store, the exclusive hour may shift regular member access to a later start. Costco did not respond to a request for additional details on the time change.
The extra executive member hour was a perk that existed for years, but was eventually discontinued. According to reports, slightly less than half of Costco members hold Executive memberships, but they account for more than 70% of all sales. Costco’s Executive membership costs $130 annually. A regular Gold Star membership is $65 per year.
The change in warehouse club hours isn’t the only schedule alteration by Costco. In May, the retailer announced its members-only gas stations will remain open until 10 p.m. with some locations also opening earlier in the morning.