In a bold step to reward its most loyal customers, Costco has introduced a new early shopping window exclusively for Executive Members. Starting June 30, the wholesale giant will open its doors one hour earlier than usual, granting premium members extra time to shop in a more relaxed, less crowded environment. The decision reflects Costco's strategy to enhance the value of its top-tier membership and improve the overall shopping experience.
While this may seem like just a
tweak in operating hours, the move is part of a larger shift in how retailers
differentiate value in an increasingly competitive membership landscape.
What Are the New Costco Executive Hours?
Costco announced via social media
that all warehouse locations across the U.S. will now open at 9 a.m. for
Executive Members a full hour before regular members are allowed in.
- Sunday to Friday:
Executive Members can shop from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Saturday:
The early access window is slightly shorter — 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
After these exclusive windows, all
Costco members, regardless of their plan, may enter the store.
"We're thrilled to offer our
Executive Members more flexibility and a quieter shopping experience," Costco’s social media post read.
Why Is Costco Doing This?
Costco operates on a membership-based
model, which means customer loyalty and satisfaction are directly tied to
recurring revenue. There are three types of Costco memberships:
- Gold Star Membership
– $60/year
- Business Membership
– $60/year
- Executive Membership
– $120/year
The Executive Membership is the highest
tier, and includes:
- Annual 2% Reward
(up to $1,250 per year) on qualified purchases
- Additional discounts
on select Costco services
- Two household cards
- Exclusive travel deals and more
The new Costco executive hours
serve as yet another incentive for shoppers to upgrade to this premium plan.
What Does This Mean for Regular Members?
While the change brings added
benefits to Executive Members, it does raise questions for regular shoppers.
Some social media users expressed concern over potential favoritism. However, Costco
has always been transparent about offering more value to higher-tier
memberships, much like airline reward systems or streaming service premium
plans.
Regular members will still enjoy
access to all the same bulk savings and product selections — just starting
at 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
For many, this won’t change much.
But for early risers or those trying to avoid weekend crowds, the new timing
might create a noticeable difference in shopping conditions.
Costco Executive Hours by Location: Spotlight on King County, WA
Costco operates over 800
warehouses worldwide, but Washington State, where the retailer is
headquartered, holds special importance. Of the 34 Washington locations,
eight are in King County:
- Covington
- Federal Way
- Issaquah
- Kirkland
- Seattle (Aurora)
- Tukwila
- Woodinville
These locations are especially relevant because three of them are among the top 10 largest Costcos in the U.S., according to FreeJobAlert:
| Location | Square Footage | Rank (Nationally) |
|---|---|---|
| Woodinville | 168,000 sq ft | 4th |
| Issaquah | 152,000 sq ft | 9th |
| Federal Way | 150,000 sq ft | 10th |
If you're in King County, chances
are you're shopping in some of the most spacious and well-stocked Costco
stores in the country. The new 9 a.m. opening gives Executive
Members in these regions a peaceful start to their bulk-buying runs.
Human Angle: What Executive Members Say
For many, the new hours are more
than a scheduling shift — they’re a relief.
“I work night shifts, so an early
morning trip to Costco is ideal. With fewer people around, I can get in and out
without the stress,” says Angela Ramirez, a nurse and
Executive Member from Issaquah.
Others see it as a reward for
loyalty.
“I’ve had the Executive Membership
for years. The 2% reward adds up. Now this extra hour? Totally worth the
upgrade,” said Brian Cooper, a small business
owner in Seattle.
What It Means for Costco's Business
Costco is known for high member
retention rates (over 90% in North America). Yet, competition from Amazon
Prime, Sam's Club, and even big-box stores like Walmart has prompted the brand
to explore value-added strategies.
Here’s why early hours matter
strategically:
- Less crowded aisles
can boost satisfaction, especially post-pandemic.
- Higher-tier loyalty
encourages upselling from Gold to Executive.
- Increased morning foot traffic could lift weekday sales.
- It reduces bottlenecks during peak hours,
smoothing the shopping experience.
Should You Upgrade to an Executive Membership?
If you're wondering whether it's
worth spending an additional $60 per year for earlier shopping and rewards,
consider this breakdown:
| Feature | Gold Star | Executive |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $60 | $120 |
| 2% Annual Reward | ❌ | ✅ (Up to $1,250) |
| Extra Morning Shopping Hours | ❌ | ✅ |
| Discounts on Costco Services | ❌ | ✅ |
| Travel & Insurance Deals | ❌ | ✅ |
| 2 Household Cards | ✅ | ✅ |
If your annual Costco spend exceeds $3,000–$4,000,
the 2% cashback alone could cover the upgrade. Add the extra hour of
calm, early shopping, and it becomes a no-brainer for many.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Move or Subtle Shift?
Costco’s decision to extend
shopping hours exclusively for Executive Members signals a thoughtful yet
strategic evolution of its membership perks. By rewarding top-tier subscribers
with time — one of the most valuable modern-day resources — the retailer
deepens loyalty while maintaining its reputation for fairness.
For early risers, busy
professionals, or anyone who values a quieter warehouse experience, these new
Costco executive hours could be just the perk they needed to level up their
membership.
