On Monday, September 1, marked Labor Day in the United States and Canada, and it also saw the implementation of new operating hours at the Costco warehouse chain. Costco introduced a “VIP shopping time” for its executive members, allowing them to enter the stores for shopping one hour earlier than other members.
According to Costco’s website, this new benefit for executive members was tested in June with the aim of providing “exclusive early shopping times” for them. Initially implemented in some stores, it is now effective in all locations.
Costco confirmed to ABC News on Monday through an email that the following new operating hours are now in effect:
Exclusive shopping hours for executive members:
Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Saturday: 9:00 am to 9:30 am
Sunday: 9:00 am to 10:00 am
Additionally, a Costco representative mentioned, “US stores will open an extra hour on Saturdays for all members, closing at 7 p.m.”
The early shopping time is a new benefit specifically for executive members at Costco. However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with this change, feeling that the company is favoring higher-paying members and alienating others.
Executive members in both the US and Canada are required to pay an annual fee of $130 USD or CAD, while regular members pay $65 USD or CAD annually.
Executive members also enjoy a 2% annual cashback on eligible purchases and Costco service discounts.
In an email in June, Costco stated that executive members who use the company’s “same-day delivery” service or place orders through Instacart totaling $150 USD can earn $10 in credit each month.
Costco operates 882 warehouses, with 609 located in the US and Puerto Rico, 108 in Canada, and also has an e-commerce website.