What's Happening?
Costco has announced a new perk for its Executive Membership holders, allowing them to start shopping an hour earlier than regular members. Starting September 2, Executive members can access Costco stores at 9 a.m. daily, while regular hours begin at 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. This change applies to all Costco locations, including food courts, optical centers, and pharmacies. The initiative aims to provide Executive members with a more convenient shopping experience, reducing wait times and congestion. This move aligns Costco with its competitor, Sam's Club, which offers similar early shopping benefits to its Plus Membership holders.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of early shopping hours for Executive members is a strategic move by Costco to enhance its membership offerings and compete with rivals like Sam's Club. By providing exclusive access, Costco aims to increase the value of its Executive Membership, which already includes benefits like 2% rewards on purchases. This could potentially lead to an increase in membership upgrades, boosting revenue from membership fees. With nearly $3.6 billion generated from membership fees in the first three quarters of 2025, Costco's focus on enhancing member benefits is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the retail market.
What's Next?
Costco's decision to offer early shopping hours may prompt other retailers to reevaluate their membership benefits to retain customer loyalty. As Costco continues to expand its global presence, with plans to open new locations in Sweden, South Korea, and Canada, the company may further innovate its membership offerings to attract and retain customers. The success of this initiative could lead to additional perks for Executive members, potentially influencing the broader retail industry to adopt similar strategies.
