Costco gives Executive members earlier store access starting Sept. 2

Costco Wholesale is giving its highest-tier members earlier access to its warehouses nationwide, a change that goes into effect Sept. 2. Executive Membership holders will be allowed to enter stores at 9 a.m. every day, one hour before standard opening times on most weekdays.

Under the new schedule, regular store hours will remain 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The earlier start time for Executive members also applies to Costco food courts, optical centers and pharmacies, the company said. Costco operates on a paid-membership model and limits in-store shopping to card-carrying customers; the Executive tier is a paid upgrade above the basic membership level.

The change gives Executive members an opportunity to shop before most other customers, which shoppers say can help secure limited items such as bulk paper goods and popular prepared foods like the retailer’s rotisserie chicken and its $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Costco’s warehouses are known for high-demand, bulk-sized products and frequent early-morning traffic at opening.

Costco’s decision to stagger entry by membership tier affects not only general merchandise but in-warehouse services that follow store hours. Optical centers and pharmacies, both of which draw appointments and walk-in customers, will open to Executive members at the earlier time. The nationwide adjustment was reported ahead of the effective date and will be implemented across the company’s U.S. locations.

Costco introduced the Executive Membership tier as a premium option that includes additional benefits for an extra annual fee. The company has periodically adjusted services and perks tied to different membership levels; this change aligns operating hours with the chain’s tiered membership structure by reserving an earlier shopping window for higher-paying members. The retailer did not announce changes to checkout or closing times.

Shoppers considering the upgrade will weigh the earlier access against the additional cost of Executive Membership. For some customers, the earlier start could mean shorter lines and a better chance of finding high-demand items, particularly on weekdays when warehouses tend to be less crowded in the early morning. Costco members planning to take advantage of the change should check local store communications for any site-specific details before Sept. 2.