New Policy Being Enforced at Costco Regarding Open Hours on September 1, 2025

September 1 Update: Apparently, after a three month “grace period,” Costco will start strictly enforcing a policy regarding time of entry into the store. Some members are upset about it.

Since June 2025, Executive Members were entitled to begin shopping one hour (30 minutes on Saturdays) before those with regular memberships. 

Despite the “policy,” Costco acknowledges that it did not enforce the policy during this grace period, letting all members into the store early. However, the company claims that starting September 1 (although the store is closed Labor Day so I guess really September 2), it will be strict. 

Although popular among Executive Members, many with regular memberships have complained about the policy. They view the policy as rewarding the people who pay more for membership. In addition, because some stores have 9 vs 10 am opening time, it actually hurts regular members (who now lose an hour of shopping) vs just rewarding executive members.

The company explains that the policy is an additional perk for those who pay more for the membership. 

I don’t see a problem with the policy. I think that it makes sense as yet another bonus of the higher cost membership. I can understand that it would be frustrating for those who have been used to shopping at 9 am and now having to wait until 10 am. However, stores change hours and it is up to the Costco members to now decide if the hours and the other works for Executive Members are worth the upgrade. 

What do you think about the policy?