Tue Sep 02 06:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the Costco membership rule change and other recent controversies:

**Costco’s Exclusive Shopping Hour for Executive Members Now in Full Effect, Sparks Debate**

**[City, State] –** Costco’s new policy granting exclusive early-morning shopping access to its Executive Members is now officially in effect, after an initial grace period. Starting today, only those with the $130 Executive Membership will be permitted into stores from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays. On Saturdays, the exclusive shopping window will be shortened to 30 minutes, with Executive Members getting access from 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM. Regular Gold Star ($65) and Business Members will be denied entry before 10:00 AM on weekdays and 9:30 AM on Saturdays.

The move, initially announced in June as a reward for Costco’s most loyal customers, has been met with mixed reactions from members. Some have praised the added perk, while others have criticized the policy as creating a two-tiered shopping experience.

“Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco,” the company said in a statement.

This isn’t the only recent change causing a stir within the Costco community. The retailer recently completed its transition from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products in its food courts nationwide. This decision, finalized in August, has also divided shoppers, with some expressing disappointment over the loss of their preferred beverage. Costco served Coca-Cola products prior to switching to Pepsi to keep prices down in 2013 and after a decade of Pepsi decided to revert back to Coca-Cola products. All food courts are expected to exclusively serve Coca-Cola products by the fall.

These changes come as Costco continues to adapt its membership benefits and product offerings, seeking to balance customer satisfaction with business objectives.

Read More