Tue Sep 02 06:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the information about Costco’s new membership policy:
**KING 5 News: Costco Enforces Exclusive Shopping Hour for Executive Members Starting This Week**
**WASHINGTON** – Costco is implementing its new policy this week that will provide exclusive shopping hours for its Executive members. Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, Executive members will receive a one-hour head start on shopping at U.S. Costco warehouses on weekdays and Sundays (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and a half-hour head start on Saturdays (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM). The policy goes into effect after Labor Day, when Costco is closed.
The wholesale retailer announced the perk earlier this summer, but allowed a grace period throughout July and August. With the new policy in full effect, Gold Star and Business members arriving during the Executive shopping hour risk being turned away.
This change brings Costco more in line with competitors like Sam’s Club, which already offers early-morning shopping hours for its premium members. Executive members account for 73% of Costco’s sales, despite representing less than half of the company’s membership base of 79.6 million.
As part of this change announced June 30, Costco has extended Saturday hours, closing at 7 PM for all members. Last year, Costco raised its membership fees for the first time since 2017; Gold Star memberships are now $65 per year, while Executive memberships cost $130.
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