Costco Enforces New VIP Shopping Hours for Executive Members Beginning Tuesday

In a move that has sparked both praise and frustration among its members, Costco Wholesale began strictly enforcing its new early-shopping policy on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Under the revised rules, only Executive Members are permitted to enter Costco warehouses between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays; all other members must wait until 10 a.m. to shop.

Retailers observed that Costco, which closed all 634 U.S. locations on Labor Day, September 1, 2025, reopened on Tuesday under the heightened membership restrictions. The policy-first announced in June with a two-month grace period-aims to reward Executive Members, who pay $130 annually, by granting them exclusive access during the morning’s busiest hours.

Many shoppers have expressed mixed reactions. Executive Members applauded the quieter aisles and shorter checkout lines, while Gold Star and Business Members lamented the loss of early shopping privileges. One Gold Star Member commented on social media, “I used to beat the crowds by arriving at 9:15 a.m., but now I’m stuck in traffic outside until the store opens at 10.”

Costco defended the policy in a statement to media outlets: “Our Executive Members are our most loyal customers, and this new shopping window is designed to reward their commitment to Costco.” Industry analysts predict the change may drive upgrades to Executive Memberships, boosting Costco’s premium-tier sales even as it risks alienating lower-tier members during peak shopping hours.