Overview

• Costco began enforcing Executive-only entry at 9 a.m. nationwide this week, with access exclusive until 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday and until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.
• The policy follows a June 30 soft launch and an implementation grace period through Aug. 31, capped by a company social post reiterating the 9 a.m. start.
• All warehouse departments operate during the early hour, including the food court, with pharmacies participating except on Sundays when they are closed.
• Executive membership costs $130 per year versus $65 for Gold Star and includes a 2% reward and extra savings on select services.
• The change fits a broader push to boost loyalty following longer gas-station hours that CEO Ron Vachris said drove record gallon weeks, with more than 600 U.S. warehouses affected.