Costco’s Controversial Policy Change Is Officially Starting — Here’s What to Know, Including Why Some May Be Denied Entry

Costco’s New Executive Member Policy Takes Effect Starting September 1st, Costco customers with the wrong membership now at risk of being denied entry Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Skip to content PEOPLE Search Please fill out this field. Log In My Account Log Out Magazine Subscribe Manage Your Subscription Give a Gift Subscription Get Help Newsletters Sweepstakes Subscribe Search Please fill out this field. 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As of June 30, these members were granted an exclusive hour-long shopping window before ordinary customers were welcomed at Costco stores. However, a ‘grace period’ allowed for a transition period, and starting September 1st, the policy will be strictly enforced. The contentious new policy change by Costco is set to take effect from September 1st onwards. Customers who arrive with the wrong membership during unauthorised hours now risk being turned away. One of the perks introduced for Costco shoppers with the Executive Membership was this exclusive shopping window, allowing them to shop from 9 am to 10 am local time every day, except for Saturday when the period lasts until 9:30 am only. Throughout the past month, the rule was not rigorously implemented, with signs at some Costco locations indicating a grace period as customers adjusted to the new regulations. One sign posted at a store specified, “A grace period for Gold Star and Business members will be in effect through August 31”, as per reports. Costco is now set to enforce the exclusive shopping window for Executive Membership holders come September. The policy aims to reward Costco’s most loyal members, according to an email sent to employees by the company. The Executive Membership, priced at $130 annually, is significantly higher compared to the $65 annual fee for the Gold Star Membership. Business members, with a membership priced at $65, are not included in the exclusive shopping hours. Costco’s website states that while almost half of all Costco members opt for the executive tier, they represent a noticeable 73% of the company’s total sales. Along with the exclusive shopping window benefit, Executive Membership holders now have another perk as well. They receive a $10 monthly credit for eligible orders over $150 on sameday.costco.com or Costco via Instacart. The Gold Star Membership offered by Costco covers the membership card needed for shopping at all Costco locations worldwide, allowing shoppers from the same household. The Executive Membership includes the card and additional benefits and rewards. As Costco continues to roll out new benefits for its Executive Membership holders, some customers have expressed mixed feelings about the changes, with concerns about the exclusion of lower-tier members and the reduction of shopping time for non-Executive members. While Costco did not respond to questions regarding the policy change initially, it remains to be seen how customers will adjust to the new regulations when they are strictly enforced starting next month. 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