Are you a Costco executive member eager to maximize your membership benefits? Or are you considering upgrading to an executive membership and wondering if the exclusive Costco executive hours are worth it? Starting June 30, 2025, Costco is rolling out special shopping hours for executive members, allowing early access and extended shopping times. This comprehensive guide explores Costco executive hours, their benefits, how to access them, and tips to make the most of your shopping experience. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or just curious, this article provides all the details you need to navigate these exclusive perks.
Table of Contents
What Are Costco Executive Hours?
Costco executive hours are dedicated shopping periods for executive members, offering access to warehouses before regular opening times and, on Saturdays, after standard closing hours. According to recent announcements, starting June 30, 2025, executive members can shop from 9 a.m. daily, an hour earlier than the typical 10 a.m. opening for Gold Star and Business members. On Saturdays, they can also shop until 7 p.m., extending beyond the usual 6 p.m. closing time. These hours apply to most U.S. warehouses, though slight variations may occur by location.
This change reinstates a perk previously offered years ago, as noted by Business Insider. It aims to reward executive members, who account for over 70% of Costco’s sales despite being 47.3% of its membership base, according to Scripps News.
Key Features of Executive Hours
- Early Access: Shop from 9 a.m., one hour before regular members on weekdays and Sundays, and 30 minutes earlier on Saturdays.
- Extended Saturday Hours: Stay until 7 p.m. on Saturdays, an hour later than the 6 p.m. closing for others.
- Ancillary Services: Pharmacy, food court, and other departments are also open during these exclusive hours, per SFGate.
Benefits of Costco Executive Hours
The primary advantage of Costco executive hours is a less crowded shopping experience. Early access at 9 a.m. allows you to browse aisles with fewer people, making it easier to find high-demand items like fresh produce, bakery goods, or seasonal products. The extended Saturday hours provide flexibility for those with busy schedules, allowing shopping after regular hours when the store is quieter.
Why These Hours Matter
- First Pick of Inventory: Get access to fresh stock before it’s picked over.
- Reduced Crowds: Enjoy a more relaxed shopping environment, especially beneficial in high-traffic warehouses.
- Time Flexibility: Early mornings or late Saturdays accommodate varied schedules.
- Enhanced Experience: As Costco CEO Ron Vachris noted, improving the member experience is a priority amid growing membership numbers, per Scripps News.
However, this perk has sparked some debate. Regular members may feel disadvantaged, as their access is delayed, according to SFGate. Additionally, some employees worry about staffing challenges for the early hours, as reported by Business Insider.
How to Become a Costco Executive Member
To access Costco executive hours, you need an executive membership, priced at $130 annually, which includes a $65 base membership fee plus a $65 upgrade fee. You can sign up or upgrade at any Costco warehouse or online through Costco’s membership page. The process is straightforward, and Costco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing a full refund if you’re dissatisfied.
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Additional Executive Membership Benefits
Beyond Costco executive hours, the membership offers:
- 2% Annual Reward: Earn up to $1,250 yearly on qualified purchases at Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel, per Costco Executive Rewards.
- Service Discounts: Save on auto and home insurance, pet insurance, and more through Costco Services.
- Travel Perks: Exclusive benefits on select Costco Travel packages, as outlined on Costco Travel.
- Free Household Card: Share membership benefits with a family member.
These benefits can offset the higher cost, especially for frequent shoppers. For example, spending $3,250 annually at Costco breaks even on the $65 upgrade fee through the 2% reward alone.
Comparing Executive Hours with Regular Hours
To illustrate the advantage of Costco executive hours, here’s a comparison with regular member hours, based on typical warehouse schedules:
| Day | Executive Member Hours | Regular Member Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM | 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Note: Hours may vary by location. Check your local warehouse’s hours via Costco’s warehouse locator.
This table highlights the early access (9 a.m. vs. 10 a.m. on weekdays/Sundays, 9 a.m. vs. 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays) and extended Saturday hours (7 p.m. vs. 6 p.m.) for executive members.
Tips for Maximizing Costco Executive Hours
To fully leverage Costco executive hours, consider these practical tips:
- Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list to make efficient use of the quieter hours.
- Arrive Early: Get to the warehouse at 9 a.m. to secure the best selection of fresh or limited-stock items.
- Shop Late on Saturdays: Use the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. window on Saturdays for a calm shopping experience.
- Combine Benefits: Apply your 2% reward and service discounts to maximize savings.
- Check for Events: Look for exclusive sales or events during executive hours, often announced via Costco’s email or app.
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Real-World Example: A Shopper’s Experience
Consider Jane, a busy professional and Costco executive member in California. She uses the 9 a.m. opening to shop for groceries before work, avoiding the midday rush. On Saturdays, she stays until 6:30 p.m. to pick up bulk items, enjoying the quieter store after regular members leave. Last month, Jane secured a limited-edition holiday item during executive hours, which sold out by noon. Her 2% reward also covered the upgrade fee, making the membership a smart choice for her frequent shopping.
What’s New in 2025?
In 2025, Costco’s focus on enhancing the executive membership experience is evident with the reintroduction of Costco executive hours. This move responds to member feedback about crowded stores, as noted by CEO Ron Vachris in a May 2025 investor call, per Scripps News. Additionally, Costco has extended gas station hours for all members, further improving convenience.
FAQ Section
1. What Are the Exact Shopping Hours for Costco Executive Members?
As of June 30, 2025, Costco executive hours allow executive members to shop from 9 a.m. daily at most U.S. warehouses, an hour earlier than the standard 10 a.m. opening for weekdays and Sundays, and 30 minutes earlier than the 9:30 a.m. Saturday opening. On Saturdays, executive members can also shop until 7 p.m., compared to 6 p.m. for regular members. These hours apply to the main warehouse and ancillary services like the pharmacy and food court, as confirmed by SFGate. Since hours may vary by location, check your local warehouse’s schedule on Costco’s warehouse locator or the Costco app. This perk enhances the shopping experience by offering access during less busy times, ideal for securing high-demand items or enjoying a quieter store.
2. How Do Costco Executive Hours Differ from Regular Hours?
Costco executive hours provide early access and extended Saturday hours compared to regular member hours. Executive members can enter at 9 a.m. daily, while Gold Star and Business members start at 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. On Saturdays, executive members can shop until 7 p.m., an hour later than the 6 p.m. closing for others. For example, at a typical warehouse like the Manhattan, NY location, regular hours are 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, per Costco’s Manhattan warehouse page. Executive hours thus offer a significant advantage for convenience and crowd avoidance.
3. Is the Executive Membership Worth It Just for the Special Hours?
Whether Costco executive hours justify the $130 annual membership depends on your shopping habits. The early access and extended Saturday hours are valuable for frequent shoppers who prioritize convenience and access to fresh stock. However, the $65 upgrade fee over the Gold Star membership is often offset by the 2% reward, which requires $3,250 in annual spending to break even, as noted by CNET. If you shop infrequently or don’t mind crowds, the hours alone may not justify the cost. Consider additional perks like service discounts and travel benefits, detailed on Costco’s services page, to assess overall value.
4. Can I Access the Food Court or Pharmacy During Executive Hours?
Yes, during Costco executive hours, ancillary departments like the food court, pharmacy, and optical services are open starting at 9 a.m. for executive members, as reported by SFGate. This allows you to fill prescriptions, grab a meal, or access other services during the exclusive hour. For example, you could pick up a prescription at 9 a.m. before shopping, streamlining your visit. Always confirm with your local warehouse, as some services’ hours may align with the main warehouse, per Costco’s customer service page.
5. Do All Costco Locations Offer Executive Hours?
Most U.S. Costco warehouses are expected to offer Costco executive hours starting June 30, 2025, as announced by USA Today. However, hours can vary by location due to regional differences or operational constraints. For instance, the Los Angeles warehouse lists standard hours, but executive hours apply universally, per Yelp reviews. To confirm, visit Costco’s warehouse locator or use the Costco app to check your local store’s schedule.
6. How Can I Upgrade to an Executive Membership?
To access Costco executive hours, upgrade to an executive membership for $130 annually ($65 base fee plus $65 upgrade fee). Visit the membership counter at any Costco warehouse or upgrade online via Costco’s membership page. If you’re a current Gold Star or Business member, Costco prorates the upgrade fee based on your remaining membership months. For example, upgrading six months into your membership costs $32.50 for the year, per Clark. Costco’s 100% satisfaction guarantee ensures a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
Conclusion
Costco executive hours, starting June 30, 2025, offer executive members exclusive access to warehouses at 9 a.m. daily and until 7 p.m. on Saturdays, providing a quieter, more convenient shopping experience. Combined with benefits like the 2% reward and service discounts, these hours make the $130 executive membership a compelling choice for frequent shoppers. Check your local warehouse’s hours and consider upgrading to enjoy these perks. Share your thoughts or experiences with Costco executive hours in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more Costco tips!
