Costco now open early for executive members only

Costco members with the pricier executive membership saw an old perk revived Monday, June 30: early entrance.

The membership club is now open starting at 9 a.m. for members who pay the annual executive rate of $130. Gold Star and business members ($65 annually) can enter at 10 a.m.

The company told Business Insider that the change was a “reward” for its most loyal customers and “their commitment to Costco.”

Also see: Not a Costco member? Shoppers have tips to get inside

Costco before the pandemic offered early hours for certain members. That practice ended when it converted that early hour to seniors and the handicapped shoppers during the rush to buy pantry goods amid COVID-19 lockdowns.

The retailer advised its members to check local warehouses to be sure the early hours were in effect. Opening times may vary by location.

Costco has introduced a number of changes at its stores in recent years.

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Most recently, it applied to build its first standalone gas station in Mission Viejo. The 40-pump station will offer no retail options — no food court, just gas — when it demolishes and builds the station at the site of a former Bed Bath & Beyond at 25732 El Paseo. Costco is proposing a new store in nearby Foothill Ranch, which will not offer a gas station.

—It expanded gas pump hours to 10 p.m. during the week and 8:30 p.m. on weekends.

—Last year, it raised membership prices, a first since 2017. Gold star memberships went up $5 while the executive card rose $10.

—It swapped its popular churro at the food court with a 750-calorie chocolate chip cookie.

—Costco also installed membership scanners at store entrances in an attempt to curtail shared memberships. The scanners went in about a year ago across Southern California.