Costco Introduces Exclusive Crowd-Free Shopping Hours—But There’s One Catch

Costco is rolling out an innovative service that promises a more relaxed shopping experience by letting Executive Members enter its warehouses before regular customers. Beginning June 30, 2025, these premium members will have the opportunity to shop in near-empty stores during exclusive early hours. Designed to ease congestion, this new benefit aims to allow members to beat the crowds, secure the best deals, and enjoy a quieter, more personalized in-store experience—a welcome change for those tired of battling busy aisles and long checkout lines during peak hours.

How the Service Works

Under the new program, Executive Members—Costco’s upper tier offered at $130 per year—will be granted access to their local warehouse starting at 9 a.m. on weekdays and enjoying extended early hours on weekends as well. This initiative is tailored to provide a stress-free alternative to the traditional shopping frenzy. By entering before the bulk of the crowd, these members can leisurely explore aisles, load their carts with those hard-to-find pantry staples, and even take advantage of the first picks on seasonal products. Alongside the early shopping window, Costco is also offering a $10 monthly credit on Instacart orders over $150, adding an extra layer of convenience and savings for those who may prefer a digital approach.

The Catch: It’s an Exclusive Perk for Executive Members

However, there is one key catch that potential shoppers should be aware of: the early, crowd-free access is reserved solely for Executive Members. While this premium membership tier offers several additional benefits—including an annual 2% reward on qualified purchases and other exclusive savings—the price tag is nearly double that of the standard Gold Star Membership. For many, the decision to upgrade means not only paying a higher fee but also adapting to a more exclusive shopping model where only a select group experiences the benefit of a quiet, early-morning store. This exclusivity is a double-edged sword—while it ensures a superior shopping experience for Executive Members, it leaves out the vast segment of Costco’s customer base who rely on the more affordable Gold Star Membership.

Is It Worth Upgrading?

For customers who value time and convenience, the additional cost of the Executive Membership may prove worthwhile. Early shoppers can avoid the frustration of crowded aisles, especially during high-demand shopping days and seasonal rushes. Moreover, the added Instacart credit and other perks could offset the premium membership fee if leveraged effectively. Nevertheless, for budget-conscious shoppers or those who frequently shop during non-peak hours, the benefits may not justify the upgrade, leaving the catch a significant consideration in the decision-making process.