Costco to Enforce New Shopping Policy, Favoring Executive Members, Starting September 1

Costco's new policy, effective September 1, restricts entry to stores from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for non-executive members, while executive members have priority access. The policy aims to reward executive members for their loyalty. However, some customers are outraged, accusing Costco of favoring higher-paying members and alienating others. A grace period has ended, and the policy will be strictly enforced.

Starting September 1, 2025, Costco will enforce a new policy that grants Executive Members exclusive early access to stores. This policy, announced in June, allows Executive Members to shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily (until 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays), while other members must wait until after 10 a.m. to enter [1].

The new policy aims to reward Costco's most loyal customers, who make up less than half of the company's total membership but account for 73% of its sales. Executive Members also receive additional perks, such as a $10 monthly credit on eligible online orders over $150 [1].

However, the policy has faced criticism from some shoppers, who argue that it favors higher-paying members and alienates regular customers, especially in locations where stores already open at 9 a.m. [1]. During a grace period that ended on August 31, all members could enter early while adjusting to the change, but starting September, non-Executive members will be turned away if they attempt to shop before 10 a.m. [1].

Costco's expansion in Georgia has been notable, with BJ’s Wholesale Club opening eight new stores by year-end, leveraging gas stations, digital services, and 25% grocery discounts to compete with Costco and Sam’s Club [4]. BJ’s Wholesale Club's strategic expansion and digital innovation position it as a compelling long-term investment, with a 35x valuation versus Costco’s 55x and 34% EPS growth [4].

References:
[1] https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/exclusive-costco-perk-to-be-enforced-from-september-details-on-the-policy-who-could-be-turned-away-11756646491158.html
[2] https://www.witn.com/2025/08/31/costcos-new-shopping-policy-officially-starts-monday/
[3] https://ca.news.yahoo.com/costcos-controversial-policy-change-officially-192521381.html
[4] https://www.ainvest.com/news/bj-wholesale-club-strategic-expansion-georgia-implications-long-term-investment-2508/