SCORES of Costco shoppers are at risk of having to upgrade their memberships if they want to take advantage of a new perk that’s coming to warehouses.
Hundreds of warehouses will see their timetables changed in a major hours shakeup in days.
From June 30, Costco executive members will have more time to roam the aisles in warehouses.
During the week, executive members will be able to peruse the store between 9am and 10am – all while standard subscribers are waiting outside.
On Saturday, executive members can enjoy stores between 9am and 9:30am.
A Costco subscription costs $65 and shoppers have to fork out another $65 to upgrade their membership.
The cost of an executive membership is $130 and its price was hiked by $10 in September last year.
Bosses revealed the price hike would help keep costs low for shoppers.
“A modest increase in fees will allow us to bring our members even greater value,” the retailer said.
A gold star membership now costs $65 after its price was increased by $5.
Costco appears to be mimicking Sam’s Club with the schedule shakeup.
Sam’s Club Plus members can browse warehouses from 8am to 10am before stores open to the retailer’s other subscribers.
Early shopping hours are in place on Saturdays, but not Sundays.
And, they are also in place for certain holidays, including the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Costco chiefs have revealed that all of the brand’s warehouses will be closed for the July holiday.
Sam’s Club warehouses are closed to the public on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Costco executive members have demanded even more benefits – despite the timetable change.
Members continue to blast the state of long lines.
“Your lines are so long I avoid going to your stores even though I am an executive member,” one shopper chimed up on X.
“Sam’s Club is eating your lunch when it comes to user experience.”
But, the chain appears to be taking customer feedback on board as it pilots a system that’s similar to scan and go.
Shoppers had been demanding the checkout change for months.
Scan and go is an alternative checkout method that allows shoppers to skip long lines.
Earlier this month, Costco CEO Ron Vachris revealed the brand had seen some “very positive” results but admitted it was still early in the process.
