Irvine, California — Starting Monday, Costco introduced a new benefit for its Executive Members, granting them exclusive early shopping hours at 9 a.m.
Previously, all members could only shop starting at 10 a.m. Sunday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays. The new early access for Executive Members gives them a significant head start during the busy shopping hours.
What Does Executive Membership Offer?
An Executive Membership costs $130 annually, double the cost of a standard membership, which is $65. Along with the early access to shopping, Executive Members enjoy several other benefits, such as a 2% annual reward on most purchases.
The Impact of Executive Members on Costco’s Sales
Despite only making up 47.3% of Costco’s membership, Executive Members are responsible for over 70% of Costco’s total sales, highlighting their importance to the company’s revenue stream.
Read Also: Sam’s Club Launches $19.99 Annual Membership with Auto-Renewal
Improving the Shopping Experience
During a May earnings call, Costco CEO Ron Vachris discussed efforts to enhance the shopping experience amid growing concerns about crowded stores, long checkout lines, and limited parking.
“It is a strategic priority for all of us in the company right now to continue to look at how we improve the member experience in our high-volume warehouses,” Vachris said.
Costco is also looking to open new locations in densely trafficked areas as part of its plan to reduce congestion and improve customer satisfaction.
What are your thoughts on the new early access for Executive Members? Do you think this will improve your Costco experience? Let us know in the comments below. For more updates, visit ridgecrestpact.org