Costco's Long Island stores now open earlier for executive members

Costco Wholesale has officially implemented extended shopping hours for members with executive-tier memberships, following a grace period that began earlier this summer.

As of Sept. 1, executive members can begin shopping an hour earlier, according to reports from The Street and USA Today. Costco — known for its bulk groceries, low-priced rotisserie chickens, and $1.50 hot dog meals — previously announced the change in a June 30 Instagram post.

Costco officials did not respond to questions Thursday about the grace period tied to the extended hours policy.

Under the new schedule, executive members can shop from 9 to 10 a.m., Mondays through Fridays and on Sundays, the company said in its summer social media post. Additionally, all U.S. locations will now remain open an extra hour on Saturdays, closing at 7 p.m. for all members.

Executive memberships cost $130 annually, while Gold Star and business memberships are $65 per year, according to Costco’s pricing guide.

During the grace period, which ended Aug. 31, Gold Star and business members — who pay the lower annual fee — were still allowed to shop during the early access hours, according to national news reports.

Costco operates eight locations on Long Island: Melville, Commack, Westbury, Nesconset, Oceanside, Holbrook, Lawrence and Riverhead, according to its online store locator.

Doug Drotman, a public relations professional and president of Drotman Communications in Commack, said the expanded hours align with a broader trend of brands offering more value to consumers.

“It’s consistent with brands’ focus on providing added value to customers, whether it’s credit cards with added perks and benefits, or Uber One, which give you added value if you’re a subscriber,” Drotman said. “It’s a crowded landscape out there and prices are probably just one factor in people’s shopping decisions; people put a value on their time, and this could give them back some time.”

Costco reported net sales of $250 billion last year, according to company financials.

In 2024, the company increased the cost of Gold Star and business memberships by $5, and executive memberships by $10.