Costco Announces Important Change for Certain Members Starting June 30

Costco is continuously switching things up to stay competitive in warehouse club and wholesale space. Costco opened 1976 under the Price Club name, and in 1983, the first Costco warehouse location opened in Seattle. They even became the first company ever to grow from zero to $3 billion in sales in less than six years.

Now, Costco has announced a new perk for select members.

The warehouse club has announced that the company will start allowing executive members in the U.S. in their higher-priced membership tier to shop an hour earlier than standard members beginning June 30, according to an email to employees reported by Business Insider.

"Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco," the email stated. Also in that email, Costco said that executive members would start getting a $10 monthly credit for Instacart orders and $150 worth of additional benefits and savings on Costco services.

Business Insider reached out to Costco on the matter but didn't receive an immediate response.

This isn't the first time Costco has given some perks to executive members. The select group was previously offered extended shopping hours at certain Costco locations, but the perk was phased out, according to Costco Insider.

Adding perks such as early entry for Costco members on the executive tier could make it a more attractive option for those who are on the standard level. Costco has also started testing earlier hours at its gas stations for all members and stated during its May earnings call that it's had a good impact on sales.

"Costco warehouses carry about 4,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) compared to the 30,000 found at most supermarkets," Costco says on its website. "By carefully choosing products based on quality, price, brand and features, the company can offer the best value to members."

Related: Costco Members Cautioned Against Using Their Membership Card