Costco Mexico Offers Exclusive Early Access too Executive Members, Sparking Debate
Mexico City – Costco Mexico is rolling out a new perk for its Executive members: daily early access to warehouses, a move designed to reward its most loyal customers but also drawing criticism for potentially creating a two-tiered shopping experience. The benefit, recently highlighted by Business Insider, allows Executive members to shop before general opening hours, offering a less crowded environment.
Costco executives view their Executive members as “the most loyal” and are implementing this benefit as a reward, a strategy that makes business sense given that these members, though representing only half of Costco’s membership base, generate 73% of the company’s total sales. The early access program isn’t entirely new, having been tested in previous years before being discontinued – possibly due to limited impact – and is now being reintroduced with a more focused approach.
The response has been divided. Some shoppers are celebrating the perk, describing the experience as akin to having the store to themselves, as one Business Insider reader reported after trying the benefit in New York. Others, however, are voicing concerns about exclusion, with some customers on social media expressing feeling “punished” for not holding the higher-tier membership, especially in locations where early shopping was previously available to all.
The early access period typically ranges from half an hour to an hour, promising benefits like empty parking lots, clear aisles, and shorter checkout lines. However, some early-arriving shoppers have noted that popular items, such as rotisserie chickens, may not be ready for purchase during these hours.
This new benefit is part of the broader Executive membership package, which includes up to $1,250 annually in rewards, $10 monthly credits for online orders, and the standard 2% reimbursement on purchases. The move comes as Costco continues to refine its membership model and cater to its most valuable customers.
