The Brief

Costco's new "VIP hour" for executive members is now in effect.

Executive members can shop an hour early on weekdays and 30 minutes early on Saturdays.

The policy has sparked customer backlash, with some saying it alienates those with cheaper memberships.

LOS ANGELES - Costco 's new policy granting executive members early access to its stores, a perk dubbed the "VIP hour," is now being strictly enforced nationwide following the end of a grace period on Aug. 31.

Policy change in effect

What we know:

Costco has implemented a new policy that grants its executive members exclusive early access to stores.

This "VIP hour" allows only executive members to shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

The doors are then opened to all oth

See Full Page