Core Points - Costco has implemented extended shopping hours for its executive members, allowing them exclusive access to stores before regular members [1][2][5] - The new policy provides executive members with a private shopping window from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays [2][3] - The initiative aims to cater to higher-earning customers as retailers adapt their strategies in response to economic pressures on lower- and middle-income consumers [8][11][12] Membership Details - The executive membership costs $130 per year and currently has 37.6 million paid memberships [2][5] - Gold Star and Business members will have access to the store starting at 10 a.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays [3][5] Strategic Context - Retailers, including Costco, are increasingly focusing on higher-income clientele as spending growth for these households is outpacing that of lower-income households [8][11][12] - The widening gap in wage growth between higher and lower-income households is influencing retailers' strategies [12]