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Costco’s Membership Policy Changes Impact Sales
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) has recently implemented a policy change allowing Executive members special shopping hours, which has resulted in a reported 1% increase in weekly U.S. sales. Following this change, sales could potentially generate an additional $3 billion in annual revenue. The company closed its fiscal year on August 31, 2025, with 81 million members globally, of which 38.7 million were Executive cardholders, responsible for 74.2% of net sales in the fourth quarter.
In June 2023, Costco raised its annual membership fees for Gold Star and Executive members from $60 to $65 and $120 to $130, respectively. The policy changes are aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for higher-tier members, despite some dissatisfaction among Gold Star members regarding the limited access to benefits. These adjustments reflect Costco’s strategy to leverage its membership model for boosting sales while managing customer satisfaction.
With a projected global retail addressable market of $52.7 trillion by 2035, Costco continues to adapt its operations to meet consumer demands, solidifying its position alongside other retail giants like Amazon and Walmart.
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