Costco Announces Exclusive Shopping Window for Executive Members Only

Costco is introducing a new perk for a select group of members only.

The grocery chain recently announced on Instagram that starting on June 30, shoppers with the more expensive Executive Membership can “start shopping as early as” 9 a.m. local time every day, and they will have the store to themselves for up to an hour before other customers. (Saturday is the only exception, with the exclusive window lasting until 9:30 a.m., rather than 10 a.m.)

After the company announced the news, Costco customers were quick to share their confusion — and other thoughts — about the new perk in the comments section of the social media post.

One user from the Bay Area said they were confused by the exclusive shopping window, as the Costco locations near them already open their doors at 9 a.m.

Another asked, “Doesn’t Costco already open at 9? Does this mean the store will be closed to regular members until 10?”

In a response, the chain clarified that later this month, those who hold the lower-tier Gold Star Membership — which costs half of the $130 annual price of the Executive Membership — will lose an hour of shopping time in the mornings at Costco locations that already have a 9 a.m. opening.

“Some of our U.S. Warehouses currently open at 9 a.m. These locations will begin on June 30th reserving this time for Executive members only,” the company wrote. “All members will be welcome to shop starting at 10 a.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday, and at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.”

“Ok so basically you’re punishing the people that don’t want to give you $65 more,” one user wrote in response to Costco’s announcement, adding that the new perk is “alienating” their customers.

“It should be for all members,” a different user commented on the post, while another wrote, “Is this what the first class passengers on the Titanic felt like?”

Costco did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Sunday, June 22.

The grocery chain’s Gold Star Membership has an annual $65 membership fee, while the Executive Membership rings up at a price of $130 annually. This cost is broken down into the base-level “$65 membership fee, plus $65 upgrade fee,” per Costco’s website.

The Gold Star Membership covers the company’s membership card, which allows shoppers from the same household to shop at all Costco locations worldwide. The Executive Membership includes the card, plus additional benefits and rewards.

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The company also announced on Instagram on June 21 that Executive Membership holders will soon receive “a $10 monthly credit to use on an eligible sameday.costco.com or Costco via Instacart order over $150.”

This change will be introduced on June 30, the same day as the exclusive morning shopping window.