Costco Worker Pleads With Customers To Do This One Thing As They Struggle To Adjust To Store's New Hours

The warehouse giant, Costco's decision to extend executive member hours without consulting staff has inadvertently exposed the delicate ecosystem that keeps retail operations functioning.

The new work hours implemented by Costco from June 30 have drawn reactions from the staff, as evident from the workers' emotional appeal for kindness, which has gone viral. The fresh rules follow an increase in annual membership fees by the warehouse chain about a year ago — its first price hike in seven years.

Holly Dickey White's candid Facebook post has resonated far beyond the aisles of Costco, laying bare the human cost of corporate decisions that ripple through employees' daily existence. The worker's frank admission that staff discovered the new arrangements alongside customers has sparked widespread sympathy and outrage across social media.

'Greet Us With a Smile'

In the Facebook post, Holly explained that staff learned about the change at the same time as customers and weren't consulted beforehand. They acknowledged that while it may seem like a minor adjustment, the extra hour is causing significant challenges for many workers, especially those with children, caregiving responsibilities, or other obligations.

They added that no additional staff had been hired to help cover the extended hours, leaving employees feeling overextended and stressed. 'If you are caring for an elderly member of your family. It is disrupting our lives! We will all be stretched thin (no new employees were hired to cover the extra hours),' he stated.

Moreover, he emphasised that while they appreciate their jobs, reminders about customer importance aren't needed; instead, a simple smile and kindness from shoppers can make a big difference to the employees' day.

'So for the near future please be kind to our Costco employees, we have a lot of our plates (that we didn't ask for) and we are trying very hard to have good attitudes about it while taking care of our members,' he said and then adding, 'Greet us with a smile, it will help, I promise!'

Members Happy, Merchants Not

On Reddit, people are debating whether the new Costco store hours for exclusive members are good. For many members, the news is a welcome surprise, as they can shop early compared to other store members.

'As an executive member, I am all for it. Some years back, they let business members in early, something like an hour before the regular opening time. And I wished often that I was a business member,' one user stated.

However, many store merchants and employees are lamenting about the new store hours, with many commenting that they now have to go to their respective stores earlier to prepare merchandise.

'Great, does that mean they will force the [morning] merchants to come in at 3 am every day? Because we barely make open as is, and that's too damn early!,' a Redditor lamented.

Another one explained the dilemma of waking up too early to prepare merchandise ahead of store opening, stating, 'We already struggle getting open at 9:50 am with 2-4 depots and maybe 3-5 extra direct trucks. I'm in at 4 am. This will suck for us stockers and forklift drivers, having to be in at 3 am. Means I'll have to be up at 1-1:30 am to be at work on time.'

What's With Costco's New Store Hours?

Costco has officially begun offering exclusive early shopping hours for Executive Members. Starting June 30, US warehouses open their doors at 9 am Monday through Friday and on Sundays—an hour ahead of standard members—and at 9 am on Saturdays (with regular access at 9:30 am).

This benefit is part of a revised Executive Membership, now priced at $130 (£96.26)/year, that also includes a $10 (£7.40) monthly Instacart credit and a 2% annual rebate.

Moreover, the early hours extend across all central departments—food court, pharmacy, optical, except pharmacy on Sunday. Costco says the initiative rewards its premium-level customers, though reactions are mixed, with some welcoming the perk and others questioning equity for standard members.

Costco's decision to offer early shopping hours exclusively for Executive Members reflects its ongoing effort to reward loyal customers while encouraging upgrades to its premium tier. Although some shoppers have voiced concerns about fairness and the added strain on employees, many see the perk as a valuable convenience that eases crowds and saves time.

Whether this change sets a trend for more membership-based perks remains to be seen, but for now, Executive Members can enjoy a quieter shopping experience, and Costco strengthens its reputation for adding value to its membership in an increasingly competitive retail landscape.