Costco shoppers are being reminded that each member type has a specific set of opening times. While stores may open first thing, only certain shoppers will be allowed through with staff checking at the door.
Costco shoppers with trade and executive-level memberships are usually granted access to the store first. After a few hours, and usually, towards lunchtime, those with individual memberships are permitted to enter the store.
Many customers had often passed through the doors early without question. However, now customers report that staff members are at the doors and checking membership cards upon entry.
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Many shoppers have reported that warehouses have become much stricter on the rule and are turning people away when they arrive too early. On a Costco fan group, one shopper described how they turned up at a warehouse in the south of England five minutes before the individual member opening time and were turned away by staff.
“They’ve certainly got a lot stricter,” said one member. “They used to only do it at busy times but now it’s all the time.”
Another said, “It’s been in place at my local warehouse but never enforced as there’s never a queue or anything to get in.”
Others reasoned that the earlier hours are there for a reason. “I’m an executive member and can get in and out quickly, I pay for that privilege so why can’t everyone else?”
“As a member paying extra, I’d be annoyed if people were just allowed in anytime,” reasoned another. While a third said “ Trade and Executive is considerably more expensive than Individual Membership. I find it quite annoying it makes a mockery of paying the extra money.”
What are the opening times for Costco Gateshead?
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