Louisiana Costco’s Set to Enforce New Policy as of September 1

(KMDL-FM) If you ask Louisiana shoppers why they love warehouse clubs such as Sam's and Costco, they will tell you it's all about the price. I would have to say for me, the biggest deterrent to shopping at a warehouse club is the cost of membership.

Call me old-fashioned, but I don't think I should have to pay you for the privilege of shopping at your store. Still, a lot of folks do, and if it works for them, then so be it.

READ MORE: Popular Salad Kits Sold in Louisiana Recalled over Allergy Concerns

READ MORE: Louisiana Posts Massive Powerball Wins in Labor Day Drawing

Sam's Club and Walmart stores have been a fixture in Louisiana for several decades now. Costco is a late arrival to the warehouse concept, at least in Louisiana. But shoppers in the state have adapted to the Costco method in droves where their huge warehouse stores are located.

How Many Louisiana Locations of Costco Are Affected By the New Shopping Policy?

Louisiana currently has three locations of Costco locations. Those stores are located in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette. Every one of those stores has adopted and is now implementing a new shopping policy as of Monday, September 1st.

One of the ways that shopping is different at Costco and other warehouse clubs is the "paid membership". We all know that where there is one paid-for membership, there are multiple levels of paid-for membership, and Costco is no different. In fact, the premium membership level is a reason for the massive change in policy across the Costco footprint, not only in Louisiana but across the nation.

What Is the Policy Change For Costco Shoppers in Louisiana?

The policy change should not be a surprise for savvy Costco shoppers. It has been published for many months now, and it involves access to the store for premium members. According to the Executive membership agreement, those who purchase that plan are allowed "special shopping hours" during the week.

Get our free mobile app

If you choose to elevate your membership at Costco, you will now be eligible to have the store to yourself for one hour every week. Well, you and all the other Executive Members will have the store to yourselves for an hour. That hour is from 9 am to 10 am Sunday through Friday.  On Saturday, you only get half an hour by yourself from 9:00 to 9:30.

Those Costco members who hold memberships that are not at the Executive Level will have to wait until the store has been opened for their membership level. Now, if you're saying, they've never enforced that policy before, you're right. But they are now, so don't be offended if they ask you to wait until ten to get your five gallons of mayonnaise.