WASHINGTON — policy allowing an exclusive shopping hour for some members will take full effect this week.

Starting Monday, Sept. 1, the wholesale club will strictly enforce its latest perk: giving an exclusive, hour-long shopping window in the morning for its higher-paying members. The policy was announced earlier this summer, but Costco had given a grace period for the policy change in July and August.

The enforcement goes into effect on Labor Day, when Costco is closed, so shoppers will likely see changes starting Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Executive Members will be given early access to shop from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time on weekdays and Sundays, and from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays.

Gold Star and Business members who arrive at Costco during the "Executive hour" run the risk of being

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