COSTCO has been making changes this year, and some have been controversial among shoppers.
The warehouse retailer has millions of members at its over 620 locations nationwide.
Costco has been making some policy adjustments (stock image)[/caption]
At least two changes benefit Executive members (stock image)[/caption]
Those members must select one of two subscription options to be able to shop in-store and online, either the base Gold Star for a fee of $65 annually, or Executive for $130.
Paying for the Executive membership means more perks, including a 2% annual reward, discounts on Costco Services, and more.
Except, this summer, Costco announced a policy change that meant another benefit for Executive members — early shopping hours.
Starting on June 30, those members and only those members were allowed to come in to their local store an hour early.
After some backlash from the Gold Star members, a “grace period” was extended at select locations until September 1, meaning anyone with a membership could shop during the early hours.
Now, that’s changed, and Costco employees will be enforcing that only Executive members can get in-store from 9 am to 10 am local time (9 am to 9:30 am on Saturdays) and others will be turned away.
“Our Executive Members are our most loyal members, and we want to reward them for their commitment to Costco,” an email to staff obtained by Business Insider read.
According to the publication, just under half of all Costco members have the Executive tier, but they still represent 73% of the company’s sales.
The early shopping hours isn’t the only recent policy change that benefited Executive members.
MONTHLY BONUS
Also beginning June 30, those members qualified to receive a “10 monthly credit to use on an eligible sameday.costco.com or Costco via Instacart order over $150,” per a post from the retailer on Instagram.
Since the implementation of both policies, longtime Costco customers have been crying out on social media.
Some even went as far to claim that the retailer was “punishing” Gold Star members and “alienating” them, per People.
Costco did not respond to a request for comment.
It has also made some food and drink-related changes this year.
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PARENTAL GUIDANCE
More recently, a new rule was put in place that do not allow children to get free samples in-store without an adult present.
This was decided upon over safety concerns, preventing young person from accidentally ingesting something they might be allergic to.
Should a child request a sample without their parent, they must first locate and return with them for approval before getting one.
Costco’s famous food court has also seen updates.
SODA SWAP
Confirmed back in January, all of Costco’s food courts nationwide will be switching to Coca-Cola instead of Pepsi.
“This summer, we will be converting our food court fountain business back over to Coca-Cola,” CEO Ron Vachris noted in a statement.
Some customers have already seen the switch, with the full process being completed by fall.
At the time of the announcement, this move from the warehouse retailer was also controversial.
A few Costco shoppers called it the “worst decision” and others “disappointing.”
Still, many were supportive, saying they “love Coke, won’t drink Pepsi.”
NUMBER ISSUE
In July, Costco was also slammed for a new system in the food court that stopped calling out order numbers.
Customers were instead required to form a line, which lead to complications.
Others claimed they were required to show their receipt before Costco workers would prepare the food.
It’s unclear if this is a nationwide rollout or happening strictly on a store-by-store basis.
Shoppers are also racing to Costco for a new “Witches Brew” drink this fall for $25.
There’s even a way they can unlock $400 in savings, but it’s not from inside stores.
