COSTCO workers have slammed the warehouse club after a misleading video was leaked revealing an array of fresh fruit in the break room as well as shelves stocked with snacks and drinks.
The viral TikTok video, garnering millions of views and thousands of comments, has sparked much backlash, including comments from employees revealing that it was not all that it seemed.
Costco has come under scrutiny due to a recent TikTok video that went viral[/caption]
The viral video depicted a Costco break room filled with fresh fruits, snacks, food, and drinks[/caption]
A Costco worker (@himothyneutron151) shared the controversial TikTok video over the weekend, which has since amassed over 5.6 million views, showing a spotless break room filled with snacks and drinks.
The video depicted six baskets brimming with fruit for “Fresh Fruit Friday,” per the caption, as well as a drink station, shelves of snacks, and refrigerators and freezers packed with drinks and food.
Viewers were impressed with the retailer’s “amazing” treatment of its staff, with one writing, “Now that’s what every break room should look like. Take care of the people that take care of you.”
However, many Costco workers chimed in, pointing out that there was a key catch that many had overlooked: employees had to pay for the majority of the refreshments depicted in the video.
“Costco employee here. You have to pay for anything you want, none of it is free,” said one worker on Reddit under a post showing the clip.
Another user pointed out the self-checkout register sandwiched between the shelves of snacks, as a third said the video was “10000% done by the manager on staff.”
Other Costco workers dubbed the video “deception” and “definitely not the truth,” noting that such setups were rare.
They argued that the packaged food and drinks came with a price tag, while the fresh fruit was a “rare” thing and may have been for a party.
“Costco doesn’t provide anything to employees except a free membership,” they said.
“If someone is caught eating anything – even a banana that’s headed to the disposal area – they are fired immediately.”
An employee of 10 years shared that they had never seen the luxury shown in the clip, except for maybe a few vending machines and “stale muffins that we had to pay for.”
Costco members also spoke up in response to the viral clip, criticizing the multi-billion dollar company for charging employees for the provisions.
“This is honestly disappointing that it’s not free for the employees – I’m sure you can afford it, Costco,” said one user.
“At least the water is free, but when’s the last time those filters were changed?” criticized another.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
The U.S. Sun reached out to Costco for comment.
WORKER WOES
Criticism over the viral TikTok video comes amid other employee frustrations, including complaints about one of the warehouse club’s newest policies.
Beginning on June 30, the retailer extended its hours for Executive members, giving them an extra hour to shop.
Costco now opens at 9 am at all of its over 600 stores, allowing these premium members to enter an hour earlier than Gold Star and Business level members.
The retailer will also stay open one hour later on Saturdays, until 7 pm, for all customers.
Employees have expressed their frustrations regarding the new store hours online, complaining that both opening and closing later will make their jobs much harder.
“Two hours may not sound like a lot, but we already struggle to get certain parts of the day covered and certain things done between opening and night crew,” said one worker on Reddit.
“This two hour change will make it infinitely worse.”
Other changes are underway at Costco, including a strict new policy for free samples – and it limits some shoppers from trying the freebies all together.
Plus, the chain ditched Pepsi from the food court – and a new brand confirmed it has “officially joined the drink lineup.”
On June 30, Costco extended its hours exclusively for Executive members[/caption]
