COSTCO food court change restricts certain shoppers from shopping.
Many fans felt pushed out after being restricted by the retailer’s new policy.
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Costco’s food court is loved by many for its cheap and tasty food.
From a $1.50 hot dog combo to a large cookie for $2.49, members and non-members alike have been taking advantage of the warehouse’s offerings.
Although shopping at Costco requires a paid membership, non-members avoided the membership fee and dined in the food court.
However, the retailer has started enforcing its membership rules in certain locations.
Shoppers are now required to have an active Costco membership to shop at the food court, and the change has upset many fans.
“Oh shit yes the Costco food court now requires a membership, just keep stomping on us even more,” criticized one user X.
“I went to the Costco food court to get a slice of pizza and they said starting April 8th you need to be a member to get food at the food court and that might just be my 13th reason,” said another.
Those who pay for membership, on the other hand, are grateful for the policy change.
One member noted that lines at food courts have been much shorter since the rule was implemented.
“After my Costco started implementing it, the lines at the food court got shorter and I loved it. After I spent $300 at Costco, that $2 slice brought me so much joy,” the member shared on Reddit.
COSTCO REPRIMES
Costco shoppers were first alerted to the change in early March.
A customer in Orlando, Florida shared an image of the sign posted at his local grocery store on Reddit.
“Beginning April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items in our food court,” the sign read.
“You can join today. See our member counter for details.”
However, this isn’t the first time Costco has made an effort to crack down on the food court.
Costco Membership Levels
Costco customers can choose from three membership cards.
Gold Star Membership:
- $60 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
Executive Member:
- $120 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
- 2% Annual Reward on Qualifying Costco Purchases
Business Association:
- $60 annual fee
- Includes a free domestic card
- Add affiliate cardholders for $60 each
- Valid at all Costco stores worldwide
- Purchase for resale
The retailer reportedly made a similar attempt in February 2020 when an Instagram fan page shared a Photograph of a sign with the same message warning shoppers that they will need a membership card the following month.
Costco has also begun enforcing stricter membership checks at warehouse entry.
While customers were previously required to show their membership cards upon entry, they now need to scan them when entering select locations.
“We don’t think it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and prices as our members,” Costco said in a statement.
“Costco is able to keep our prices as low as possible because our membership fees help offset our operating expenses, making our membership fee and structure important to us.”
In related news, a shopper canceled her Costco membership after being reprimanded by workers for breaking two rules.
Additionally, another customer returned an item that “looks like it fell out of a helicopter,” leaving people worried it could ruin their policy.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
