Costco reacts to fury after rolling out price change not seen in seven years – decision was taken to protect shoppers
By Elizabeta Ranxburgaj,
2024-09-04
COSTCO has shared the reason behind the chain’s controversial decision to increase membership fees for the first time in seven years.
The annual cost of a yearly pass to visit the warehouse chain has risen by either $5 or $10 depending on the shopper’s plans.
Costco has explained the reason behind its membership hike (stock image) Getty Costco said this decision was made to protect shoppers (stock image) Getty
This huge shift came into effect on September 1 and has been the store’s first price hike since June 2017.
Costco’s basic Gold Star Membership rose from $60 to $65 per year.
The chain’s Executive Membership increased from $120 to $130.
Although shoppers have raged about this change, the chain said it was done to protect customers, according to USA Today .
“It has been more than seven years since Costco’s last general membership fee increase,” Costco said.
The retailer said these annual fees helped the chain keep costs down for its members.
“Membership fees help to offset costs so we can keep our prices low,” Costco added.
“A modest increase in fees will allow us to bring our members even greater value.”
MEMBER’S RAGE
This price rise has led to several customers stating they would ditch Costco , The U.S. Sun has previously reported.
“Not renewing – quality of Costco foods has deteriorated over the decades,” one shopper said in the comments of a Facebook post.
“I’m done then,” another person said.
Another shopper shared that this change led them to switch over to a rival store .
“That’s one reason why I switched to Walmart,” they wrote on Facebook .
“They will never get another dime from me.”
Costco's membership scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on its website .
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it wrote.
“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.
“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!
“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop.
“Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, please be prepared to show your valid photo ID.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card.”
Despite this anger, some customers have shared why they are not as bothered by the price rise.
“Worth it for our family. We’ve been Executive Members for over 40 years!” a shopper said.
MORE CHANGES
Costco recently introduced a change to its in-store operations that has shocked some people.
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they've been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
Primary Member Use : Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
Household Card : Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
Guest Policy : Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
Authorized Cardholder : For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Costco’s last membership raise was in 2017 and so they increased it by $5-$10 earlier this month. To those who will stop shopping there due to the increase, I’d like to say thank you. Yes, thank you for shopping elsewhere!
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