KEY POINTS
- Costco is intensifying efforts to prevent membership sharing.
- Access to the food court is now restricted to members.
- This could lead to shorter food court queues and potentially less crowded stores and parking areas.
As a devoted Costco enthusiast, I find myself shopping there on a weekly basis and staying updated on all Costco-related news. Recently, the chain has implemented several changes, some of which are more favorable than others.
One disappointing change is the increase in membership fees. The basic Gold Star membership has risen to $65 annually, up from $60 before September 1. Similarly, the Executive membership has climbed from $120 to $130 a year, leaving me to pay an extra $10 for my yearly membership.
In addition, Costco has been taking measures against non-members by installing membership card scanners at store entrances, preventing non-members from casually entering and shopping.
Another recent decision by Costco is to restrict food court access exclusively to members. Previously, anyone could come in, grab a bargain hot dog or slice of pizza, and leave. Now, these deals are reserved for members only.
I’m convinced that this change to the food court policy is beneficial for several reasons beyond just reducing wait times for a quick lunch.
Fewer crowds are a positive aspect overall
Although I shop at Costco frequently, I rarely visit the food court. I usually do my shopping when the store opens and finish by mid-morning. At that time, I’m not often in the mood for food court offerings.
However, I’m genuinely excited about Costco’s move to restrict food court access to members, not only because it might result in shorter wait times on the rare occasion I crave a snack or meal before leaving. Limiting food court access to members could significantly reduce the overall number of people visiting Costco, which I see as a substantial improvement.
Despite my love for Costco, the constant crowding is a significant drawback. This often results in long checkout lines, navigating through packed aisles, and struggling to find a parking spot in the consistently full parking lot.
If non-members are no longer allowed to enter Costco just to eat, it could alleviate the crowds somewhat and free up additional parking spaces. This, in turn, could enhance the shopping experience for those of us who value our personal space.
Moreover, a less crowded store may lead to more thoughtful shopping choices. When overwhelmed by the bustling crowds at Costco, I tend to rush through my shopping, sometimes purchasing unnecessary items or forgetting essentials, forcing me to spend more at my local grocery store when I can’t make another Costco trip that week. Avoiding such mistakes could result in significant savings.
More changes may be forthcoming
Earlier this year, Costco’s long-standing CFO, Richard Galanti, stepped down, and Gary Millerchip took over. It may not be a coincidence that a membership fee increase was announced shortly after.
Admittedly, Costco was long overdue for a fee hike, so it might have occurred regardless of the management change. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see additional changes in the future as Millerchip becomes more established in his role.
My hope is that future changes will be beneficial, enhancing the shopping experience. For now, navigating the aisles should ideally become easier, particularly if I’m shopping around lunchtime.
