‘Actually a zoo,’ blasts Costco member sick of constantly busy store – but rival Sam’s Club offers a solution
A SHOPPER has blasted Costco after struggling to get around crowds.
They complained about the warehouse retailer’s influx of customers during nearly all business hours and inquired if it was specific to their local store.
GettyA Costco customer has said they’re fed up with a busy shopping experience[/caption]
SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettSam’s Club offers a solution to make shopping faster[/caption]
“Just wondering if there’s a Costco anywhere ever that’s not busy from the time they open till the time they close?” the member asked in a post on Reddit.
“It’s actually a zoo every time I come here no matter what time.”
“Wondering if that’s at every Costco that exists, like I genuinely need to know,” they pleaded.
Others were similarly upset over the supposed business at Costco during all hours of the day.
“This has been my experience as well. I f***ing hate it!” a fellow member exclaimed in a reply.
Some suggested ways for the frustrated members to get around their stipulation with Costco.
A shopper advised they head to their local store on a Monday morning right at open when it’s not a holiday, and to avoid going there on weekends.
“Try going to Costco Monday morning when they first open if you can,” they wrote.
“I hope you can go there when it’s not a weekend or a holiday. Crowds are not as bad…”
There’s likely not much Costco can do about the busyness of its stores, not to mention it’s more of a good thing for the brand than anything.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Competitors like Sam’s Club might offer better solutions to shoppers looking to get similar deals without the crowds.
Most Sam’s Club locations are less busy during the middle of the week, either Tuesday or Wednesday, per Nasdaq.
Not only that, but the discounts on food and other merchandise will be better, according to consumer expert Samantha Landau.
“During the week, Sam’s Club receives fresh shipments of meat and produce and marks down items close to their sell-buy dates,” Landau told the stock exchange.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
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.
Credit: Costco
“Shopping on these days can help you get cheaper last-minute markdowns while also being able to stock up on fresh items as well.”
It’s unclear if Costco conducts a similar process.
QUICK FIX
Several customers have claimed they’re fleeing the retailer for Sam’s Club for similar reasons.
A customer recently touted Sam’s Club as “100 times better” than Costco due to its ability to prevent large crowds and its Scan & Go feature, which allows for a quick in-and-out trip.
Scan & Go is seen at both Walmart and Sam’s Club, allowing shoppers to use their phones to scan all of the items in their carts and generate a single barcode.
That barcode is then quickly scanned at checkout and reviewed by an employee before customers are sent on their way.
Another customer said earlier this month they’d be canceling their Costco membership specifically for Sam’s Club’s Scan & Go.
Others said they’d leave the warehouse retailer for other options due to alleged price increases.
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