No matter how much time you spend at Costco, there are probably a few things you don't
know about the popular members-only warehouse club.
On top of fake Tiffany rings and controversial food practices, the wholesale retailer also
has plenty of skeletons in its closet.
It seems like Costco carries everything under the sun, but there's one thing you definitely
won't find in their stores - genuine Tiffany diamond engagement rings.
In 2016, the famed jewelry store won a lawsuit against Costco, arguing that the store intentionally
infringed upon the Tiffany name by selling inferior diamond engagement rings labeled
as "Tiffany."
"Tiffany sent someone in, bought one of the rings, and they were not made by Tiffany,
they are not Tiffany rings, they had nothing to do with Tiffany."
Costco argued the term "Tiffany" refers to a commonly accepted setting for a diamond,
but the jury wasn't having it.
They awarded Tiffany over $13 million in damages.
That didn't stop Costco from dazzling members with diamond engagement rings.
They just rebranded them as the "Audrey" collection.
We see what you did there, Costco.
Ever wonder why the beef jerky and batteries are always placed in a new aisle every time
you go to Costco?
"Welcome to Kost Mart, I hope you'll take a trip by the deli counter today for a complimentary
tube of jalapeño cheddar."
"I'm lactose intolerant.
Where do you keep the cigarettes?"
This is a deliberate sales tactic top brass calls the "treasure hunt."
The search for your intended item leads you down a carefully orchestrated path... past
clothing, seasonal items, and food samples.
"Don't wander far.
I'm debuting a spicy ranch spread."
The best way to avoid temptation?
Make a shopping list, and stick to it.
In June 2015, video footage leaked online depicting the vile conditions at an egg factory
farm that reportedly supplies eggs from caged hens to Costco.
Lots of people got fired up - including celebrities like Bill Maher, and Brad Pitt.
Costco responded to the controversy with a renewed commitment to sourcing cage-free eggs,
promising to work toward being completely cage-free.
But their cage-free operations were met with some scrutiny.
"DXE's open rescue network entered Costco's certified humane cage-free egg farm, and here's
what we found."
In October 2016, The New York Times reported that a video by animal rights group Direct
Action Everywhere depicted chickens living in filthy conditions.
The footage was criticized by the egg producer as quote "being staged for production effect."
Costco addressed the controversy in a statement:
"We have re-inspected the barn [and] … we are comfortable with the animal welfare aspects
of the operation."
According to a 2016 Global Powers of Retailing Report, Costco is one of the top three retailers
in the US.
But there's no pleasing everyone, and the wholesale retailer has plenty of haters.
According to Consumer Reports, a lot of members aren't crazy about Costco's selection.
"Plenty of choices.
Just made my weekly run to Costco."
Members also like to complain about the long checkout lines, the customer service, and
the complete absence of fitting rooms.
Plus, Costco doesn't offer any plastic bags - or bags of any kind - at the register.
Instead, customers have to reuse cardboard boxes found near the checkout aisle.
That can get frustrating for shoppers and employees, who feel pressured to keep boxes
at the ready.
Yes, indeed.
If you ever hear of a terrific deal at Costco but don't want to commit to paying the membership
fee, try this.
Kyle at Rather Be Shopping comprised a handy list of all the retailers who will price match
Costco items.
The list includes big names like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Lowes, to name just a
few.
Home Depot will do you one better: They promise to beat the Costco price by ten percent, provided
it's the store's regular price, and not a manager special or liquidation.
Not exactly.
Sure, you're required to show a membership card at checkout.
But there are plenty of ways to enjoy Costco's low prices without becoming a member.
"Will you get us some shrimp?
The big jumbo kind?
Four down, three over."
Want to take a peek beyond those metal gates?
Just walk right in.
While those gatekeepers look like want to check your card, they aren't very vigilant.
"Welcome to CostCo, I love you.
Welcome to CostCo, I love you.
Welcome to Costco, I love you."
For all they know, you could be using the pharmacy, and prescription drugs must be made
available to the public under federal law.
In some states it's illegal to require a membership for alcoholic beverages… so you don't have
to be a member to nab the Kirkland vodka that famously tastes just like Grey Goose.
While you're there, grab a hot dog from the snack bar.
They don't check for membership either.
And if you want to shop on your own time, ask a member to buy you a Costco Cash Card.
"Then you're free to go in and shop at the store as if you were a member."
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