Since its founding, Costco has been one of the leading distribution chains worldwide, standing out for offering very competitive prices and its famous membership policy. Although other stores allow shopping without paying a membership fee, Costco customers pay to access its products, trusting that they will always find fair prices. Its business model has created a loyal member base that values quality and good prices.
However, a recent price adjustment has caused annoyance among members. Many feel that Costco has broken its promise to offer quality products at low prices. This change has raised doubts about whether the company remains a reliable option for those looking to save.
This Is the Decision by Costco That Has Angered Its Members
In an attempt to maintain the loyalty of its shoppers, Costco has followed a unique strategy. While other large retailers stock thousands of products, Costco limits its inventory to approximately 4,000 SKUs (stock-keeping units).
This limitation, far from being a drawback, has a clear purpose: to better control prices, offer only what is necessary, and ensure that its members always find a good deal. However, what has enraged many members is the recent increase in the prices of some of its most popular products, especially those from the bakery.
The Kirkland private label is another of Costco's strong points. This brand has been key to attracting its members, as it offers high-quality products at much more accessible prices than traditional brands. From food to household items, Kirkland products have a good reputation.
However, one area where the Kirkland brand has particularly excelled is in the bakery. Fresh products, such as bread, muffins, and cakes, have always been very popular. Members used to trust that, in addition to their quality, prices remained competitive, being a very attractive option for those looking to save on baked goods.
But the recent change has sparked controversy. As inflation continues to affect prices worldwide, consumers have become more aware of their expenses.
Costco has long been a haven for those seeking bulk products at low prices. But some members now accuse the store of being involved in what is known as "shrinkflation." This is a tactic that involves reducing the size of the product without changing its price.
The clearest example is in the bakery section. Costco fans have noticed that some products, like cakes and bread, have decreased in size while their prices remain the same or have even increased. This strategy of reducing quantities while maintaining the price has left many members upset. They feel that the store is taking advantage of their trust to sell less for more.
Although large retailers often use this tactic to keep prices stable in the face of inflation, Costco customers are not willing to accept this change. For many, Costco's promise to offer low prices and large quantities was the reason they decided to pay for a membership. Now, some feel betrayed, as the same policies that once attracted them seem to have changed drastically.
Although Costco has implemented these adjustments to cope with inflation, the question remains whether its members will continue to accept these changes. Or if, on the contrary, the company will lose its competitive edge against other chains that do not apply "shrinkflation." For now, consumers continue to closely watch how these prices evolve, knowing that their purchasing decisions will be more careful in the future.