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COSTCO has implemented a policy that prevents employees from purchasing certain merchandise.
The move was made to give shoppers priority over some special items that arrive on shelves from time to time.
Costco employees have been restricted from buying select items (stock image)[/caption]
They must wait at least 24 hours to buy popular items like Pokemon cards[/caption]
A sign spotted at a store recently detailed the rule[/caption]
A member at the warehouse retailer recently pointed out a sign at their store that referenced the new rule, delivered to all staff through a corporate email this month.
“Per Recent Corporate Email – Employees are not allowed to purchase any ‘Hot’ Items Until 24 Hours after Release,” it read, per a thread on Reddit.
While the specific details are unclear, the “hot” items seemingly refer to limited-time offerings from Costco or simply those that sell out fast anytime they’re in stock.
This would include the valuable and collectible Pokemon card packs that arrive at the retailer’s over 600 locations every so often.
“Employees can no longer buy Pokemon cards,” the customer wrote in the thread.
The Pokemon cards have been known to cause a “crazy” reaction, with members even pushing and shoving each other to get a chance at purchasing the collectibles.
Employees were even spotted in front of the aisle with Pokemon cards at some stores to prevent altercations.
Customers would have to get the cards through the Costco employee instead of grabbing them themselves.
Costco had also already placed a two-unit limit so more customers could have a chance to purchase them.
Some would even wait hours in line just for all the Pokemon cards to be gone in a flash.
It seems that limit is now also being imposed on employees, but not just for the Pokemon cards.
“Not saying I don’t understand why they would do this, but ‘Hot’ is super super vague,” a Redditor pointed out.
Based on the form, it seems that employees can still purchase whatever they want, it’s just a 24-hour wait when the items hit the floor to give customers first dibs.
Costco also faces the potential of “bare shelves” and a “mass disruption for shoppers” as unionized workers demand more benefits.
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
STRIKE IMMINENT
A strike including more than 18,000 employees is set to begin at the end of January should the warehouse retailer not meet their demands in a new contract.
The workers want increased seniority pay, paid family leave, bereavement, sick time, and surveillance safeguards.
Some longtime staffers like John Robledo told The U.S. Sun in an exclusive conversation that Costco’s increased profits in recent years haven’t been passed down to the “backbone of the company,” the people.
“With record-breaking profits we feel like we deserve more than what we are getting,” Robledo said.
“I can tell you that all union members are standing in solidarity and have agreed to be willing to walk off.”
COSTCO’S RESPONSE
Costco has rejected claims from Robledo and other unionized workers set to strike, arguing the company has always offered fair treatment to all employees.
“Costco is in negotiations with the Teamsters union regarding the renewal of a collective bargaining agreement that applies to less than 10% of Costco US locations,” a spokesperson told The U.S. Sun.
The spokesperson also insisted the strikes would not affect Costco’s business operations.
“Claims the union makes or actions they may take are not expected to have a material impact on Costco’s overall business,” they added.
A popular fleece at Costco has also recently been discounted to $1, leaving customers in a frenzy.
There was also a discontinuation of a popular breakfast staple recently, and customers say the alternative costs 58% more.
