"Sometimes, change can be a good thing, but customers have ended up downright angry with quite a few changes Costco has made over the years. Sometimes, change is inevitable. However, the problem comes when the change makes the overall experience or product worse rather than better or just different. While sometimes the changes haven't been something the company had any control over, like being forced to switch manufacturers, other times, the changes have just missed the mark from the customers' point of view."
"Beyond that, other changes that have customers tiffed are ones related to who can enter the store and when. Food court changes also factor into what's got customers upset, with changes including the ordering and dining experience as well as some packaging issues. Honestly, we don't see the company bringing back the original products, packaging, and processes in most cases because there are reasons for the changes, like reducing plastic content, cutting costs, having to switch production companies, or making ingredient lists healthier."
Costco made a range of changes that provoked customer anger, including alterations to product quality, size, packaging, pricing, store access, and food court operations. Executive members gained exclusive early shopping hours starting June 30, 2025, reducing access for Gold Star and Business members. Some product changes stemmed from supplier switches, cost-cutting, reduced plastic use, or healthier ingredient formulations. Packaging and portion modifications affected perceived value. Food court ordering, dining experiences, and packaging choices also drew complaints. Most original products, packages, and processes are unlikely to return because the changes often serve cost, regulatory, or sustainability objectives.
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