Costco & their members

First of all - I have been a Costco member for a dozen years. I love their bread, organic products and El Grande sized hair products. I line up in December for the fresh turkeys and scrap with other members over the size 3 kids crocs in the Spring. But despite the love I have some hate for the Costco crowd.

First of all - parking. Why do Grandmas and truckers lose their sh&t in the parking lot? People seem to lose all sense of the linear concept of parking lots. They weave in and out and drive in the middle of the parking lot. It's like the comment rules of the road cease to exist the moment you merge into the parking lot from the non Costco world. I have seen senior citizens chase pregnant moms and toddlers out of the blank space of a parking space so they can turn in. I have watched huge Ford F 350s barrelling down the causeway of the entrance. Really people? There is LOTS of parking. So maybe you need to play chicken with the crazies behind the wheel in order to get to the entrance of Costco - but seriously it must start with the understanding that all the people piling out of the Costco are probably not taking the bus... which means that they are going to a parked car. Cut them some slack and let them get to their cars alive... its a win win! You can park there after they clear out.

Costco even acknowledges that they have a parking lot mentality problem! They have added 'bumper' spaces between the spaces! Bliss! Its like every stall is a handicapped stall. Except they are all not close to the entrance. But you can swing those doors open and you are not likely to whack anyones paint job! Sweet!

Once you get through the bouncers at the front of the store (really Costco? Is this neceesary for the double check for the card? I can't tell you how many times I have taken my card out of my wallet to show the Stasi at the door, only to lose it when I need to pass the second security check! And don't get my started on the THIRD check of my bill at the door. UGH! Next it will be retinal scans) it is a free for all during the gaunlet run of the 'specials' till you get the real store. All the while dodging Costco sized grocery carts and lookiloos - just trying to get to the granola bars. How many injuries are susatined in this process? Costco parking lot drivers turn into grocery cart maniacs once in the store.

All the rules about grocery shopping seem to go out the window. It might be the books in the middle of the store. It might be the overwhelming numbers of chocolate bars in close proximity. All of a sudden I am playing dodge ball with my cart trying to go through the ailes. And to add to the Olympic / Herculean effort being exerted you are rewarded with a further challenge of negotionating the sampler people! I swear multiple families plan their trips to Costco based on the sampler days. I should just turn around the first aisle I see these folks on... it always ends with a very strong urge to smack.

Finally I am done my shopping, have shelled out 30% of my paycheck and it is time to battle the parking lot and get home. Costco is a necessary evil for me - I have 2 boys who will likely manage to suck away my RRSP contributions for the next 15 years with their empty pit stomachs. But soon I am going to come prepared wearing full hockey gear (stick included) for the wilds of the Aisles from Hell.

Recommendations for Costco - more cashiers, less security points and more staff on the floor and parking lot directing traffic. Thanks! Love the biscotti!