\
EAGLE-EYED Costco members have spotted a “crazy” $200 price hike on a popular seafood item as shoppers cry that the good days “may be behind us”.
A savvy customer took to Reddit to point out the significant price increase, prompting fellow shoppers to share their frustrations.
2
2
The bargain supermarket chain sells “Coastal Seafoods Super Colossal Alaskan Red King Crab Leg Clusters, Total 10 lbs” for a whopping $549.99.
However, the Costco member pointed out that a different variation of the same seafood item was previously sold for only $349.99, which is an eye-watering $200 less.
These seafood products typically sell out very quickly at the discount warehouse chain, which could explain the significant price increase, according to the Reddit poster.
Yet, other Reddit users have attributed the steep price increase to the declining crab population.
This user wrote: “The 2018-2019 marine heatwave absolutely decimated the Alaskan red king crab and snow crab populations for decades to come.
“NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) estimates at least 10 billion crabs disappeared from 2018-2021 in the Bering Sea.”
“Billions of crabs are missing and presumed dead due to warmer water,” another added.
Many other shoppers commented on the Reddit post, sharing that they missed the old days before the price increase.
This Costco member said: “So we’re up to $55/lb…..good grief. I can still remember the $30/lb ($299.99) boxes from 3-4 years ago and I thought that was CRAZY!”
“They used to be $18/lb and $180/box. I miss those days,” wrote another.
While a third commented: “Days of thick thighs and fist-size pinchers may be behind us.
“We used to celebrate every good year with a case of crab and pony keg of Alaskan Amber or Leinenkugel sunset wheat on NYE. Not anymore.”
It comes after Costco customers were left outraged over the retailer’s membership price increase.
HIKE IN EFFECT
Costco’s membership hikes went into effect on September 1, WOWT reported.
The Gold Star Membership increased from $60 to $65, while the Executive Membership increased from $120 to $130.
The price hike will apply to 52 million memberships, including new signups and renewals.
Both membership options enable customers to shop online and in-store, acquire two membership cards, and receive a 100% satisfaction guarantee, while the Executive plan also offers a yearly 2% reward and service deals.
UNPHASED BY THE PRICE
Despite the backlash, some members were unbothered by the price increase and defended Costco.
“Meh we spend enough with our executive membership it doesn’t matter. We basically get ours free every year anyways,” one wrote on Facebook.
“$5 increase? No big deal. First one in many years,” another said.
“I get my money’s worth in samples so it all evens out,” a third commented.
“Five bucks in seven years. I’m not complaining,” a fourth wrote.
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
