Costco Packaging

[SCarolinaCy]

Am I the only one who thinks the Costco packaging is over the top expensive, difficult to open, and a kick in the pants to the environment. Much of it is non recyclable because of the specialized materials and coatings. Pharmacy and bakery items are the worst.

 

[Gunnerclone]

not anymore so than any other place that sells those items.

 

[NorthCyd]

 

[JM4CY]

 

[intrepid27]

A few years ago I thought the surge in online shopping might reduce the amount of over packaging. But it done not appear to be getting any better.

 

[Gunnerclone]

Also think of how much of an impact Costco has by not using ****** plastic bags like almost every other retailer. Those things should be banned.

 

[isutrevman]

Also think of how much of an impact Costco has by not using ****** plastic bags like almost every other retailer. Those things should be banned.

Remember when grocery stores banned re-usable bags during the pandemic. Yeah, that was dumb and pointless.

 

[MLawrence]

Remember when grocery stores banned re-usable bags during the pandemic. Yeah, that was dumb and pointless.

I more frustrated about grocery stores refusing can redemption services.

 

[SCNCY]

I can only assume that the overpackaging is a result of a high rate of returns due to damaged products (I am sure in some instances you can say "damaged products"). Probably makes more sense to overpackage than receive a return.

 

[Clonehomer]

I can only assume that the overpackaging is a result of a high rate of returns due to damaged products (I am sure in some instances you can say "damaged products"). Probably makes more sense to overpackage than receive a return.

I'd point to theft being the reason for a lot of packaging decisions. Harder it is to get out of the package, the longer it takes to do so in the aisle.

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

The West Des Moines Costco just put in a self checkout area. Long story short its a disaster. It would be great for people who are just running in to grab a few things but that's not 95% of the customers that are in there. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

 

[jcyclonee]

The West Des Moines Costco just put in a self checkout area. Long story short its a disaster. It would be great for people who are just running in to grab a few things but that's not 95% of the customers that are in there. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

It took a few months but people have figured it out around here. However, Costco has just about as many people manning the self checkout stations as they do the regular checkout stations.

 

[CycloneSarah]

The West Des Moines Costco just put in a self checkout area. Long story short its a disaster. It would be great for people who are just running in to grab a few things but that's not 95% of the customers that are in there. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

I've always thought that self checkout areas should have a gate to prevent carts. If you have enough stuff that you need a cart, it's too much for self checkout. This mostly applies to the compact ones like Walmart and Target. I caught a glimpse of a self checkout at Hy-Vee which had a conveyor belt attached so those are better set up for carts.

 

[Clonehomer]

The West Des Moines Costco just put in a self checkout area. Long story short its a disaster. It would be great for people who are just running in to grab a few things but that's not 95% of the customers that are in there. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

This is where SamsClub has done well. They have an app that you can scan your items and check out through your phone. Just scan the QR code at the door and you're off without even having to stop at the registers. I hope more stores enact the same as checkout lines seem to be getting longer and longer with fewer registers open.

 

[NorthCyd]

The West Des Moines Costco just put in a self checkout area. Long story short its a disaster. It would be great for people who are just running in to grab a few things but that's not 95% of the customers that are in there. Why would anyone think this was a good idea?

Sams Club in Ankeny has had self checkout for years and it seems to work fine. But who needs that when you have their scan and go app. It is brilliant!

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

While I'm on my Costco rant... I've been doing a lot more weekday shopping since I'm working from home and I can't get over the number of older people in there and the amount of crap they are buying. It's insane! It's almost like an addiction.

 

[dmclone]

I more frustrated about grocery stores refusing can redemption services.

Does Costco have can redemption? I've never noticed but it seems like something they should have to do since they sell cans.

 

[Clonefan32]

I was having a similar conversation on the packaging on kid's toys. It can take 10 minutes sometimes to unbox those damn things. I can't quite figure out the rationale behind having a Barbie secured to the box in 14 different places.

 

[Rural]

While I'm on my Costco rant... I've been doing a lot more weekday shopping since I'm working from home and I can't get over the number of older people in there and the amount of crap they are buying. It's insane! It's almost like an addiction.

Not almost.

 

[BillBrasky4Cy]

Not almost.

My pops falls into this category and his purchases are out of control. I honestly don't get it.