People are boycotting Costco for requiring shoppers to wear masks in stores

Costco is the secon biggest US grocery retailer. Starting May 4, Costco shoppers will be required to wear face coverings in stores. After the announcement of the new policy, angry Costco shoppers voiced their frustrations on social media, some calling for a boycott.

A Costco előtt várakozó vásárlók az USA-ban

Wearing a mask became a constitutional rights’ question in the US. There are plenty of posts on social media about this topic and it reveals the frightening misconceptions that still exist about the pandemic.

Grievances and retaliation

With the payment of a minimal annual membership fee for the Costco purchase, private buyers can also get the goods at a favorable wholesale price similar to wholesale. Hypermarket-like huge retail spaces are also popular stock-up and family shopping locations. The customer base is loyal, returning, as in many areas Costco is the only choice available within reach, large size and wide range. Yet many were outraged by the provision in force from 4 May that only wearing face cover and children over 2 years of age could enter the sales area.

A Costco plakátja, amelyen a maszkviselést elrendeli

The mask issue has torn the U.S. into at least two camps. There is strong support for a view that strongly questions the protective effect of the mask, who consider wearing the mask to be only an unnecessary fear and are therefore unwilling to abide by the rule. Others say they get less oxygen because of the mask and thus drown. Many see the rights of people with disabilities and children violated because they cannot be expected to wear a mask. At the same time, earlier satisfied customers are now threatening the retailer with the termination of their membership. Statements like “my face, my choice”, “don’t tell me what to do”, “I will terminate my membership, pay back my membership fee for the rest of the year” are also common. Several are also joining the movement started with the #BoycottCostco.

“Adios #Costco! Won’t be renewing my membership!” a Twitter user said in response to the new policy. “I REFUSE to mask up for the low IQ mob that’s falling for the propaganda, not to mention the health risks by restricting oxygen!”

„I was going to renew my Costco Membership, over 25 years a member, and I will NOT be doing it per your tyrannical mask wearing policy. Stop the FEAR MONGERING! Give me a CHOICE to wear/or not wear #BoycottCostco.” said an other Twitter user, calling himself a passionate husband, father, sports fan, and friend.

Response and expressions of support

Yet all communication channels in the U.S. are informing and recommending about the importance of prevention and facial covering. The website of the officially dedicated state organization, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), also features a call to wear a mask in the first place. Dr. Jerome Adams U.S. Pat. Surgeon General demonstrates in a video the simple moments of making your own mask.

A katonaorvos tábornok saját maszk készítésre biztat videójában

There is a public message on the Costco company’s website from CEO Craig Jelinek.”We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,” Jelinek wrote. “This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too.”

Many comments on the tumultuous posts list the emphasis on the public interest, the health of workers, the protection of goods, and the good sides of the measure. Many are happy to have to wait less in a shorter line to get in or have more customers at smaller local convenience stores.

The question is, despite the scandal, does Costco have a follower or state supporter in the U.S.? What is the role, responsibility, and mission of retail in these disastrous times? The response is forced by the pandemic. The photo arrived at the time of our closing, according to which it is only possible to buy in a mask in Safeway too.

Safeway plakát a kötelező maszkviselésről

Ildikó Kátai