We have a Costco within an hour of our club, and every one of my coworkers continues to apply there and prays to be selected. I don't get it. Other than maybe better job security (I'll be honest to say that I've never heard of Costco having layoffs) everything else seems the same. What am I missing here that's making some people willing to take on a much longer commute to switch?
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"U - Word" = Union. A little known fact is that, in the Walmart/Sam's world, unions have a sort of supernatural effect on plumbing. Whenever interest in unions grows and reaches a certain point at a particular store or club, that store or club develops "plumbing problems" and has to close down.
What the heck is "the “U” word?" Never heard of it.
I love Costco!
Costco is also a union store at some locations.
I don't work at Costco but I heard from friends that they have a good work environment and when I shop there, the employees there seem pretty content. You can tell by the vibe. I don't feel that when I go to other stores.
they are certainly doing something right for their associates. some of our managers & leads tour the local costco often.
from what I've been told, they keep things simple. they don't reset areas every other week. there is no shortage of associates on the sales floor. members can find assistance at the turn of almost every corner.
they don't force cashiers to push upgrades. their job is to get the members checked out quickly. not pester them & hold up lines.
they pay much better & close at 6 or 6:30 on weekends. Associates love that. They still have to go out and do things on saturday night.
And their leaders aren't nearly as greedy as Walmart & Sam's. Costco believes in investing in associates. they want them to be knowledgeable & be able to solve problems. Not just rely on the wire & email for instruction.
All of these things make a difference and are part of why costco has a much lower turnover.
Costco is so much cleaner (including restrooms), brighter and I don't mind paying a little extra for their membership fees. They have better merchandise including clothing and seems like all employees are treated fairly and humanly...which I have never seen at a Sam's or a Walmart. I have not been to a Walmart or Sam's for at least a year...but have you ever been there and listened to their loud speaker/walkie orders? " I need this, I need that, do this, go there", etc. It's an attitude that many shoppers don't appreciate and obviously employees don't either. Costco also has better benefits, pay and bonuses.
They pay more (start off at $15 before the pandemic), Stable hours even for part timers, full time benefits for part timers oh and the “U” word that’s grounds for immediate termination.
My only hope during this pandemic is that everyone is looking for ways to find another job.
More money