Costco’s controversial new policy says something worrying about the economy

New perks for some Costco members have received a decidedly mixed reaction from customers, employees, and analysts. Costco is famously adored by its fans, and its leadership wants the discount big-box chain to remain beloved. Costco co-founder and former CEO James Sinegal so fervently believes in keeping customers happy that he’s driven to profanity to express the strength of his feelings.