Costco’s famous $4.99 rotisserie chicken, a beloved staple for many, recently got a packaging makeover. Switching from the hard plastic clamshell to a plastic bag has sparked mixed reactions among loyal shoppers.
Many customers have taken to social media to voice their concerns. Complaints include potential leaks, storage issues at home, and the increased effort required from Costco employees to fill the bags. Notable critics, like the “Costco Oracle” on TikTok, have highlighted problems such as leakage and soggy chickens.
Costco has defended the change, outlining its benefits in their in-house magazine, Costco Connections. The company claims the new packaging will save 17 million pounds of plastic annually and reduce carbon emissions by taking 1,000 freight trucks off the road yearly. Plus, the bags are cheaper and more space-efficient.
Interestingly, other retailers like Whole Foods, Giant, Wegmans, and Walmart already use similar packaging for their rotisserie chickens. While some Costco fans are upset, others are happy the price hasn’t changed. Despite the complaints, Costco isn’t planning to return to the old packaging anytime soon.