Costco (COST) appears to go viral on social media every week. Whether it's because of its popular food court items, eye-catching deals, or "apocalypse" emergency food buckets, the increased social momentum surrounding Costco is translating into a boost in profits and sales.
The article from MSN discusses an unexpected shift in customer behavior at Costco, where there has been a noticeable increase in the use of cash for transactions. This trend, dubbed "Bankostco," reflects customers using Costco not just for shopping but also as a makeshift bank. This shift is attributed to several factors including economic uncertainty, a desire for privacy, and the convenience of withdrawing cash while shopping. Costco has observed that members are increasingly using their cash-back rewards or simply withdrawing cash at checkout, which has led to longer lines and operational adjustments. This behavior indicates a broader trend where consumers are reverting to cash amid economic fluctuations, possibly as a strategy to manage finances more tangibly or to avoid digital tracking.