[davoneus]

I don't know what Internet hole you found yourself, but a simple Google search shows the exact opposite. A 2020 Business Insider article states "Costco is well-regarded in the retail industry for its high pay and desirable benefits." And it's not all hourly pay, but all the other things too, which include things like guaranteed hours, bonus free memberships (for friends and family), free food and a health care plan that includes vision and dental, 401K, after-hour shopping, etc..

Hell, Wall Street analysts have complained for years(*) about how generous Costco's benefits are to their employees. IMO, those WS Analysts can blow it out their backside; the employee turnover rate at Costco is ridiculously low 6% (**), and blows their competitors out of the water.

I certainly don't work at Costco, but have one relative (2nd cousin) who does, and they know it's a good thing (they bounced around retail for years before landing Costco). Of course nothing is perfect, and how Costco treats the Sampler/Tasters is less than admirable, but I won't let perfect be the enemy of pretty-damn-good.

(*) 2006 NYTimes article (**) 2020 Business Strategy Hub survey.