WHAT FINGER

The new increases are likely to cause a stir among shoppers who have been complaining about inflated prices at the retailer's stores in recent weeks and months. It appears that the chain is no longer offering popular deals, and many grocery staples across all consumer categories aren't any cheaper at Costco than at other traditional retailers and supermarkets. 

Higher prices have actually been a consistent trend at Costco warehouses for the past 18 months. But now that the cost of basic items has gotten much higher than it used to be, more people are noticing the change, and they aren't happy about it. On Reddit's r/Costco forum, even the retailer's most loyal customers are complaining about fewer options on shelves, delining quality, and some disturbing price markups that are happening seemingly overnight. "The meat prices are bonkers," one person commented. "They have 80/20 ground beef for $4.99/lb, but boneless lamb is the same price. Meanwhile boneless chicken sways between $2.99 and $4.99 a pound. Local grocery store regularly has boneless chicken for $1.99 a lb. It makes no sense anymore." A user said he was shocked to see how high the price of whole chickens has gotten at the chain's warehouses. "Today I noticed that the two packs of organic whole chickens cost $34. The rotisserie chickens were still $5 each though. I used to buy whole chickens and roast them at home as an affordable meal.