U.S. Facebook page calls for American-only hours at Costco

A Facebook page is calling for the creation of American-only shopping time. Aug. 13, 2012. (CTV)

A Facebook page designed to allow local Bellingham, WA Costco shoppers to rant about parking, long lines and rude Canadian shoppers is calling for the creation of American-only shopping time.

The page, called “Bellingham Costco needs a special time just for Americans,” has over 2,300 likes and has spurred heated cross-border banter since its creation in July.

Common complaints from locals include long line-ups at the gas stations, poorly parked vehicles with B.C. licence plates and Canadians who buy up the Washington government-subsidized milk.

“What do you think about our tax money subsidizing dairy farmers to produce milk at a fair price for the American public? Now your [sic] watching your hard earned money go to Canada so they can purchase the milk at half price!” posted the page administrator on July 26.

Canadians on the page are saying they are drawn by the cheaper prices and better selection at American stores. Costco’s current membership “…allows you to purchase products for personal use at any Costco warehouse throughout the world and on costco.ca,” it says on their website.

But a woman who goes by Katrina B posted that the anger on the page is making her reconsider her decision to shop in America.

“I'm saddened that, at least on this page, there seems to be discrimination towards Canadians and wonder if it's better to just stay home,” she wrote.

Others are warning about the backlash the page might cause to the local economy and businesses in Bellingham that depend on Canadian consumers to stay open.

“I would suggest that you thank your lucky stars and stripes that Canadians are pumping the amount of money into your local economy keeping many of your businesses afloat,” posted Canadian Michelle Carduner. “The crying and whining will begin when Canadians stop spending money in Bellingham/Blaine etc. and you start seeing ‘closed’ signs all over!!”

Many on the page are now looking to do some damage-control on the insults that have taken over much of the page. The page administrator finally spoke up about what was intended from the page:to raise awareness so local government would step in and find a solution.

“I think that some of you are missing the point of this page. It's not to bash our wonderfull [sic] neighboring country men, but to raise awareness to Costco and show the mayor and counsel members of Whatcom county that they need to let Costco expand or help come up with solutions for these overpopulated situations,” posted the administrator on July 29.