> That is, until they try to stop you from leaving the store with your property until you show them a receipt.

The accountholder is required to show it, It is in Costco's terms and conditions.

Sure. That doesn't make it any less confrontational and obnoxious for me. It's one of the primary factors in my decision not to shop there.

> ... I don't know what Costco parking lots in the PNW are like but in the NE...

I live near, and commute by, one of the PNW Costcos in the PDX area the author explicitly references. I can confirm that just the mere sight of the parking lot, at all hours, has been the primary factor in my refusing to get a membership. Plenty of friends and family I trust love Costco, and I'm sure they're right and that I'd find lots to appreciate, but that damn parking lot madness is such a hump for me to get over.

FWIW, I'm referring to the Beaverton Costco right next to Nike.

That Danbury one is aggressive for sure. I've found the ones in the South Bay to be more crowded but less angry customers.

My secret is just parking immediately on the edge of the lot and walking the 100 yards on in. People will play this stupid game for 10 minutes getting steaming red waiting for a spot near the front and I'm already shopping.

This is a good option if there are any spots available. At my local Costcos (Danbury and Orange, CT) the lots are often completely full and there's a queue just to enter the lot.

In my experience no one bothers checking the spots in the rear of the store by the workers smoking section.

Nashua NH Costco is crowded most days, but not near what you're describing.

I also don't like the door check 'game.' Additionally, being hounded at checkout to upgrade your plan while juggling a 5 year old, dealing with payment, and a line full of people behind you is not enjoyable.