Costco, the renowned wholesale corporation, has recently stirred up quite a commotion on social media platforms. The reason? Their latest offering of emergency meal kits.
Costco is a place we all know and love.
Founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, it’s the world’s second largest retailer (after Walmart). Fun fact – it’s also the world’s largest retailer of wine. Cheers!
Shopping at Costco is a pretty exciting experience.
It’s designed to sell to other wholesale retailers, though average Joes like you and me can get a membership and enjoy stocking our homes with industrial sized products. It’s a great way to make savings and stock up on essentials that’ll last for ages.
Look at all these big, huge products!!!
It’s consumerism at its finest – and you can truly find anything within its four magical walls.
But Costco is perhaps equally as famous for its amazing $1.50 hot dogs.
And in the wake of inflation, Costco fans have been worried about them raising the price.
“Hold the price on the hot dog and the soda a little longer – forever,” COstco CFO Galanti joked.
The very best deal in all of fast food iks sticking around, guys!
The Viral TikTok Sensation
These kits, meant to last for considerable periods, have sparked lively discussions and ignited doomsday theories. Let’s delve deeper into this intriguing narrative.
Krystal Christensen, a known survivalist influencer on TikTok, recently shot to fame after her video showcasing Costco’s emergency meal kits went viral.
With her video garnering over 4.3 million views, viewers were left wondering whether the end was near.
The Costco Walkthrough
In her video, Christensen takes viewers through an aisle at Costco, where she displays an emergency meal kit from the brand Ready Wise.
This kit, priced at a reasonable $63.99, provides 132 pasta meals. Next on her list of apocalypse-ready items is the Mountain House brand’s freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches, retailing for $9.97 per six-pack.
The Internet’s Reaction
Christensen’s video sparked a flurry of comments and queries. Many were alarmed, questioning whether Costco was privy to any impending disaster.
However, it’s worth noting that Costco has been selling these emergency meal kits for years.
The History of Costco’s Emergency Meal Kits
Costco’s tryst with emergency meal kits isn’t recent. In fact, the members-only store started selling a year’s worth of canned and non-perishable food, enough to feed a family of four, back in 2018.
The price tag for this comprehensive kit? A cool $6,000.
Motive Behind Christensen’s Video
The timing of Christensen’s video was notable. It came shortly after a public warning from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) about a possible war with Russia in the next 20 years.
Preparing for the Unforeseen
The warning from NATO’s military committee chair, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
He recommended having essentials like water, a battery-operated radio, and a flashlight for survival during the initial 36 hours of an emergency.
Other Store Visits
Apart from Costco, Christensen has also showcased emergency supplies available at other stores, including Costco’s competitor, Sam’s Club, and Sportsman’s Warehouse.
The Second Viral Video
In a follow-up video, Christensen reiterated Admiral Bauer’s concerns and added her own warning, urging viewers to start preparing for emergencies immediately.
Alternate Perspectives
While some viewers considered the emergency meal kits a ominous sign, others claimed that Costco has been selling these kits since 2017, dispelling the rumors of impending disaster.
The Internet’s Speculations
Despite the explanations, the internet was rife with speculations.
Some commentators questioned the sudden availability of emergency food supplies, wondering whether Costco was hinting at an impending disaster.
Debunking the Myths
However, it’s essential to consider that businesses like Costco cater to a varied customer base.
While some might view these meal kits as a sign of impending catastrophe, others might find them useful for camping trips or as a precautionary measure against natural disasters.