The Costco store in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, provides an area in its parking lot where Amish shoppers can leave their horse and buggy, the traditional Amish form of transportation. Given that Lancaster has the oldest and largest Amish community in what is known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, many customers are not surprised to see the slightly unusual parking spots. Other customers, however, claim they are irritated by the feature. The horse and buggy parking spots are spaced out and include covered stalls for the animals to wait. They also come with a shovel and hose, should owners need to clean up any mess while there. While the horse and buggy parking spots are a special feature at the Lancaster Costco, many other retailers in the area — Target, Lowe’s, banks and small grocery stores — also provide them. Some customers, however, are upset about the parking spots. “I go to the same Costco and get irritated that they have prime parking,” wrote one social media commenter. Others complain about the smell. Some customers have even snapped back at those who leave negative comments. “If a store has customers who use horse-drawn carriages, it’s only natural that they should make room for them if they come often enough,” wrote one commenter. Costco has proven popular among the Amish — who typically make a living from farming and building — because of their discount prices. As for Costco, they don't plan on changing anything because of the backlash. It's a safe bet that the revenue generated by the Amish is behind their decision.
