OLYMPIA, Wash., July 29 (Our Washington Times) — Costco has agreed to a proposed $14 million settlement in a Washington class action over allegations that it sent promotional emails with misleading subject lines or misleading promotional content.
The case, listed as Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corp. and described in coverage as pending in King County Superior Court, is still awaiting final approval. A court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2026.
For Washington residents who got certain Costco marketing emails, the important date is earlier: Aug. 24, 2026 is the deadline to file a claim, opt out, or object.
What is this case about?
The lawsuit centers on Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act, or CEMA, a state anti-spam law. The settlement does not mean a court has found Costco liable. It means the company has agreed to resolve the claims without admitting wrongdoing, subject to court approval.
The court-approved notice says the proposed class includes Washington residents who received qualifying commercial or promotional emails from Costco, or on Costco’s behalf, at an email address that appears in Costco’s records.
The reported eligibility window runs from June 2, 2021, through July 7, 2026.
Who can file a claim?
People may qualify if they were Washington residents when they received a qualifying Costco promotional email during that date range.
Coverage of the settlement says no proof of purchase is required to submit a valid claim. Claims can be filed online or by mail through the settlement process.
How much money could be paid?
The settlement fund totals $14 million, but the amount any one person receives is not fixed.
Reports on the notice say class members may be eligible for up to $500 per qualifying email under Washington law. Final payments will depend on how many valid claims are filed and on deductions for attorneys’ fees, costs, and any service awards approved by the court.
That means the maximum amount described in the notice is not the guaranteed amount for each claimant.
What if someone does nothing?
The notice says people who do nothing will not receive a payment and will give up related claims tied to the lawsuit.
Class members can also choose to opt out or object by the Aug. 24 deadline if they do not want to remain in the settlement class.
What happens next?
The court will consider whether to grant final approval at the Oct. 2 hearing. If the judge approves the settlement, payments can move forward under the terms of the notice and claims process.
For Washington Costco shoppers who think they may qualify, the key step is to check whether they received one of the covered emails and, if so, submit a claim before the deadline.
