Is there really a parking problem, or is it more of a walking problem? I've yet to see a costco parking lot that doesn't have tons of empty spaces if you're willing to walk 2 minutes
Parking problem. My local Costco is perpetually full front to back unless you go within 30 minutes of opening or closing, and parking in a neighboring business lot will get you booted.
This is very much a regional problem. Others I've been to in the US have half-empty lots the size of football fields.
That particular one is very bad, I've gone at 2PM from the work office to that Costco and left because I didn't want to sit and wait for a parking space. This was not the case ten years ago for the exact same store. The one closer to my home in Mountain View is OK for at least an hour after opening, haven't been at other times. I've been to one in San Diego where a friend lives and they parked half a mile away.