Controversy Erupts Over Woman’s 800 Costco Cake Resale

Bulk buying during holiday seasons often sparks debates among consumers, and this year is no different. A woman named Ximena Figueroa from Manzanillo, Colima, has found herself at the center of a controversy for buying 800 King's Day cakes from a Costco store in Guadalajara. She plans to resell these cakes in her local area and surrounding municipalities. Figueroa recently posted photos on social media showing a truck full of cakes, which she intends to sell for 550 pesos each, a significant markup from the original Costco price of 379 pesos. This type of resale is not new, but the scale of Figueroa's purchase has ignited a lively discussion on social media. Some view her actions as a legitimate business venture, while others criticize it as hoarding, which could impact regular consumers' ability to purchase the product.

Is it Hoarding or Entrepreneurship?

Figueroa took to Facebook to announce her large purchase and the logistics of her business. "I've cleared out all the cakes from Costco Guadalajara again. Manzanillo and Cihuatlán, here we come. 800 cakes ordered, I only have 50 extras. Thank you, RINO transportation, the logistics experts," she wrote. The post quickly became viral, eliciting mixed reactions. Some users questioned the fairness of one person buying so many cakes, while others defended the practice as a basic principle of supply and demand. The situation was humorously referred to as "Hunger Games season" on some platforms, referencing the competition for this popular holiday product.

While some praised Figueroa's entrepreneurial spirit, others criticized the lack of regulation that allows large-scale purchases in retail chains. Costco's King's Day cakes are highly sought after in Mexico due to their quality, size, and affordable price. However, large-scale purchases like Figueroa's have prompted calls for measures to limit the number of items that can be bought in a single transaction, especially during important holidays. This incident has rekindled a wider debate about how resale practices can impact traditional celebrations. For many families, buying a King's Day cake is a special tradition that fosters unity and strengthens cultural rituals. But for Figueroa, buying 800 King's Day cakes is a business opportunity in a high-demand market. Yet, for some consumers, her actions represent a barrier that makes this seasonal product less accessible.

The debate continues, highlighting the influence of mass marketing on Mexican festivities. This is a topic that will undoubtedly continue to generate discussion in the future.