OLYMPIA, Wash., July 29 (Our Washington Times) — Costco has agreed to a proposed $14 million settlement in a Washington class action that accuses the retailer of sending promotional emails with misleading subject lines or misleading marketing content. The deal still needs final court approval, but eligible Washington residents may be able to file a claim before an Aug. 24 deadline.
The case is identified in court filings and settlement materials as Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corp. and is pending in King County Superior Court in Washington.
What the lawsuit is about
The lawsuit centers on Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act, often called CEMA. The law regulates certain commercial emails sent to people in Washington.
In this case, the plaintiffs alleged that Costco sent promotional emails that did not accurately describe the content or purpose of the message. Costco has not admitted wrongdoing in the settlement materials.
A proposed class action settlement is a way to end a case without a trial. It does not mean a judge has found the claims to be true. Instead, both sides agree to a resolution, and the court must decide whether the deal is fair.
Who may qualify
The settlement class includes Washington residents who received qualifying Costco promotional emails, or emails sent 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.
The settlement notice says eligible people can file a claim without proof of purchase or additional documentation.
How much money could be paid
The settlement materials say class members may receive up to $500 per qualifying email under Washington law. That does not mean every claimant will get that amount.
The final payout will depend on how many valid claims are filed and on deductions for attorneys’ fees, court costs, and any service awards approved by the court.
In other words, the total settlement amount is set at $14 million, but the amount each person receives could be much lower.
What to do before the deadline
Eligible people can file a claim online or by mail through the settlement process.
The deadline to submit a claim is Aug. 24, 2026.
That same date is also the deadline to opt out or object, according to the settlement notice. People who do nothing will not receive a payment and may give up the right to bring a separate lawsuit over the same claims.
Why there is still a hearing
A final approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2026. At that hearing, the judge will decide whether to approve the settlement.
If the court grants final approval, the claims process can move forward. If the court does not approve the deal, the case could continue.
Why this matters for Washington consumers
CEMA gives Washington residents a way to challenge some unwanted or misleading commercial emails. Cases like this can lead to settlements even when the company denies wrongdoing, because both sides may want to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
For shoppers, the practical takeaway is simple: Washington residents who received qualifying Costco promotional emails during the covered period may be eligible for money, but they must act by Aug. 24 to preserve that claim.
