#BoycottCostco trends with people furious at the stores making masks mandatory but sparks a #SupportCostco backlash as shoppers come to the chain's defense

On Monday, Costco became the latest retailer to require shoppers to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic with the company insisting face coverings be worn 'at all times' in the store. 

The company quickly faced a backlash for requiring customers to wear such accessories despite many states insisting on taking such precautions when social distancing is not possible. Angry customers called for a boycott of the chain in response.

On Friday, loyal shoppers appeared to be coming to the big box store's defense with the hashtag #SupportCostco trending on Twitter. 

Costco's policy is in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, which is advising people to wear some type of face coverings 'in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.' 

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Costco faced a backlash after requiring shoppers to wear masks in an attempt to control the spread of the coronavirus

Costco faced a backlash after requiring shoppers to wear masks in an attempt to control the spread of the coronavirus

The company, which has more than 540 stores across the U.S., is facing threats from customers who say they will no longer shop at the retailer. 

'We cannot let them normalize the fear - it allows them to drag out the closures and restrictions and will make it easier for them to do this to the country every flu season moving forward,' Ashley Smith, a leader at ReOpen NC, posted on Facebook.

Some customers said they believed Costco's rule is a violation of their personal freedoms.  

Costco is also attempting to enforce social distancing in stores by limiting the numbers of people who can be allowed inside at once. 

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'We cannot let them normalize the fear - it allows them to drag out the closures and restrictions and will make it easier for them to do this to the country every flu season moving forward,' Ashley Smith, left, a leader at ReOpen NC, posted on Facebook

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Some customers said they believed the rule is a violation of personal freedoms

'The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing,'' the company said in its announcement. 'Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises.' 

On Friday, however, #boycottcostco on Twitter was co-opted by people on Twitter who supported the retailers' stance with the hashtag #supportCostco. 

'I #supportCostco bc they pay employees a living wage, provide incredible healthcare & other benefits including paid family leave, & put the well-being of staff and their families ahead of the selfish demands of people who don't want to wear masks. Never#boycottcostco!' wrote one user.

'My mom works at costco as a supervisor and her safety is put at risk EVERY DAY and y'all really feel the need to complain about having to wear a mask when you go once!? y'all are selfish, ignorant, and ridiculous. get over yourselves and have some human decency. #boycottcostco.' 

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Now shoppers are rallying around Costco to support the company's mask policy

Costco's Facebook page has also been flooded with customers showing support for the chain.

'I think it is wonderful that Costco is requiring masks to go into their business,' one commenter said. 'They are working to keep me, my family and their employees safe during a difficult time. If [you] do not want to be safe, then go somewhere else.'

'I totally support your mask policy,' another said. 'It is small minded individuals who don't understand the reason for it. Covid is not a hoax. It is a serious problem. People are dying for God's sake. Suck it up and protect others.'

In response to the backlash last week, a Costco representative directed Business Insider to a message on the company's website from CEO Craig Jelinek.

'We know some members may find this inconvenient or objectionable, but under the circumstances we believe the added safety is worth any inconvenience,' Jelinek wrote. 'This is not simply a matter of personal choice; a face covering protects not just the wearer, but others too.'