Who shops at Costco?

[Modem Butterfly]

We live in Atlanta, and the nearest Costco is about ten miles away. We've been thinking of joining. Who on DU has a Costco membership and what can you tell me about shopping there?

[bridgit]

1. we do & take at least a 100 bucks...

maybe two; the first time you go :thumbsup:

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. I love shopping there.

We stock up on TP, coffee, juice, and other quantity products. they're oh-so-blue, which always makes us feel better shopping there. We usually try to get gas there too, as it runs quite a bit cheaper around here than the local places (that is, when we are not supporting Senor Chavez by buying at Citgo).

They have great deals on electronics. If they give you trouble, even a year later, they let you return no questions asked. I think once we couldn't find a receipt too, but they had no worries.

I've picked up a cute dress or two, and their pizzas are pretty good! Plus, I love browsing the book and CD sections. They also have a pharmacy, photo developer, and travel service, although I have not used those services before.

Costco treats their employees fairly, and that environment is why they are doing so well in light of everything going on in our current employment climate. Lots of pissed off Democrats switched to Costco from Sam's after the last election.

I was lucky-- my employer offered us a cheap memebership when one opened in Plano a few years ago, and we've kept it up. It's a great investment.

Do it! You won't be sorry.
FSC

[Blue Belle]

39. I love that button in your post...

Where can I get one?? :-)

[fudge stripe cookays]

52. Why, rightchere...

Git cher buttons!

http://www.stickergiant.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=y5089
FSC :hi:

[hyphenate]

3. The owners gave money to the Democratic party

and are liberals. I like having a Costco card--on some things, I save quite a bundle. On TP, for example, often go 5 months without having to buy more, or paper towels, last for at least three to four months.

The discount on electronics is exceptional. And DVDs are great. Food is much better than ordinary grocery stores, except I don't care a whole heckuva lot for the produce section. Catfood/dogfood are decently priced as well. I buy bulk quantities of paper goods so I don't have to spend ridiculous amounts at the regular store, and they last for a long time.

I would suggest you go and ask for a one day temporary membership (most of them have ine) and take a look yourself and judge it that way.

[pointless]

4. go early

when it opens. Meat is great to get there. I'll buy a whole tenderloin and cut it into steaks. It lasts forever and it's a cheap way to get lots of good meat. You can do the same with the monstrous racks of ribs.

[Kahuna]

10. Welcome to DU, pointless!!!

:hi:

[pointless]

16. Thanks!

:hi:

[I Have A Dream]

23. Hi, pointless! Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[sellitman]

5. The Club stores make you buy in large quantities..

We like to spead our money out and find that it just didn't make sense. The super markets caught up too. They saw they were loosing business and now off many items in bulk without the need to "join".

Iwould see what your needs are first. As far as Costco..I understand they are the "bluest" company out there. I'd join them before all others.

Good luck.

[BlueCollar]

6. Traded up...

Shredded my Sam's Club card for a CostCo card. It's on the south side of town but worth the drive.

I recommend it. What you save in sales tax the first time round will make up for the cost of the membership.

I also noticed that the employees are generally very positive. One lady told me she likes her company health benefits.

[ET Awful]

7. Great place to shop :)

I'm single and I still buy food there :). Even their frozen stuff is good (pastas and the like, they have some kick-ass frozen crabcakes too :)).

As someone already mentioned, their return policy on electronics rules, you won't find a better policy.

They're also a decent source for tires :).

You can find books there too (I bought Franken's book there, Bill Clinton's book, two of Michael Moore's books, etc.) and get a pretty decent discount from bookstore prices. Same goes for new release DVD's.

All in all, it's well worth it in my opinion.

[MemphisTiger]

8. It's pretty good

they only take Amex or your debit card. Cosco has a costco amex, which I signed up for. I only use it there, but like any warehouse store, if you see something you like you need to get it because it may never be there again. Great deals on food, if you have the storage space.

[Not Me]

9. Like all the club stores, selection is limited

to stuff they can move big quantities of...but other than that, Costco's got it all over BJ's and Sams.

[indepat]

11. One of a few companies whose corporate management strongly disagree

with W's policies and actions and to have financially supported Kerry big time notwithstanding most of their members are seemingly much more affluent than the general population. Suggest you scope it out: would be very surprised if you did not find enough products to buy to make your membership very cost-effective.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

12. do it ...Costco is better than any of the other bulk stores...they support

Dems and pay their help a living wage and benefits

[Hugin]

13. My sweetheart told me... The most romantic date I've ever taken her on...

Was a tour of the nibbles samples at Costco.

Take it for what it's worth.

[supernova]

14. I love it!

I use it primarily to stock up on stables and dry goods like paper towels, TP, canned goods like olives or tomato sauce. They also have office supplies (the basics mostly), some automotive/car care and tires, a pharmacy (though I don't know what the pharm prices are like),

They have wonderful produce too, but I don't get it b/c living alone, the quantity is too much, so that's not a good value for me.

I still wind up going to the regular grocery store for produce and specialty items that I need. But all in all, it does save me $$ on the big stuff.

[KitchenWitch]

15. I do

I love Costco...

I echo what everyone says above, regarding TP etc. Their meats are good, their frozen food selection is expansive, their electronics are inexpensive.

And they offer other discounts, such as travel, rental cars etc.

[RPM]

17. my wife and I

its 3 times further away, but it sure beats Sam's

[unhappycamper]

18. I've been a CostCo member for about 6 years.

Excellent prices on most stuff. Up here in MA, it's not unusual to have a CostCo and a BJs within a mile of each other. The prices are nearly identical in the stores; about the only difference I can see is BJs has Life cereal while CostCo doesn't.

If you buy cold stuff, meat, cheese, etc, bring a cooler during the hot months - you pack your booty in leftover boxes, which are not renowned for their cooling properties.

[malmapus]

19. Had no idea that Costco's were in GA now

I remember when my ex moved out here to Cali and I was still living back in GA, she told me about Costco and I had never heard of it heh. But yeah, I go there for my food needs lol :)

[distantearlywarning]

20. I do.

Costco rocks! We just spent $60 there yesterday.

[bertha katzenengel]

21. We go to a local club that's similar, BJ's Warehouse.

$45 a year -- easily pays for itself within one or two trips. Laundry soap, paper towels, TP (when they have our brand), razors, shampoo, etc.

The biggest bargain is in common pharmaceuticals, like faux-Tylenol and faux-Advil. One can get a bottle of 500 pills for about the cost of 100 pills in the grocery store. Also great deals on supplements.

And nothing beats it when you're planning for a party.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

42. Same here, BJ's.

Vitamins, Omega 3, coral calcium. We stock up on large bottles. I spend a fortune on all these supplements but they would cost at least double at the drugstore.

[ScreamingMeemie]

22. Me and I never get out for under 200. Paul Newman's grape juice

is the best. They have an out of this world three bean salad. It's cleaner than Sam's, they have an excellent selection of meat and a great cheese department. I also buy most of my son's jeans there because they have levi's for the smaller set. :hi: Have fun! You'll be glad you joined. :hi:

[Greyhound]

24. I have an executive membership...

and have used it to furnish & supply my whole company. They are blue. The CEO only pays himself $350K, saying that should be enough money for anyone. They pay their employees more than sam's red club, or Home Despot.

[hnsez]

25. I drive weekly 10 miles to Costco past 3 Walmart stores

[El Fuego]

26. Costco is GREAT.

For the food department alone, it is worth it.

[bettyellen]

27. my brother and sister in law do, they had an extra room set aside for

all the huge groceries they buy. it's weird.
and so much of the food they eat is stale or close to it becasue it takes so long to consume the minimum purchase quantities. they had a baby and had to cut that shit out becasue they need the room. i think they just go to an out of state (cheaper) grocery with double coupons. but i swear, two years later, they are still eating stale shit form cosco.

[annonymous]

28. We shop there for most non-perishable items.

My family buys cat food, laundry and cleaning products, and meat there. Occassionally, we buy other stuff such as school supplies, books and gifts there as well. If you live alone or as a couple you probably won't save much money on food at Costco because the quantities are so large, but for non-perishable items it's great.

[xultar]

29. I LOVE IT! I live in ATL too. There is a new one in Alpharetta!

YEAH HOO!

[Lindsey]

30. Costco is the best and they are progressive...N/T

[SW FL Dem]

31. I Love Costco

I have been a member since 1988. When we first moved to Florida, the nearest Costco was 80 miles away, I made the drive at least one every two months. Luckily, we now have one less than 5 miles away, I am there at least once a week. I love that it's a blue company that treats its employees well so I buy as much as possible there.

Their prices on bulk paper goods can't be beat, I store the extras on shelves in my garage. I save tons on over the counter drugs and personal items (soaps, shampoos etc). Most of my son's and hubby's shorts and collared shirts come from Costco, at prices way below dept store or Target prices. Their women's clothes are great quality too. Others have mentioned electronics, we got an incredible deal on my new computer and a big screen tv in the past few years. I bought my digital camera there, just got a great deal on a 512mb memory card for my vacation this summer. Costco also is cheaper to get digital prints (.19 versus Target's or CVS'.29 per print).

The food is great quality and much cheaper than the grocery store. I get boneless, skinless chicken breast for $2.50 pound (they are $4.99 at the grocery store). All of Costco's beef is choice grade, and they have a great selection of fish (salmon, tilapia, swordfish). On weekends our Costco has seafood at unbelievable prices. I love their produce, even if I end up giving some away (there are only 3 of us) it is still cheaper and better quality than the fruit at the grocery store. I just share with some of my neighbors :). Costco has a great selection of take and bake foods (delicious meatloaf, chicken pot pie, chicken parmesan, pizza), it's like eating out at half the price. They also have several pre-made salads, I love their spinach salad. I keep my freezer stocked with their meats, fish and frozen entrees.

If you like wine, you can make up the cost of your membership easily. Same with liquor (some Costco's don't carry liquor because of state law). Their muffins are a delicious treat (definitely not dietetic though).

I could go on, but you get the message. Why don't you get a one day trial membership and check it out for yourself.

[arwalden]

32. I Drive 20 Miles To Costco... It's Worth It.

But plan your trips. Don't be fooled into the "bargain" of buying the jumbo-family-sized portions of fresh food that will spoil before you're able to finish eating them. The Costco that I go to has a MUCH better meat dept than my local Safeway. You'll do well if you have a deep freezer (and one of those vacuum-bag sealers... also available at Costco.) They have an okay selection of newly released DVD's and CD's and books. Great seasonal items as well (holiday decorations, spring gardening, lawn mowers/tools, plants, seeds, camping, sports equipment.)

Definitely try it out. And... I think they may have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on the membership fee.

[LeftyDarthBrodie]

33. Good deals

and the food samples are nice in the afternoon, you just have to deal with the crowds.

The employees are as nice as they come and I assume that has something to do with the way they are treated by their employers.

[Catshrink]

34. Don't forget the rotisserie chicken!

It is awesome. I also love their pies, except for the caramel apple thing that even I found too sweet. I'm there at least once a week -- usually buying a chicken and a bag of salad greens. Sometimes I'll buy muffins -- damn they are great. I like to buy the teri-bowls for lunches. They're half what I'd pay at a regular grocery store.

Yeah, buying in bulk is sometimes foolish for a single, but I only buy what I will use like the teri-bowls and other frozen stuff for lunches. I don't buy the cold cuts because I can't use them before they spoil because the packages are so large. BTW, their frozen wild rice chicken casserole and veggies lazagna are wonderful. They sell it in a two pack so I toss one in the freezer, nuke the other, and portion it out for lunches. Sure I eat it all week, but I love it.

Great prices on DVDs and books, although the selection isn't great. And they sell Tillamook cheese at mine in a two pound brick for about 60% of the grocery store price. It's a lot of cheese, but damn, I love cheese.

I love Costco and I feel good about shopping there because they are blue. The best part is, they are the closest grocery store to my house. How's that for convenience?

Definitely go, check it out. Graze. Have a dog and a coke for $1.50, or a slice. Even their snack bar is a good deal. I love the triple berry sundae.

[musette_sf]

35. here's what I bought yesterday:

* ibuprofen
* filets mignon
* broccoli crowns
* turkey cold-cut 3-pack
* tissues
* paper towels
* bottled spring water (2 cases)
* bottled fizzy water (Crystal Geyser - 1 case)
* Sparkling Ice lo-cal fizzy fruit drinks (1 case)
* Claritin-D 3-pack
* walnuts (for the backyard wildlife)

there are two of us. we NEVER end up with dusty/stale, unused leftovers as has been posited by several posters to this thread.

I'm glad we do a lot of our shopping at Costco and Trader Joe's. Unfortunately our local grocery is very Red, but then again, I think all the major chains are. No Whole Foods here yet.

[libnnc]

36. We love, love, love the Costco!

Garbage bags, TP, paper towels, dog food (although sometimes they don't carry our brand), cat food, bread (eat a loaf/freeze a loaf), Kirkland bacon (freezes well too), the steaks CAN'T BE BEAT--best damn rib eyes in town.

Wonderful selection of wines. I can get a bottle of my favorite North Carolina RayLen Vinyard's "Carolinus" red for less than $10 (it's usually over $11 at the regular grocery). Jacob's Creek Shiraz for less than $6 :bounce: Can you tell I don't drink much?

The electronics are great. We got our DVD&VHS player/recorder there for less than $300. Our next trip will be to get an outdoor umbrella and stand (to shield us from the bombadeering hickory nut tree on our back deck).

[democracyindanger]

37. Costco is crack.

You go just to pick up a rotisserie chicken and a case of beer...2 hours later you're walking out with a new set of tires, 36 Bagel Dogs and a 10-gallon jug of mayonnaise...

[Blue Belle]

41. Truer words have not been uttered...

Sure... you don't need a 40 ft Trampoline... but where are you going to get it at such a great price??

:rofl:

[Willinois]

38. I used to when I lived in Chicago.

They're too far away from me now. I wish they would build more stores. Its a great place to shop though.

[Blue Belle]

40. Bar none the best place to get your prescriptions filled.

I saved close to $75 when I filled my prescriptions there as opposed to Walgreen's. I also like the wine section and the clothing section - I love that you can get Calvin Klein there cheaper than at Nordstrom Rack. Plus, they have great prices on office supplies such as printer ink (which costs a bloody fortune). Go early though or risk getting stuck behind the customers with 2-3 flat bed carts and appear to be stocking up for Armageddon.

[Scout1071]

43. I love it. Haven't been back to Sam's since they opened.

And I highly recommend picking up a bag of Panda potstickers out of the frozen section. Those things are awesome!

[onager]

44. Another thumbs-up from a single person...

So I can't really take advantage of the Mass Quantities deal on some things. I also travel a lot on short notice for work, so having bunches of perishable food around is Not A Good Idea.

Stuff I do take advantage of:

CostCo's house-brand Kirkland jeans are cheap and durable, which is about all I ask from jeans.

Their Kirkland frozen pizza is excellent. Best frozen pizza I ever had.

Things like sodas are always a good deal. The Food Department has some amazing stuff.

As noted before, great prices if not selection on books and DVDs. They do get some "package" DVD deals that I believe are only for CostCo. "Three Great 1970's Movies" and the like.

Lots of people bitch about the long lines, but that doesn't bother me too much. Our local store (suburban Los Angeles) seems to have plenty of checkers.

[fortyfeetunder]

45. long time Costco member

It's great for bulk buys, and good deals on appliances. I use Costco's services for checks, photos, and copying.

The deadliest time to go is midday where there is all the food samples, you can make a meal just off the sampling.

My other rave about Costco is traveling to other areas and buying regional products there. Like crab cakes in Baltimore, pog in Hawaii, etc.

[inanna]

46. Costco is great

My hubby and I have been shopping there for ages. We love the meat department! They also have a really good store brand (Kirkland) that offers everything from toilet paper and laundry detergent to lasagna. And the lasagna is great, we had it for dinner last night and will be having leftovers today.

[trackfan]

47. I just got back from Costco

We spent $125 on, basically, canned goods. If you go often enough, you will make up the membership fee. We probably don't reach the break-even level, because we only go a couple times a year; but we still stick with it, just in case there is a really good deal on a big-ticket item, or something like that.

[stevans_41902]

48. My bf was mad after i told him i did not want to buy stuff at sams

with his card, b/c he claimed that every big business is the same as wal mart, just on a smaller scale. Man, was he wrong. Costco pays its employees $16 an hour and provides them w/ good quality health care. It just proves that there ARE good businesses out there, but most people would rather keep shopping at the stupid wal mart. I am so glad i learned about costco - now i am definately going to get a membership even though the closest one is 30 miles away.

[Momgonepostal]

49. I go about once a month

The best prices here are on their dairy products and yeast.

If I were going to buy an appliance,or something big, I'd go to a smaller, locally owned store.

[China_cat]

54. Here too on milk especially

We pay almost a dollar less per gallon for milk at Costco than at any of the groceries.

[Initech]

50. I spend about half my paycheck at Costco!

That place is the greatest store ever. Seriously.

[LeftyMom]

51. We shop there all the time

Because they haven't got a ton of vegan or organic options, I don't buy a great deal of food there, but we save enough on books, software, DVDs, office stuff and electronics that the membership more than pays for itself. They have really good bread, and the prices for juice and soy milk are good. We've got LeftyKid really cute clothes there, too.

We got the executive membership and gave our extra card to a neighbor. She gets a free membership and we get a percentage (3% I think) back on our purchases and hers, so everybody wins. :)

The checkout lines are brutal, though.

[China_cat]

53. We do

We buy most of our groceries there. Buy in bulk and either freeze or dry store the excess. We've been eating a lot better on a lot less.

Plus when we go to Costco we fill up with gas there, too. It usually runs about 10 cents per gallon less than even the cheapest station.