What is the hype over Costco?

[Anonymous]

I got a membership so I could order something online and finally ventured into the store. Besides the fact that is was a zoo - I didn't think a lot of items were that great of a deal. In fact, I do better stocking up on sales at regular grocery stores. The fruit looked awful and was pricier that the Giant I go to - cheese and meats were comparable pricing - what am I missing?

[Anonymous]

Diapers, wipes, and formula. Once we were done with those items, we let our membership lapse.

Though I don't agree that meat and cheese are comparable. Ground beef is at least $1 less per pound that at my local grocery store's usual prices; sometimes more. And since I don't have time to peruse the circulars and rush to the store when it goes on sale, it can be a good idea to stock the freezer with Costco meats.

[Anonymous]

Their Kirkland brand products are great. I find good deals on Milk, paper products, books, contact lens solution, OTC meds especially allergy meds, laundry detergent, zip lock bags. Costco also issues there own coupons. Their gas is usually cheaper but not many of the local costcos have the gas.

[Anonymous]

Excellent return policy.

[Anonymous]

Our Costco has great produce.
They have excellent return policies esp on electronics, compared to other stores.
Agree that meats, cheeses, eggs, and other items are cheaper than grocery stores, without waiting for sales or shopping around.

[Anonymous]

I went there once with a friend, never went back. I can do better elsewhere and don't have do deal with all of the riffraff.

[Anonymous]

Our issue with Costco is buying in bulk means storing items in bulk. We just don't have the storage space for many items we can find at costco. With that said when we are holding any large parties or events it does make sense to purchase in bulk. I have also noticed that some costcos are better than others. The older ones are pretty dirty and dingy the newer ones are nicer.

[Anonymous]

I like being able to buy in bulk...easier to store and easier to unload from the car, one stop shopping etc. Having said that, you're right, it's not always cheaper but for something it is. Dairy is Much MUCH cheaper...butter, milk, yogurt etc. I don't in general buy a lot of meat so I can't say anything about that (and plus I am wanting to go organic anyway...I recently watched Food Inc and don't want to support regular slaughterhouses/"farms".) Also there are things besides foods that can be good deals...deodarant, medications, soap, cameras, mattresses etc which tend to be considerably cheaper than regular stores....or at least that's been my observation.

[Anonymous]

Costco is starting to sell more organic products and fresh meats. I disagree, canned goods, cleaning products, paper towels, etc. are much cheaper than the grocery stores. I like stocking up and not worrying about buying meats, etc. for another month or so. They have great fresh foods too, ready to heat/cook. Their photo center is cheap and you can get passport pics for $4.99. If you have space to store bulk stuff I'd say try it again, even if your first time wasn't so great. Yes, they are packed on weekends. Try weekdays if at all possible. It's a zoo on weekends w/ their free tastings of food or the day before a holiday. Oh - clothing deals on name brand stuff is awesome.

[Anonymous]

Their food court pizza is amazing!

The kirkland brand wipes are by far my favorite baby wipe and you can't beat the price on those.

We find their prices on other things are usually better, but not always. We also buy a fair amount of kids pajamas and such there (Carter's, Hanna Anderson).

[Anonymous]

Just came back from Costco and this is what I bought:
Milk (much cheaper than grocery store)
Finish tabs for dishwasher
Kirkland Free and Clear laundry detergent
Grilled chicken and mozzarella ravioli
Mayorga coffee
Irish Spring bar soap
Dove shampoo
Some books for the kids
Lil Critters Gummy Vitamins
Kirkland brand allergy medicine
Flank steak
Organic chicken breasts
Cheese (bulk Babybel and sliced)
Clif bars
Mixed nuts
Take and bake pizza for tonight's dinner

I usually buy tissues, toilet paper and paper towels, but not today.

[Anonymous]

Costco in Arlington is a zoo. I dreaded going there.

Costco in Fairfax is okay except on Sundays.

Costco in Leesburg, I was standing around expecting a line when the clerk was like, "Uh, whenever you're ready." In and out in under 15 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, Arlington is one of the busiest in the country.

[Anonymous]

I like that their lamb is halal.

[Anonymous]

You are right that not everything is a deal -- you do have to compare prices with the grocery store and Target, particularly where Costco carries a name brand of something (toilet paper, paper towels, ziploc bags) often you can get a better deal on the generic equivalent at Target or a grocery store. But, on other things, buying in bulk means real savings. Nuts are one example I can think of. Frozen foods. Most cheeses, butter and yogurt, definitely. The baby wipes, as other PPs have noted. You can also get good deals on electronics and other household items. Spices, honey, maple syrup, and such -- much better prices than at the grocery store. I'm sure there's more, I can't think of anything else at the moment.

So you can't go in there expecting that everything will automatically be the best deal, but for things that are a better value, you can really save a lot of money.