Costco opened up in my area... - Page 3

kivah · ‎03-11-2010

I've been a member of Costco almost 27 years - and buy just for myself. Sam's Club is 5 minutes from my house - and Costco is 10 minutes. I went into Sam's Club on 2 occasions as a guest - and couldn't stand the store or the layout. Love Costco!!!! As far as the membership fee -- I use those monthly coupons they mail and the savings more than pays the fee. I shop on Tues, Wed, Thurs. around 1:30 PM and the line is never long. I've never had a bad experience. Last year I purchased an LG 43" flat screen TV for $325. + tax - with a 2-year warranty. I recently purchased 9 sets of their 800 TC, cotton sheetsets, for $70 + tax ---- anywhere else each set would be at least $200. I purchase most of the items on-line.

When I shop in person - I buy lots of food items -- my refrigerator and freezer are always full.

lovescats · ‎03-10-2010

I like sams club. I have looked at costco online and I didn't see anything there I liked better than sams club.

bonnie f · ‎10-26-2014

i have never been to a sams or costco.. there is one about 20 min away i have never been to. my friend is a member there, so i would have to go with them.. i dont want to be a member, but i would love to spend a few hrs in there.. lol.. i know she'd kill me for being in there that long. i want to look around at everything never being to one.. i did hear its a good place to buy a new computer. i need a new notebook...i live alone, and i dont buy in bulk.. i cant, i live in a small apt. and dont have alot of extra space at all... one of these days i will go, and i'm sure spend alot of money........

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

20 years ago we lived where we had both stores. Dropped Sams and stayed with Costco. I've never let that membership lapse, I order online when I can't make the journey 125 miles. Things like canned chicken and canned albacore tuna are worth it to me to stay with them.

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

@bonnie f wrote:
i have never been to a sams or costco.. there is one about 20 min away i have never been to. my friend is a member there, so i would have to go with them.. i dont want to be a member, but i would love to spend a few hrs in there.. lol.. i know she'd kill me for being in there that long. i want to look around at everything never being to one.. i did hear its a good place to buy a new computer. i need a new notebook...i live alone, and i dont buy in bulk.. i cant, i live in a small apt. and dont have alot of extra space at all... one of these days i will go, and i'm sure spend alot of money........

You can have your friend buy you costco gift card and you can go shop at your leisure without a membership.

spumoni99 · ‎02-16-2019

We have been members of both for many years. I think Costco has more high end and organic food items. If I had to choose one it would be costco but I enjoy Sams club also.

brandiwine · ‎03-11-2010

We belong to both. Costco is superior in the clothing & meat departments. I only buy gas & a few cleaning or paper supplies @ Sams. I have found Sam's members mark to be very inferior compared to the Kirkland brand.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

Back when we lived in the big city we had memberships to both Sam's Club and Costco. We quickly cancelled our Sam's membership once we began comparing the two. Costco is soooo much better! We finally got our own Costco store a mere 60 miles away! Yay! Since we moved rural 6 years ago we always had to travel 3 hours away so now driving an hour is nothing! Love my Costco!

"Pure Michigan"

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@CoffeeNut We are members of both. Each offers products that we use on a regular basis that the other doesn't. We buy our gas at Costco and prefer to shop there. We have been shopping at each of these stores for over twenty-five years. We do prefer Costco, and if we had to be a member of only one that would be our choice.

Over the years, Costco has held on to its employees, they seem happy and are very accommodating to help. Different story at Sam's....and I could site many examples. Also, the subtle and sometimes not so subtle shoplifting mentality...instituting checking three items with a scanner at the door. Sam's is not a welcoming store the customer service and support is lacking, but we recognize that some of their products we use regularly and we go there for products and not for socialization.

They both offer excellent products at usually the best prices. If you are looking for quality jewelry, Costco is the best. I purchased a diamond eternity band..the diamonds are very good quality (outstanding reviews online) and I continually receive compliments. Sam's has a good selection of organic dried herbs. Costco offers more organic produce, Sam's offers excellent Member's Mark towels. We purchase our eyeglasses at Costco as well as our tires and have had excellent customer service (and prices) in each of these departments. The food court at Costco can't be beat if you yearn for a hotdog or pizza.

Costco is the winner for us, but it really depends on your preferences and what your individual store offers.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@tansy Yes, I agree. The employees enjoy working there and tend to stay for many years. The team spirit and willingness to help shoppers is evident. We have come to know many of them over the years.

@tansy wrote:
The Sam's I visited had nowhere near the choices of products or good bakery items, meat and produce. Costco employees are treated well and it shows.

Costco will refund your membership if you ask, OP.