I love Costco, ours is only 3 miles away and we tend to stop by weekly. Sometimes their gadgets and appliances are more expensive, but no store has even close to the return policy they have so I’m willing to pay a little extra. I bought my DH a pretty expensive coffee pot from there last year and it stopped working when it was just shy of a year old. Took it back, no questions asked.

Staples we get are

Kale Salad mix

Mushrooms

Pomegranite and Apple juice

Coffee

Toothpaste

Organic Hamburger

Cleaning “stuff”

Cat Litter

Paper products

Batteries

Love their bath towels but the kitchen towels, not so much

Trash bags, Ziploc bags

Olive Oil here too

Spices

Garlic

Canned soups for DH’s lunches

And we buy our gas from there with the Costco card.

Many of the above items, plus a 35# of grain free dog food with the same ingredients as far more expensive brands for 26.00. In the prepared foods back by the meats try the stuffed red peppers. They are super delicious and not too salty. Many of those other pre-mades, like the meat loaf or chicken alfredo are very salty.

I got some super soft and fluffy towels there the other day for 5.99 each. They only had 4, and I loved them so much I looked on amazon to buy some more. They were 27.00 each on Amazon.

I don't go very often but when I do this is what is probably in my cart:

Hemp Hearts

Quinoa

Pumpkin Seeds

Sunflower Seeds

Almonds

Pecans

Walnuts

Sprouted Bean Trio

Garlic Powder

Supplements

Refresh Eye Drops

I also like to check out their flowering bulbs in the spring.

Sleeper blues, a friend who is a veterinarian swears by Kirkland dog food- I discovered this when I ran into her shopping at Costco and she was buying that while I usually bought Nutro. I switched.

I truly believe in the Kirkland dog food. It was highly recommended to me several years ago and I started buying it for small dogs for my little toy poodle. She had had some bad reactions to other foods, but has never had a problem with the Kirkland brand. When I became a true believer was when my granddaughter moved in with me with her large dog, who had all kinds of food allergy problems, dry skin problems, etc, and they always fed him very expensive dog food. I talked her into trying the Kirkland dog food, and as a result, he no longer has dry skin, no food allergy problems. He is like a different dog.

We buy Kirkland butter, toilet paper, paper towels, coffee (Pacific Bold), etc. We have liked every Kirkland product we have tried. Also buy the supplements and many beauty skin care products. Buy Kirkland toothpaste. Others slip my mind right now. We are a big Costco and Costco Kirkland brand family.

IRMA... you're a mind reader! YEAST!! My sister buys a "brick" of dry yeast and shares with me. often wonder if mailman is suspicious of a squishy, pillow-ish envelope in my mailbox? I put it in glass jar and it lives in my freezer. a batch of pizza dough with rise to double in not much more than half an hour.

Cheeses. The weekend shellfish station. Smoked salmon. Capers. Avocado oil. The photo enlarge and print out area. Hearts of palm. If I am going to have a big party, I may look in the bulk veggie area. The Colemans organic chicken. Batteries.

Unfortunately, I've just switched from Costco to BJ's. BJ's will be closer to my new home, and being just one human being, I only need one warehouse membership. BJ's lacks the photo enlarge and print out station, and the organic chicken. I haven't yet been there on a weekend to see if they have a shellfish station or not.

But I do think I will be buying my living room TV there. (BJ's... similar deals as Costco regards TV.)

:( we don't have a Costco :(

I'm near one and I buy gasoline there and there's always a long line.

I should add holiday ribbon to my list...nice wired ribbon at a price lower than my local wholesale floral suppy place.

Costco is my first stop for everything! I love seeing the same employees and know that they have great benefits and competitive wages! They are pleasant and helpful.

As for shopping, it is my first stop to buy everything. Very pleased with their attention to healthier foods and organics, which products are increasing every month. I have read that they follow their produce from seed to personal inspections to packaging to market, often partnering with underprivileged countries in order to provide them with otherwise unattainable benefits. The gasoline in my local Costco is known to be from top provider and of superior quality. Their prices cannot be beat and I have seen the proof of prices going down on items correspondent to price reductions from their suppliers. Before making larger purchases, I do check the reviews and ratings. Seasonal products are a great buy and their pharmacy drug prices are known to be best of any available. And did you know they sell the most cars in this country?

I have been behind folks at the return desk who were returning scores of vitamins and such, purchased to be sold on line and returned when unsold. One memorable experience - A lady returned a cart full of hot dogs and buns. I couldn't resist asking the associate what had been the problem and was informed that her organization's picnic had been cancelled due to weather. That makes me sad for several reasons and the food cannot be donated, only destroyed. Egregious misuse of their liberal return policy.

The one item I have not tried is their dry cat food. Does anyone know if that item is as superior as their dog food?

I bet no one ever wants to get me started on Costco again!

There's another forum that I go on where people visit the local Costcos and actually walk around taking pictures of the major sales and clearance deals (because Costco doesn't advertise those). Usually prices ending in *.97. Love it when the original price was $15.99 and now it's $3.97!

I used to have a membership but let it lapse when I was without a car for a bit...Costco = having a car!

I haven't seen clearance sales in Costco. I mainly go through and buy standard everyday items we need. We drop a lot of money there. Some things are competitive or less expensive, but a lot of things are just nice to have or unneeded. The clothes are usually a good deal and decently made so I occasionally buy those for my husband and boys. Their sizing and style options rarely work for me or my daughter although they did have some sturdy flip flops during the summer and some socks that were good.

I buy lettuce, mushrooms, cucumbers and potatoes there. I find they discontinue items sometimes and can be hit or miss on what I need. They had a good deal going for a while on eggs, but they've discontinued that. The eggs were nothing special and the shells were extremely thin so I wondered about the nutrition. We get toilet paper and paper towels there. My dogs favorite jerky treats come from there. I sometimes get cat litter.

I get the bulk cleaning supplies like detergent, dish soap and Oxyclean. I try to stock up during sales. I get cheese, butter, bacon and fish filets there. I like some of the food samples they give out and occasionally buy those items. My liking it doesn't always translate into the family liking it. My family often doesn't like the pop in the microwave meals. I buy my nuts, bacon and olive oil at Costco. I find that I'm better off buying a lot of other things at the grocery stores.

A friend in the industry just mentioned that Costco often sells wine cheaper than she can even buy it for her big-name wine store.

Dry roasted nuts, preservative free eye drops, protein powder are all cheaper than anywhere, even online.

Coach's Oats, batteries.

The Kirkland Organic olive oil is a good cooking oil. I don't buy very much Kirkland brand, but it has always been good quality when I do.

My Costco is literally 5 minutes away. Gas, toilet paper, papertowels, water, water, water...yes I get 3 different waters LOL. Of course pizza at their food court. Laundry detergent, bacon, tortillas, tortilla crusted tilapia in the frozen section, Newmans K cups (for work), Clorox cleaning wipes. I love the coupon books even though they jack up the price a buck on most items when they offer them in the coupon book, but I'll pick up the pack of toothebrushes, dental floss. I love Costco. We used to have a Sams club but it closed down quite a few years ago but I did shop both.

We used to shop a lot more often when my kids were still at home. Their meat was (is?) excellent with great prices, the kids loved the muffins, fruit was pretty good, toilet paper, kleenex's and paper towels were a good price. I buy my Aveeno body wash there, usually find a couple of nice t-shirts or sweaters, and the prepared butter chicken is really good.

I use to pay more attention to the books and toys but don't anymore.

Their garden shop with hanging baskets and plants in the spring sells a good variety of things that are of good quality and lower prices.

Their loaf cakes and such are a lifesaver for me when I have company. I'm not into baking and everyone likes their bakery products.

Kirkland paper towels, organic romaine hearts and any other organic fruits or veggies that look decent.

Organic chicken thighs and breasts. Lobster ravioli is great! Dh loves Rians creme brulee.

I like the rotisserie chicken to use in soup or enchiladas.

Dh buys gas there. He chats with one of the attendants while he pumps. Cheapest gas in town and we get money back.

Bought a pair of fake Uggs recently for $29, but hasn't been cold enough to wear them yet.

We have friends who recently bought a Yukon through Costco. Saved a good bit.

One thing I forgot to mention was the Kirkland brand fabric softener. I picked it up by mistake (thought I was getting Downy) and am very glad I did. To my nose, it smells the way Downy used to smell and it does soften clothes the way Downy used to do.

WalnutCreek, I like their softener very much. It doesn't contain animal fat and just a small amount does the trick, so, it lasts a long time.

If I need sheets or towels I buy them at Costco. I buy the Harvest variety pack of sliced cheese even though it is pricey it is the perfect amount for me and lasts a long time and there are 4 types of cheese. I buy the Lilydale sliced turkey. I always buy strawberries when I go. It is the only place I can buy Dave's Killer bread. At Christmas I usually buy nuts for baking. Kirkland paper towels,, cat litter, fancy paper plates when they get them in haha don't judge me. Kirkland batteries, Kirkland Ibuprofin. I bought my laptop at Costco and my phones. My sister in law and I always buy the 80 calorie fudgesicles or frozen yogurt bars. Usually butter is a better price there so stock usually buy 2 at a time. Croissants are really good to.

I agree that heir canned tuna is better than Starkist or Bumblebee. Not fond of their T.P. Like Sam's T.P. much better but generally buy Quilted Northern when on sale locally. Parmigiana Reggiani is a good price. Also buy large pieces of salmon and slice up into serving portions and freeze. Stock up on walnuts and pecans this time of year and freeze them. Was happy to hear about their dog food. Will buy that in the future. Their grapes are wonderful. Crunchy and last lots longer than grapes bought in local grocery store so not afraid to buy such a large box.

And how did I forget their CHEESECAKE!!! OMG!! Anyone remember that six pack of cinnamons rolls they used to carry??? Those were so yummy.

Never tried Costco tuna, but I swear by the quality of Rain Coast albacore. I buy it at Walmart.

https://raincoasttrading.com/products/albacore-tuna/

The big bags of pistachio nuts that are peeled. I hate dealing with the shells.

Fruits and the Vidalia onions when they are in season. The big pack of pre cooked bacon.

The huge fresh made chicken pot pies. Omg huge and delicious.

Croissants and bagels and occasionally fresh pastry.

I forgot their coffee. A big 3# tin of coffee is 9.99. When I started buying it was 8.99, but still a fab deal for great coffee. And the Kirkland k-cups are excellent also.

Rx meds, often less expensive than using insurance. Last week, Costco $10.18 for 90 day supply vs insurance $20.

I forgot to put gasoline on my list -- not cheaper, but I have confidence in the quality. Hmm, isn't that a lot of the reason Costco succeeds? In 15 years, I think we have returned only two things because they were not up to par. I also like that they pay their employees a fair wage, with benefits; confirmed by two employees we know.

Kirkland olive oil is 100% Italian olive oil, not just "Bottled in Italy" with oil from one or all of a dozen nations listed in fine print on the label.

REALLY? Costco sells more cars than ANYBODY? We did buy replacement tires there.

DH will have a hearing test at Costco next week. I'll be looking for a Christmas wreath.

Bought a pair of eyeglasses at Costco, but prefer Warby Parker. Better selection.

I left off tires and smoked wild salmon from my list. Both the regular type (lighter in color, sliced and as some put on a bagel) and the darker hunks. The latter has an exotic and rich flavor and makes a superb hors d'oevres as is, with plain tasting crackers, on a buffet table.

We don't get olive oil at Costco as we prefer California olive oil. It ranges in style from light and mild to dark and very fruity for salads and drizzling on various dishes when you want a more pronounced flavor. It's great and usually of very high quality. Available from many different stores.

Dh bought my last set of tires at Costco.

I prefer California olive oils too. California Olive Ranch Arbequina is my favorite for fresh use and their Everyday for everyday.

Interesting to read about the philosophy of the living founder of Costco. One of his tenets is that well paid workers provide the good experience he wants for his customers. What a contrast to the Waltons' philosophy.

I live in Seattle, where Costco is based (more or less......headquarters are really located in a Seattle suburb) and I remember well when the first store opened in the older industrial part of the city. My DH at the time and I just wandered around this massive warehouse with our jaws hanging open, having never seen such an enormous retail display and at such favorable prices. The 'Kirkland' Costco brand name derives from the suburb where the headquarters were first based.

btw, Costco was rated the "best place to work in America" as of May 2017.

chisue, you can't compare Costco's retail market, product and operating strategies to Walmart's, they're completely different. They operate in two very different segments of the market and use very different tactics to be successful.

How is Sam's Club different from Costco? I know Walmart stocks many times more items than Costco.

You don't think fair wages -- and benefits for 80% of workers -- is more commendable than the Walton model?

According to what I read on wiki, Walton tried to buy out Price Club, but was rejected, and they merged into Costco instead.

I was interested to see how large the membership income figures in Costco's bottom line -- and it's 'money up front'. Genius.

I don't know Sams Club at all, I've never been in one. You were comparing Costco to Walmart so that was how I replied.

The membership model isn't new or original. There was a "membership only" chain of stores in Los Angeles that opened in the early 1950s (I think) named Fedco. They sold memberships and offered great discounts on products, even on what at the time were "fair traded" goods subject to manufacturer minimums. As a kid I'd go with my mother regularly so that was 1950s and 60s.

Here's an example - if you go to Costco looking for a PC, you'll find a very good selection of $1500 units selling for $1200, and $1200 ones selling for $900. And a very small selection of a few at lower prices. If you go to Walmart, you'll find many at below $500 and even Chromebooks for a few hundred. And so on and so forth. Other than a few come-ons like clothing and chicken, Costco doesn't intend to stock the same bargains as Walmart. They sell at a discount compared to regular retailer because the customer mostly is agreeing to shop in a warehouse (less product handling) and buy larger quantities and in return, they're happy with larger volumes and thinner margins.

The demand of American consumers for ever cheaper prices drove Walmart, as the leader several decades ago, to source barely adequate goods big time from the lowest cost countries like China. With current public outrage about their employee welfare practices and the incidents of shoddy goods and chemically contaminated products, they're backing off. But I'm sure there are more than a few internally who are thinking "We gave them what we thought they wanted at the prices they wanted, and that's what they bought for many years. Now that's not what they want, so we'll do it differently".

Actually, I said I didn't like the way the *Waltons* do business -- hiring mostly part-timers so they won't have to pay higher salaries or provide benefits. Costco's founder pays his employees a higher wage, with benefits, because he thinks fairly compensated workers will provide a better customer experience.

I think Fedco was THE original warehouse store requiring a membership. One of its people (a Mr. Price), went on to start PriceClub, which he then merged with Costco, spurning an offer from Walton. (Then Price -- perhaps needing always to be Boss -- left Ccostco and started yet another company!)

Thanks for the interesting comments about Costco selling primarily up-market items at a discount.

I have been inside a Walmart a dozen times, mostly during our early days on Maui, when they were one of the only games in town. I agree there's a big difference between Walmart (selling a gazillion items) and Costco (selling far fewer things, in bulk, without stocking shelves, etc.).

I love Costco but I hate the crowds. People forget cart etiquette and manners, especially around the free samples!

I just found I have a Costco in Pittsburgh and a Trader Joes and Whole Foods. I'm expecially pleased about Whole Foods.

I would like Costcos Fabric Softener and laundry detergent as i've heard rave reviews over in the laundry room about them. I just don't want to pay for a membership for them.

One thing I really like is their no hassle returns. I tend to stock up on paper goods and laundry products. I do like their meat and salmon. Stopping at the snack bar is a must each trip - I just can't resist.

Elmer, I looked up your FedCo store- wowzers- a brilliant idea started by postal union employees! Pretty cool.

Loooove Costco! Ours has wine and beer but no hard liquor...we get the salmon, roast chicken....all kind of snacks (chocolate covered mango)...TP, Kleenex, soda, Capri suns, Kirkland Greek yogurt (plain), glasses (prescription), French green beans...laundry detergent (Kirkland free and clear)...batteries,....I think kids will eat anything as long as it’s served in little cups from a cart by people wearing hairnets, LOL!

chisue, Rita's comment led me to look up the beginning of Fedco and she's got the story straight. Your comment about a Mr Price was wrong, he wasn't with Fedco (based in LA) but rather FedMart (in San Diego). Very different companies and very different stories.

Anyone interested in SoCal retailing trivia might also remember a company named Akron. Not pronounced like the city in Ohio (that I think is Ack' run) but rather more like Ack Ron. Also started in the 1950s, if it had survived to today, you'd recognize their wares because they specialized in the offbeat, quirky stuff (from Asian and Third World countries) as used to be more prominent in Cost Plus/World Market stores before they went a bit more mainstream.

mamapinky, be careful in Whole Foods, many of their products are very overpriced, including some produce. Shop carefully. Their 365 Brand house label stuff is good quality and reasonably priced. Also most but not all of the dried products (like beans, grains, etc) that you bag yourself and label are reasonable.

Elmer the only thing I'm interested in at Whole Foods is the BioKleen Premium Plus laundry detergent. LOL. Even that will have to wait as I have more pressing demands right now. Thank You Elmer for the heads up.

The story about these early membership warehouses gets confusing because both have Fed in their names. Sol Price started FedMart in San Diego. It was a warehouse store with membership open to government employees- so there are obvious similarities. FedCo, in Los Angeles, preceded FedMart. Price went on to start PriceClub as chisue explained, and spurned a Waltons buyout, preferring to merge with Costco.

FedCo was started by 800 postal union employees eager to leverage their buying power to get better deals. FedCo 1948-1999.

mamapinky, if you know someone that is a Costco member, you can have them purchase a gift card for you. You can then use the gift card to purchase items in the store even if you are not a Costco member.

Fedco didn't have a warehouse layout. It was more like a low-rise (one story) department store. or like today's Target or KMart with lower shelves and lower ceilings. Lots of clothing racks and display cases too.

Was there today and among other things, picked up seasonal plants and a wreath for the front gate.