Sam’s Club versus Costco, some observations.

Let me preface this by stating I have been a Sam’s Club member since the 1980’s. This year, I also joined Costco.

I am fortunate because Sam’s and Costco are a 5 minute drive from my office. Believe it or not, they are separated only by the parking lot at Target, which you can drive through, to access either store.

At lunch this afternoon, I headed out for a Sam’s run. Sam’s did not have something my Daughter had placed on the list, so after Sam’s I hit Costco. I have only been in Costco twice, but only for something specific, so had not toured the whole store.

Sam’s had three check-out lanes open and about 3-4 shoppers in each lane. The people are friendly and the store is well lit.

Costco was packed, with all check-out lanes open and 3-4 shoppers in each lane. The store is noticeably brighter and has a similar layout. Costco has a Mercedes Benz by the Customer Service counter, a quad by the enterance and was generally a slightly more pleasant experience.

I have not compared prices, but suspect they are probably somewhat similar.

Do you have a preference for one over the other?

I’ll be following this debate closely. I was all set to get a Sam’s membership this afternoon, but there’s a Costco that’s equidistant and I only plan to join one of them.

quote:

Originally posted by JJexp:
I’ll be following this debate closely. I was all set to get a Sam’s membership this afternoon, but there’s a Costco that’s equidistant and I only plan to join one of them.

I gave up my Sams membership when their CEO stated he gave preference to women when doing business and I don’t like discrimination of any kind. Just joined Costco so it’s too early to have an opinion.

In our experience, Sam's Club = Walmart...in bulk. No longer a Sam's Club member.

Costco, on the other hand, seems to be a good step above Sam's Club. Their "signature" series product, "Kirkland" brand, are usually exceptional products based on the cost:quality ratio.

Ask JALLEN what he thinks about Costco's Kirkland-brand dress shirts. He's right!

Good luck!

I had a Costco membership for years as it was close to my office. Then a few years later Sam's Club setup about 5 miles from my home. After I retired, it made no sense to me to keep the Costco membership. I have been very satisfied with Sam's.

I’ve been a happy member of Price Club since 1976 when Sol Price started it in Rose Canyon in San Diego. One of his management guys eventually left, attracted financing and started what is now Costco, into which Price Club was merged years ago.

I shop at Costco a couple of times each month. I’ve been very happy with Costco and have saved yuuuge amounts on everything from tires to toilet paper, clothes, batteries, syrup, coffee, mayo, great meats, roasted chicken, bleach, cat food milk, over the counter meds, toothpaste, TVs, computers add more besides.

I’ve not been in a Sam’s Club more than a few times, but it seemed familiar but rather different, kind of like a Baptist in a Presbyterian Church or something, or maybe a Rotarian at a Lions Club.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: JALLEN,

I use both and find SamsClub has a consistent layout which makes finding things easier, while Costco deliberately shuffles product locations in order to force shoppers to traverse more of the store when looking for a specific item. Personally I prefer Sams' approach since I usually know what I want. Also, Sams has a phone app that lets you scan items when placing them in your cart, and pay for them also thru the app when you're done shopping, and completely avoid the checkout lines when leaving the store (you just hold your phone up to be scanned by the exit door checker) and you're done. That's a feature I like! Don't know if Costco offers a similar app or not.

quote:

Originally posted by JRC:
In our experience, Sam's Club = Walmart...in bulk. No longer a Sam's Club member.

Costco, on the other hand, seems to be a good step above Sam's Club. Their "signature" series product, "Kirkland" brand, are usually exceptional products based on the cost:quality ratio.

Ask JALLEN what he thinks about Costco's Kirkland-brand dress shirts. He's right!

Good luck!

Darn right!

The only gripe I have with Costco is the cost of mayonnaise, a lot cheaper than grocery stores but they make you take the whole 55 gallon drum!

I've heard great things about Costco, but my family has been a BJ's family since Price Club disappeared.

I've never been impressed w/ Sam's Club.

-Rob

Use both.

Costco for the win. They seem to be more selective with their products--if they carry it, it's usually a very good product.

My ex-wife had a Sam's Club membership from her parents a long time ago. We went but I got tired of buying everything in extra-large and then not having enough space in the refrigerator or cabinets when I got home. Bulk Wal-Mart is right, and I don't shop at Walmart except for Ammo and Motor Oil.

An ex-gf was a member at Costco (from my house there are two Costco's about 30-40 minutes away, but none closer so I don't shop there. They do have lots of stuff, and things you can't get other places - Fresh seafood, meats, etc. But I noticed that name brand electronic stuff they have at a lower price than other places is often a lesser model - something discontinued or or de-contended and only available at Costco. Maybe it's the neighborhood it's located, but it's somewhat of a yuppie crowd. In addition to merchandise, you can buy vacations, cars, insurance, all kinds of stuff. IMO it's a bit creepy - let Costco be everything for you...

I was a Sam's Club member for at least 20 years but joined Costco this year when I needed hearing aids. After being a member for a short period I can say, I would never go back to Sam's.

I'm single, don't need gallons of mayo or cases of TP.

We have both in Spartanburg, SC. Prefer Costco for just about everything quality-wise, but there are maybe one or two items we can only get at Sam’s. If it weren’t for the fact that my wife’s company pays for the Sam’s membership, we would probably buy those items at Publix and never shop at Sam’s again.

Do either of them have a gas station? My Costco does, and it's top tier gas that is usually 20 cents cheaper than nearby stations.

I agree with the statements made about Costco's house branded products (Kirkland). They are typically very good. I truly have not found a better dress shirt for less than $100. And Costco's only cost $18!

quote:

Originally posted by tsmccull:
I use both and find SamsClub has a consistent layout which makes finding things easier, while Costco deliberately shuffles product locations in order to force shoppers to traverse more of the store when looking for a specific item. Personally I prefer Sams' approach since I usually know what I want. Also, Sams has a phone app that lets you scan items when placing them in your cart, and pay for them also thru the app when you're done shopping, and completely avoid the checkout lines when leaving the store (you just hold your phone up to be scanned by the exit door checker) and you're done. That's a feature I like! Don't know if Costco offers a similar app or not.

Oh now that makes sense.. I kept wondering why the F... I could never find the same stuff 2 weeks ago in the same isle. Was thinking they kept shuffling stuffs around because of new merchandise arriving so they need reorg for shelf space.

A 10 min run into Costco for specific item or 2 usually turned into half hour! Ugh.

Costco, all things considered. I drive 15 minutes PAST a Sam's club to get to the Costco (where they have cheap gas btw, so the drive is worth it).

Better products, better selection.

I'd vote Costco and yes the Kirkland brand items are usually of good to great quality.

You may also consider Amazon. Prime 2 day shipping and things are delivered to you.

Cheers~

I have both within 5 minutes from my house. Had Sams club membership but can get same stuff at Walmart for a couple pennies more. Happy with Costco membership and alot better when using their credit card for electronics which gives you an extra 2 yrs warranty.

costco member since "80".
for the first 12 years of our membership,we did not need a Sam's, for any reason.

then someone changed stuff at Costco, and we got older.
we have grown out of the Costco target demographic.
they stopped carrying 9 items that we purchased on a regular basis.

when we moved back to the midwest we joined Sam's but they only carry 8 of the items that we purchase on a regular basis,

So she pays for the costco and I pay for the Sam's.