Costco fan here. I haven't given a dime to the WalMart family in nearly twenty years and don't intend to start.

Our local Sams was a run down "stale ass and feet" property with shitty service. Then, Costco went in less than 2 miles away from that Sams. Lo' and behold, Sams got a fresh coat of paint, a resurfaced parking lot, and more fresh food selections. Sams, of course, has the same shitty service and "IDGAF" attitude that is allowing the property to slip back into "stale ass and feet".

Costco wins. Better service. Heck, the Costco guy in dreadlocks is more personable than any Sams employee. Gas the same price or less than Sams. Better facility. Better selection of better quality items.

Never been in a Sam''s Club. But my father had a Price Club, then Costco membership that I inherited. Love it. Great meat, cut the way I like it (unlike most supermarket case meat), usually at prices = to supermarket sale prices for the equivalent. Great prices on vitamins and both prescription and non- drugs. Usually decent clothing deals.

I stopped going to Sam’s Club many years ago, when I discovered the same case of motor oil was cheaper at the Walmart next door. Been a satisfied Costco customer ever since. Most of the stuff they sell is excellent quality.

Costco was, as mentioned above started by a man who had worked for Sol Price at Price Club, and before that at Fedmart.

Price was a lawyer in San Diego, and an interesting guy. I met him on a couple of occasions, briefly. Sam Walton once said he learned everything he knew about discount retailing from Price, who said, “how about some royalties then?”

He had the if not crazy, certainly unorthodox, notion that a merchant is the agent of the buyer, to whom is owed a duty to find and offer the best goods at the lowest possible price.

“My ‘secret’ is so simple that I’m reluctant to speak openly about it for fear of appearing stupid. I sell things as cheaply as I can.”

Sol Price, founder, Price Club, March 1985

I wish there was a Costco near me. Nothing but Sam's for some reason.

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!

^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree. However, Mrs. BB61 and I feel like the newest Costco dress shirts we looked at this week are not as well made as the ones from last year.

I have no complaint with Sams Club.

Nearest Costco is 40 miles away. Lots of items at Sams are cheaper at Walmart. Meat is better at Sam’s but unless you get there early its plucked clean.

We (Mrs. Warhorse) much prefer Costco.

Speaking of which, now I want one of those great big fantastic hot dogs, and a pop!

We have memberships at both. I've been advocating to drop the Sam's membership. Costco merchandise is more to my liking. However, the wife still has a few things she can only get at Sam's. I bet we don't shop Sam's enough to justify the cost.

Costco was a relatively late arrival to Louisville but Sam's has been here since early 80s and I've had a business membership since then.

Costco came to town a few years ago but located in the far east end of Jefferson County so it was too far for us to shop easily. About a year ago the east end bridge over the Ohio River opened so now Costco is a pleasant 15 minute drive and my wife joined.

I've really got no complaints about Sams except the location is in an overdeveloped area and traffic/parking is often a pain. Being retired, I can usually avoid the crowds but forget it on w-ends unless you are an early bird. We still have both memberships but if I had to choose I'd give Costco the edge.

No Costco near me in NW Fla, so Sam's it is when we are here. This summer, we joined Costco (Reno and Carson City). I kinda liked the Costco experience more so than the Sam's experience, although Costco has foot traffic choke points. Bought some USDA Prime steaks, had my hearing tested, wife stocked up the "wine cellar".

As to Kirkland shirts: One of our regular poker players in Incline Village is a real-life self-made billionaire. He is not a cheapskate by any means, and one would expect him to wear very high-end casual shirts. But he proudly wears Kirkland and will show you the label. His story: A&K Railroad

Costco does not have business hours, which allows members to enter the store two/three hours BEFORE they regularly open. This is priceless to me. So Sam's gets my dollars.

I'm a fan of Costco being a family of four. I feel like there's some real value shopping there for certain items. I don't particularly like the produce in the store we shop at. The beef and pork tends to be pretty decent. They have some quirky rules here in CO so only one Costco can have an on-site liquor department. That Costco isn't the one I prefer so I never get to see the KS-branded stuff.

It's always busy, sometimes annoyingly so. You do need to get in and get out in my experience. I like the staff. They seem upbeat, and are usually helpful. Returns are easy. You learn to accept the fact that just because you shopped for something for years it may not be there the next time you go in. Lol. I think that's the hallmark "club" experience.

I was in a Sam's Club about 10 years ago. Wasn't too impressed, though it was in a smaller WI town so maybe it just depends on which one you shop at.

PS - great deal this week at Costco on LED lights, both indoors and outdoors. :P

Costco, all day, everyday and twice on Sunday. We've been members for well over 20 years and have no plans on not being members for the next 20. Ed

We toured our brand-new conveniently-located Costco a couple years ago.

They were posted.

I don't need what they have.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGSense:
Costco does not have business hours, which allows members to enter the store two/three hours BEFORE they regularly open. This is priceless to me. So Sam's gets my dollars.

Keep an eye out for a Costco Business Center. They have business hours and they carry different products targeted at businesses such as bulk catering supplies, food service equipment, and whole sides of beef.

I've found that Costco's selection varies by location, too. I found Duke's mayo by the gallon in Richmond stores (for less than the price of two quarts at Safeway), but at my local store 70 miles away, no joy.

Any of the warehouse clubs will give you a day pass so you can check them out before committing. We have Costco, Sams, and BJ's (which no one in the thread seems to have mentioned) all within a half mile.

COSTCO for years.
We tried Sam's Club twice when they offered a short term free membership. They had a couple of food items we liked but that was it. Now we're getting a new COSTCO not more then ten minutes away. Plus it's one of the bigger stores.