I know, it's not local, but you can't beat the prices on just about everything! (Even if you have to buy 1,500 of one thing -- the bulk packaging is a riot.) I love to look in people's carts and see what THEY are buying...did we miss a bargain? I saw a guy with a giant dog bed (our dog's size) in his cart and so I went wandering the aisles looking for the dog beds. Not by the dog food, of course, that would be too logical. When I found them, they were stacked in a big box and had a pattern that looked like the upholstery in my dentist's office...a sickly baby blue print. But I started rooting through the box and down toward the bottom were some cool prints in browns and beiges. Into the cart, at a bargain $18.95. When we were in line 2 different people on either side of us asked about the dog bed. One guy said he didn't see that color and I told him he had to dig deep. Both left and came back with brown dog beds. Jackson was a bit reluctant to get on it at first (didn't have his good smells? Even though I wash his other one). So, I laid down on it, and Jackson laid down right beside me and put his paw around my side!
Why doesn't Costco carry CD's any more? Is it because everyone (except me) downloads music? Does anyone know?
What do you buy at Costco? And why?
Ok, I was there today Dix, and I went for coffee, dog food, fresh halibut. Phil picked up, seriously, HUMONGO cheese cake, 80 pieces of halloween candy, 24 pk soda, 12 pk haagen daz ice cream bars, 5 lbs sugar (for his coffee). Well, you get the picture. I'm turning myself into weight watchers. See ya in a week.
Posted by: denise | October 14, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Nina, I'm still wondering about the music! I don't fall into the trap of unnecessary stuff...we buy the exact same stuff every time. I do buy their books (but also buy at The Bookseller) and I got a cute fleece jacket there for $12. Never shopped their online site, though.
Posted by: Dixie Redfearn | October 12, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Your question about where CDs at Costco have gone seems to be unanswered, but I ran across an article in "SmartShopper" published by Consumer Reports (highly recommended) about shopping at discount warehouses and whether there really is a savings. Bottom line is that savings can range from 23 - 57%. The key is to avoid the pitfalls and shopping traps of buying items you don't use. Reign in your impulses and stick to your needs list.
Posted by: Nina | October 11, 2009 at 08:52 PM
I know Costco is a habit...and I have yet to break it. And I also know it's better to shop locally, which I did when I was working full-time. Now that I'm retired, I have to be much more careful on spending and Costco helps my budget. That's my excuse.
Posted by: Dixie Redfearn | October 10, 2009 at 04:44 PM
I've successfully broken my Costco habit. I realized I was buying more 'stuff' than I really needed when I shopped there. And the savings just aren't worth the time spent driving down there. I'd rather be enjoying the fine outdoors, thanks.
Signed:
Reformed Costco Shopper
Posted by: Essarre | October 10, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I work at your local public library. 70% of our funding is through local sales tax. Every time someone buys out of town they have taken away a slice of their public services. People need to think in terms of the community. Do you love your local small town flavor. Then use it or lose it.
There will always be instances that cannot allow a local purchase, but I'm betting that most of the stuff in costco is just supersized and spontaneous purchases.
Proud nonmember of Costco since 1993.
Posted by: logan | October 06, 2009 at 07:57 PM
Oh, let me see....dog food, cheeses, butter, chicken, detergent, TP, olives, tomato - sauce - paste, pasta, fish/flaxseed oil, calcium, shampoo/conditioner, oatmeal, stamps, pineapple and of course, dog beds. Just to name a few items, plus I use their online shopping for home and garden items if I can't find it local, which is more times than not.
Posted by: Nina | October 05, 2009 at 03:06 PM
When the Costco opens in Auburn it will have a major impact on our local businesses here and the sales tax income to the City and County. It will be a short drive from here and I bet a lot of GV and western Neavda County folks will be shopping there. What are the local businesses doiong to get ready for this?
I also wonder why our local elected folks say little if anything about this. It's on the way, it will happen, why not be proactive vs. reactive? Where's the elected leadership around here?
Posted by: Steve Enos | October 05, 2009 at 12:59 PM
I go to Costco about twice a year, riding on my daughter's membership card.
I bulk up on TP, paper towels, dish liquid, dishwasher detergent, HE washing machine detergent, shaving cream, electric toothbrush heads and soft scrub. The only food items I buy are their butter and on occasion Pam spray.
I never stop to sample the aisle hawkers food. I don't need a two year supply of some crackers, cheese spread or hot pockets.
Posted by: DaveC | October 05, 2009 at 12:23 PM