Have belonged to both stores for eons. Costco was about a mile from our house in CA, Sam's about 7. Both have items we buy regularly and enjoy. The local Sam's is undergoing a transformation....methinks making it more like Costco with more fresh items. The one thing Costco has is more non-food items and it's always a surprise when you walk into any of the warehouses...
....AND they stand behind the items you purchase there. One time we had trouble with a mattress we purchased at Costco. Was close to the end of guarantee period. Went to the store, told them the problem, was told to bring it in and then pick out another. Bringing it in wasn't difficult, we did own a pick-up. We were originally Price Club members and also wish we had bought stock.....lol. (Actually we had an opportunity....sigh) Had a hissyfit when Sol Price sold to Costco....oh how wrong I was....lol.