Finally a convenient Costco

[l2ridehd]

I used to go to the Costco on Orange Blossom when I went to Orlando and then they moved it over by the mall and it was a nightmare getting in and out of there so stopped going.

Now an hour down 75 at Wesley Chapel exit 275 is a new Costco. Easy on off 75 and North of the 75/275 split. Big super store with every department, gas and tires, pharmacy and all the Costco items. Very easy 1 hour trip from here straight down 75.

Now would like one a lot closer, but for now this one works fine. Take a cooler with ice and it's a total of 3 hours round trip with an hour in the store.

[karostay]

Id say worth the trip stock up beats Publix's deceptive pricing and Winn Dixie double the price offer you 2 for one scheme

[Villager Joyce]

We go to the Costco in Longwood/Altamnte Springs. Closer to 75-90 minutes on 441. I will go 90 minutes on 441 all day before 6O minutes on 75.

[John_W]

Wesley Chapel also has a nice outdoor mall, the Shops at Wiregrass, and a completely separate outlet Mall. I've been to Wiregrass and it's really nice although it can be hot on a sunny day.

Home at The Shops at Wiregrass | Wesley Chapel (http://www.theshopsatwiregrass.com/)

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/tampa/stores

[Polar Bear]

...Very easy 1 hour trip...
No such thing just for shopping.

Imho of course. :)

[beachgirl]

A Costco near the Mall of Milennia in Orlando opened in the last six months. Only an hour and 15-minute drive and lots of good shopping around it.

[graciegirl]

No such thing just for shopping.

Imho of course. :)

Me too. We have Sam's. I like it fine.

[JSR22]

really like the Costco at Millenia. They carry prime meat and great shellfish. I do not like the meat at Sam's. Plus there are great restaurants in the area and great shopping at the Mall.

[EnglishJW]

I used to go to the Costco on Orange Blossom when I went to Orlando and then they moved it over by the mall and it was a nightmare getting in and out of there so stopped going.

Now an hour down 75 at Wesley Chapel exit 275 is a new Costco. Easy on off 75 and North of the 75/275 split. Big super store with every department, gas and tires, pharmacy and all the Costco items. Very easy 1 hour trip from here straight down 75.

Now would like one a lot closer, but for now this one works fine. Take a cooler with ice and it's a total of 3 hours round trip with an hour in the store.

Thanks, we'll give it a try.

[justjim]

For the last 10 years I heard a Costco was coming soon near the Villages. Perhaps this is it at Wesley Chapel!

[JSR22]

For the last 10 years I heard a Costco was coming soon near the Villages. Perhaps this is it at Wesley Chapel!

No sign of them coming to TV. I check their website all of the time for coming soon locations. Nothing very close.

[Ecuadog]

really like the Costco at Millenia. They carry prime meat ...

I just saw a small section of prime meat at the Lady Lake Sam's Club.

[JSR22]

I just saw a small section of prime meat at the Lady Lake Sam's Club.

I bought a package and it was good not great. Prime at Fresh Market and Costco much better.

[Jima64]

No sign of them coming to TV. I check their website all of the time for coming soon locations. Nothing very close.

They are not accurate about planned construction. New one here being built and no notice in north florida area.

[justjim]

By the time TV is "Built out", only 30 minutes from Wesley Chapel and Costco. Close enough.

[It's Hot There]

R I P........the founder just passed away.

[Villager Joyce]

IMHO...the difference between Costco and Sam's is .....night and day.

[graciegirl]

Founder of Costco retired in January at age of 77.

founder of costco retired - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=founder+of+costco+retired&form=EDGHPC&qs=AS&cvid=9a2d0f2a59c74d48879e5d0598e4258c&cc=US&setlang=en-US&PC=DCTS)

[graciegirl]

IMHO...the difference between Costco and Sam's is .....night and day.

How so?

[graciegirl]

We like the beef, even if it has to be put into smaller packages when we get home.

[JSR22]

Huge difference between Costco and Sams. Meat, shellfish, more brand names.

[Mleeja]

One would think if the posters were that enthralled with Costco, they would have checked the Costco locations before buying here. The stores we have are just fine. If you can't find it you probably don't need it. Driving to Orlando or Tampa just for a store... Maybe a Costco Club could be formed and bus tours taken to the different Costco's around the state.

[l2ridehd]

We go to the Costco in Longwood/Altamnte Springs. Closer to 75-90 minutes on 441. I will go 90 minutes on 441 all day before 6O minutes on 75.

Seriously????? 441 is multilane, left exits, many traffic lights and speed changes and what I would consider a bit of a difficult drive. On 75, set the cruise at 70 and a very easy trip. Even with the construction which will end soon, it still seems a much simpler drive to me.

And I also agree that Costco is significantly better than Sam's. Have shopped at Costco for many years and Sams since moving here and I find the quality of almost everything better at Costco. Kirkland, their store brand products are usually better than the product they replace. Their meats are much better, and the product selection is always better than Sam's.

[Allegiance]

One would think if the posters were that enthralled with Costco, they would have checked the Costco locations before buying here. The stores we have are just fine. If you can't find it you probably don't need it. Driving to Orlando or Tampa just for a store... Maybe a Costco Club could be formed and bus tours taken to the different Costco's around the state.Very true, I know many that said they would never buy in the villages until Costco was no more than 3 minutes away.

[emoji23]

[It's Hot There]

Huge difference between Costco and Sams. Meat, shellfish, more brand names.

Yep, Sam's is a lot better. :mmmm:

[Villager Joyce]

How so?

I am not one of those people that claim everything is better back home, but Costco is better than Sam's. Steaks, fish, produce, bakery, coffee pods, computer warranty and concierge service, just to name a few.

[thelegges]

One would think if the posters were that enthralled with Costco, they would have checked the Costco locations before buying here. The stores we have are just fine. If you can't find it you probably don't need it. Driving to Orlando or Tampa just for a store... Maybe a Costco Club could be formed and bus tours taken to the different Costco's around the state.

Up north we are 40minutes to three Costco and 50 minutes for two more. Yes we do shop at more than one, no bus needed

[manaboutown]

I just wish I had bought some Price Club (now Costco) stock back in 1990 when I first heard about it. costco stock graph - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=costco+stock+graph&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8)

[Mleeja]

Up north we are 40minutes to three Costco and 50 minutes for two more. Yes we do shop at more than one, no bus needed

It just slays me the people who will drive all theses miles to save $.05 cents on a can of green beans. Do you figure in the gas wasted into your "savings"? Let alone your time!

They may have good products. I was in the consumer product business. Folger's sells the same coffee to Costco as the do Sam's.

If people want to drive to Costco, god bless them that they have a safe trip...

[Villager Joyce]

I love that I can go to costco just because I want to. The quality of the products has been the response, not saving money.

[mellincf]

Good info, thanks.

[Bogie Shooter]

Good info, thanks.

Which post(s)?

[Ecuadog]

Good info, thanks.

Which post(s)?

Why... all of them, of course.

[manaboutown]

It just slays me the people who will drive all theses miles to save $.05 cents on a can of green beans.

Never in my life have I purchased canned green beans, at Costco or elsewhere. Ugh! I eat fresh vegetables (which Costco sells), never canned.

Also I drink Peet's coffee - which Costco sells. I buy it from their website and it is delivered to my home. I haven't bought a can of Folger's coffee (gag!) since the mid sixties.

[Mleeja]

Never in my life have I purchased canned green beans, at Costco or elsewhere. Ugh! I eat fresh vegetables (which Costco sells), never canned.

Also I drink Peet's coffee - which Costco sells. I buy it from their website and it is delivered to my home. I haven't bought a can of Folger's coffee (gag!) since the mid sixties.

Hummmmm...... Peet's Coffee is available from Sam's. Several different types. Here is an example.

Peet's Coffee House Blend Decaf, Dark Roast (60 K-Cups) - Sam's Club (https://www.samsclub.com/sams/peets-dcf-house-kcup/prod16460177.ip?xid=plp:product:1:145)

Sam's also sells fresh green beans, or even the Farmer's Market in Brownwood, or Publix, or Winn-Dixie, or Aldi's, or Whole Foods, or Wal-Mart. Should I go on?

[manaboutown]

Hummmmm...... Peet's Coffee is available from Sam's. Several different types. Here is an example.

Peet's Coffee House Blend Decaf, Dark Roast (60 K-Cups) - Sam's Club (https://www.samsclub.com/sams/peets-dcf-house-kcup/prod16460177.ip?xid=plp:product:1:145)

Sam's also sells fresh green beans, or even the Farmer's Market in Brownwood, or Publix, or Winn-Dixie, or Aldi's, or Whole Foods, or Wal-Mart. Should I go on?

Glad to hear you patronize Sams. I did buy and still hold WMT!

[coffeebean]

We shopped at Costco for nearly 30 years. We still have a Costco membership and also have a Sam's membership. We take the hour trip to Costco about once a month to purchase items Sam's just does not carry.

For example.......Costco carries Charmin toilet paper that is 4 1/2" wide and it is the only store that I know of that carries that size. FYI..... the toilet paper stays put on the holder and does not slide around from side to side. I MUST have my 4 1/2" wide Charmin toilet paper. Costco carries Sunsweet Prunes, not the off brand Sam's carries. Costco's Kirkland brand of cooked grilled chicken breast is the best I've tasted of all the brands I've tried, including name brands. I will only purchase the Kirkland brand of grilled chicken breast. Costco has much better frozen Atlantic salmon fillets.....Sam's has some sort of silver skin on theirs so just "NO". Costco has nice thick frozen tilapia as opposed to the very thin frozen Tilapia fillets at Sam's.

Let's see.....what else? Costco has the Phillips crab cakes which I find are tastiest with huge chunks of real crab and very little filler. You can purchase these same crab cakes at Publix for much more money. Sam's does not have Phillips crab cakes. A huge jar of Bella Sun Lucci sun dried tomatoes can be found at Costco but not Sam's. Costco carries soft soap with lotion in it. I can not find that in any store in this area, Sam's included. I LOVE Costco.

We will take that trip to Costco once a month and while we are at it.....go to lunch at PF Chang's which is very close. Love that restaurant!

[Mrs. Robinson]

I love that I can go to costco just because I want to. The quality of the products has been the response, not saving money.

really like the Costco at Millenia. They carry prime meat and great shellfish. I do not like the meat at Sam's. Plus there are great restaurants in the area and great shopping at the Mall.

One would think if the posters were that enthralled with Costco, they would have checked the Costco locations before buying here. The stores we have are just fine. If you can't find it you probably don't need it. Driving to Orlando or Tampa just for a store... Maybe a Costco Club could be formed and bus tours taken to the different Costco's around the state.

I don't know anyone who goes to Costco because they "have to;" people go to Costco because they "want to." The distance has nothing to do with living in TV and driving to Orlando because that isn't an issue.

A Costco Club with bus tours? Surely you jest!

Costco's quality of their items far exceeds Sam's. In addition, the selection of similar items at Costco, far outnumbers the amount of choices that Sam's offers. Just look at the difference between the two of them in the coffee aisle.

I even see a difference in the personnel from management on down. Going to Sam's is like Walmart revisited.

[Villager Joyce]

I forgot to mention eye glasses. Number one most if not all years.

[thelegges]

It just slays me the people who will drive all theses miles to save $.05 cents on a can of green beans. Do you figure in the gas wasted into your "savings"? Let alone your time!

They may have good products. I was in the consumer product business. Folger's sells the same coffee to Costco as the do Sam's.

If people want to drive to Costco, god bless them that they have a safe trip...

Do they still sell Folgers? Never had it, but we French press, and can't remember last time I bought a can of anything.. We don't just drive to a Costco we go to the Italian market, get our massages, and visit friends. We just happened to be lucky to have multiple Costco's. Course it takes us 20 minutes just to get any grocery store, unless there is traffic. We aren't driving just to save .05, we drive so we can put food on the table.:a040:

[UpNorth]

I prefer Costco, but Sams is not bad, and one heck of a lot closer. Thankful that Sams isn't BJ's which is way down on my list. I take BJ's "free" 3 month membership every other year or two, just to check it out. Never impressed, compared to Costco or Sams.

[Topspinmo]

I don't know anyone who goes to Costco because they "have to;" people go to Costco because they "want to." The distance has nothing to do with living in TV and driving to Orlando because that isn't an issue.

A Costco Club with bus tours? Surely you jest!

Costco's quality of their items far exceeds Sam's. In addition, the selection of similar items at Costco, far outnumbers the amount of choices that Sam's offers. Just look at the difference between the two of them in the coffee aisle.

I even see a difference in the personnel from management on down. Going to Sam's is like Walmart revisited.

Isn't sams club just Walmart in bulk with membership fee??:evil6:

[justjim]

It just slays me the people who will drive all theses miles to save $.05 cents on a can of green beans. Do you figure in the gas wasted into your "savings"? Let alone your time!

They may have good products. I was in the consumer product business. Folger's sells the same coffee to Costco as the do Sam's.

If people want to drive to Costco, god bless them that they have a safe trip...

I have observed over the years that "Shopping" is actually a hobby for some people. It's sort of like Pickleball, golf, cards, garage sales, painting and such are hobbies for others. They will drive several miles to shop. They like certain stores like a golfer will "Swear" by certain golf balls and golf clubs. They are good at what they do and can tell you the price of coffee, tea, green beans, where the sales racks are in department stores and which are the "best" because they know.

To each his own.......:coolsmiley:

[manaboutown]

I forgot to mention eye glasses. Number one most if not all years.

Me, too! :agree: Some years ago Consumers Reports did a study on the quality of lenses from various vendors. Bausch and Lomb was number one but Costco was a close second - at half the price! That is when I switched - permanently!

Others have mentioned the quality of the Costco Kirkland brand is top notch. I know it sounds trivial but their paper towels are the best.

[John_W]

We have been members of Sam's Club of Lady Lake since we moved here in 2011. Our first purchase was an air mattress to sleep on the floor for 3 weeks in our new CYV, our furniture was delayed. There were no tractor trailers that had space coming to this side of Florida for a while. It actually worked out nice, the moving company reimbursed us $125 a day, so we got a check in the mail for $2100 just 5 days after our furniture arrived, we had only paid $2700 for the move and nothing for storage.

Our next big purchase was in 2012 for a 60" Vizio LED HD TV for $979, we actually bought it through the website because I didn't have a big enough car to pick it up at the store. It was free delivery and arrived in 5 days. A neighbor liked mine so much he went to Sam's and bought the same TV. Two months later my neighbor's TV screen went black. Vizio said there was a defect and gave out a serial number you needed to look for. My TV from the Texas warehouse didn't have that number and is still working fine five years later. My neighbor who bought his TV at the store had the serial number so Vizio sent him a new TV. Since the price of TV's have come down, today you can buy that TV for about $698.

Other than buying a pair of prescription glasses in 2013 we really haven't made anymore big purchases and small purchases we can't find much for just two people. We stay members for one reason. They stock excellent crab meat, $22 a pound and my wife makes the best Maryland Crab Cakes around. If we can't get them here in a restaurant at least we can have them at home. Winn Dixie was the only other place that has crab meat, and it wasn't good, so Sam's is our go to place.

[graciegirl]

We have been members of Sam's Club of Lady Lake since we moved here in 2011. Our first purchase was an air mattress to sleep on the floor for 3 weeks in our new CYV, our furniture was delayed. There were no tractor trailers that had space coming to this side of Florida for a while. It actually worked out nice, the moving company reimbursed us $125 a day, so we got a check in the mail for $2100 just 5 days after our furniture arrived, we had only paid $2700 for the move and nothing for storage.

Our next big purchase was in 2012 for a 60" Vizio LED HD TV for $979, we actually bought it through the website because I didn't have a big enough car to pick it up at the store. It was free delivery and arrived in 5 days. A neighbor liked mine so much he went to Sam's and bought the same TV. Two months later my neighbor's TV screen went black. Vizio said there was a defect and gave out a serial number you needed to look for. My TV from the Texas warehouse didn't have that number and is still working fine five years later. My neighbor who bought his TV at the store had the serial number so Vizio sent him a new TV. Since the price of TV's have come down, today you can buy that TV for about $698.

Other than buying a pair of prescription glasses in 2013 we really haven't made anymore big purchases and small purchases we can't find much for just two people. We stay members for one reason. They stock excellent crab meat, $22 a pound and my wife makes the best Maryland Crab Cakes around. If we can't get them here in a restaurant at least we can have them at home. Winn Dixie was the only other place that has crab meat, and it wasn't good, so Sam's is our go to place.












We buy cat litter and tuna for the furry boys who run the house, and we buy roasts, hamburger and ribs for us and we have purchased a fountain, an easy chair and two Serta Mattresses. We buy their giftie candies at Christmastime, and I buy their canned chicken, also frozen appetizers at times when we gather a group. Small appliances and casual shoes are priced well there and I have never once had a problem with the help and don't know the managers, I just shop there and don't find anything to complain about. I always wonder when this discussion occurs about Walmart and Costco why some people get their knickers in a hitch. We belonged to both Costco and Sam's back in Cincinnati and I could never see a nickels worth of difference. The bottom line and the reality of the situation is that Sam's is HERE. Typical of certain groups to make a non-issue an issue.

Let me be clearer; I understand liking a coffee brand well enough to go to a particular store for it but I DON'T understand about getting het up about some supposedly superior pay at one. Employees at both have jobs and are working which I find commendable.

[Polar Bear]

...The bottom line and the reality of the situation is that Sam's is HERE. Typical of certain groups to make a non-issue an issue...
More profound wisdom from gg. :beer3:

[Wiotte]

Brand loyalty is understandable, retail loyalty ? Nah. Sam's is close, Costco not.



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[Allegiance]

I like to drive my corvette to far away exotic places that have Costco.

[Wiotte]

I like to drive my corvette to far away exotic places that have Costco.



I drive my Corvette on Morse Blvd. loop back south on BV and then back home. Keep beating my time week after week.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170805/76c56af42587be0494980caab3157122.jpg


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[Allegiance]

I drive my Corvette on Morse Blvd. loop back south on BV and then back home. Keep beating my time week after week.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170805/76c56af42587be0494980caab3157122.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkNice wheels, but now I am considering selling. ;)

[Trish Crocker]

We had a standing joke while Steve was still practicing, we went to Costco every week for office supplies, stuff for home, etc. We were surrounded by Costco's in Michigan, at least 5 within a 20 mile radius. When we went to Mexico we went to a Costco, just to take a picture to show the office. I like Costco, maybe not just for lower prices but it has become an outing, checking out electronics, cheap clothing, yard stuff, etc. We just have fun with it, Sam's is not the same.

[pooh]

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.

[Mleeja]

More profound wisdom from gg. :beer3:

Go is so wise! :bowdown:

[coffeebean]

Me, too! :agree: Some years ago Consumers Reports did a study on the quality of lenses from various vendors. Bausch and Lomb was number one but Costco was a close second - at half the price! That is when I switched - permanently!

Others have mentioned the quality of the Costco Kirkland brand is top notch. I know it sounds trivial but their paper towels are the best.

Really? Kirkland paper towels are good? I've never tried them. Will purchase a package next time I'm at Costco. Thanks.

[Villager Joyce]

Go at lunch so you can have the $1 hot dog and drink!

[manaboutown]

Go at lunch so you can have the $1 hot dog and drink!

This is my favorite! Costco BBQ brisket sandwich review - Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/costco-bbq-brisket-sandwich-review-2016-3)

[Mrs. Robinson]

Go at lunch so you can have the $1 hot dog and drink!

Sorry. It's $1.59 and has been that price for many years.
Still a bonus buy, though!

[manaboutown]

For example.......Costco carries Charmin toilet paper that is 4 1/2" wide and it is the only store that I know of that carries that size. FYI..... the toilet paper stays put on the holder and does not slide around from side to side. I MUST have my 4 1/2" wide Charmin toilet paper.

After I had a nice chuckle at this I went and measured my Kirkland TP and found it to also be 4 1/2" wide. My daughter loves the Charmin though!

I buy the Impressions Vanity Fair dinner napkins in bulk at Costco although the brand is of course available elsewhere. Costco is my one stop shop for paper products. My cleaning lady loves their 52 pack cotton towels so I buy them there as well.

My most unusual Costco story is about 20 years ago I found a huge selection of beautiful large tapestries produced traditionally on looms in Belgium for unexpectedly low prices when I walked into a Costco. I was hemming and hawing for probably an hour when a couple approached me. The man told me they had lived in Europe for several years and had purchased a few tapestries while they were there. They told me these were the real thing priced at a fraction of what they had paid and that if I wanted one I better act - so I bought two and absolutely love them. When I went back to the store a few days later they were sold out. I also bought the highest quality ping pong table I had ever seen at a Costco...I could go on...

[Villager Joyce]

Sorry. It's $1.59 and has been that price for many years.
Still a bonus buy, though!

You are right. Sorry!

[graciegirl]

Sorry. It's $1.59 and has been that price for many years.
Still a bonus buy, though!

Hot Dog and Soda Combo - Sam's Club (https://www.samsclub.com/sams/hot-dog-combo/prod21223849.ip)

BIGGER Nathan's Hot Dog too.

They have wonderful Frozen Yogurt Sundaes for a buck too. You should try it sometime.

[manaboutown]

^^^^

My parents never, ever fed me a hot dog. My father was a Safeway manager and he knew what went into them. I never eat them and I never fed them to my children, ever!

[graciegirl]

picture of frozen yogurt four berry sundae at sam's club - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=Uva%2bYun9&id=7B7169D0FEEDFA5DACA0E25728D364356BD11D77&thid=OIP.Uva-Yun9CcWf77ovFBm3WQEsEs&q=picture+of+frozen+yogurt+four+berry+sundae+at+sa m%27s+club&simid=607989567713315381&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0)

[Boilerman]

Consumer Reports rates Kirkland batteries a "Best Buy" - they are about half the price you'll pay for the name brand batteries

[manaboutown]

We tried everything at the Costco and Sam's Club food courts — here's who won | Dining | heraldextra.com (http://www.heraldextra.com/entertainment/dining/we-tried-everything-at-the-costco-and-sam-s-club/article_0c7b1f2e-44cb-5742-b288-7d5621970f82.html)

Sorry, but Costco won.

Never forget, you are what you eat! Eat healthy (no hot dogs among other garbage). I would rather remain healthy - no meds whatsoever at age 75 -and look good than be a food freak.

[manaboutown]

:mademyday:Consumer Reports rates Kirkland batteries a "Best Buy" - they are about half the price you'll pay for the name brand batteries

Just like the high quality eyeglasses!

[graciegirl]

We belonged to both in Cincinnati. Sam's Club is HERE and Costco isn't.

[manaboutown]

picture of frozen yogurt four berry sundae at sam's club - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=Uva%2bYun9&id=7B7169D0FEEDFA5DACA0E25728D364356BD11D77&thid=OIP.Uva-Yun9CcWf77ovFBm3WQEsEs&q=picture+of+frozen+yogurt+four+berry+sundae+at+sa m%27s+club&simid=607989567713315381&selectedIndex=0&ajaxhist=0)

Calories in Sams Club 4 berry sundae and Nutrition Facts (http://www.fatsecret.com/Diary.aspx?pa=fjrd&rid=1991552)

[graciegirl]

Calories in Sams Club 4 berry sundae and Nutrition Facts (http://www.fatsecret.com/Diary.aspx?pa=fjrd&rid=1991552)

If you are born to hang, you won't drown. It isn't as if we hang out there frequently.

Loosen up Manabouttown, a little cold yummy FOUR BERRY Sundae won't do you in every now and then. I don't smoke or drink or chew.

[Schaumburger]

^^^^

My parents never, ever fed me a hot dog. My father was a Safeway manager and he knew what went into them. I never eat them and I never fed them to my children, ever!

My dad worked in a meat packing plant in Dubuque, Iowa for 40 years, part of that time on the hot dog line. The plant produced Dubuque Plumper hot dogs which are no longer available. Hot dogs helped put food on the table in the house I grew up in. From time to time, I will eat a Chicago-style hot dog.

[ColdNoMore]

I don't know anyone who goes to Costco because they "have to;" people go to Costco because they "want to." The distance has nothing to do with living in TV and driving to Orlando because that isn't an issue.

A Costco Club with bus tours? Surely you jest!

Costco's quality of their items far exceeds Sam's. In addition, the selection of similar items at Costco, far outnumbers the amount of choices that Sam's offers. Just look at the difference between the two of them in the coffee aisle.

I even see a difference in the personnel from management on down. Going to Sam's is like Walmart revisited.

In addition to all of the other superior products mentioned in the various threads, your last two sentences...is enough reason alone to shop Costco. :thumbup:

For some unknown reason, it seems some folks just don't like that Costco pays their employees more...and values them instead of treating them as a liability.

Why does that bother some folks so much? :oops:


The Costs of Being Costco: Why Ethics Matter | business government society 2 (https://bizgovsoc2.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/the-costs-of-being-costco-why-ethics-matter/)

By comparison, “85% of Costco’s employees have health-insurance coverage, compared to less than half at Wal-mart and Target” (Cascio, 32). As of 2010, average hourly wages for Costco employees were $17 per hour, while average hourly wages at Sam’s Club were 42% less at just over $10 per hour (Schmaltz). By spending less on employee health benefits, we now have more money to invest back into the company. Surely, Friedman would approve of this. Won’t that give us the greatest profit?

Costco proves that the answer to that question may be no. Wal-mart may be able to save some money through depriving their employees, but the employee loyalty shown by Costco’s employees more than makes up for that difference. Atypical benefits for Costco’s employees include above average hourly wages, comprehensive health insurance coverage after 6 months, above average 401(k) matching, and mandated 86% of top position hires from within, although the real percentage ends up being 98%.

Consequently, employees at Costco are much happier than their peers.

Employee turnover for Costco is 17% per year, while Sam’s Club is 44% per year, close to the industry average. As Cascio explains, a conservative estimate of the full cost to replace an hourly employee at Costco or Sam’s Club is 60% of an employee’s yearly salary. At Costco, this is a cost of $21,216 per employee; at Wal-mart, this is a cost of $12,617.

When you put these figures together, you realize that Costco saves almost $368 million each year in employee turnover costs. That is a staggering amount of lost profit. Yet, it is not just turnover that proves the worth of Costco’s exceptional employee treatment. Costco’s employees appear to be more productive than their competitors.

In 2005, while Sam’s Club generated $37.1 billion in US Sales, Costco generated $43.05 billion with 38% fewer employees (Cascio, 35). Imagine if they had the same numbers of employees! Additionally, Costco’s employees sell $886 of sales per square foot of store, compared with $525 of sales per square foot at Sam’s Club and $461 at BJ’s Wholesale Club.



And YEA for the new and closer Wesley Chapel Costco. :coolsmiley:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Me too. We have Sam's. I like it fine.

We also go to Sam's but if Costco opened within a half hour of here, we'd go there in a heartbeat. The sad thing is that the Sam's Club here is one of the smaller ones in the chain. The one in Ocala has much more of a selection.

But I don't consider Ocala convenient and I certainly don't consider an hour or more drive to Wesley Chapel convenient. I-75 may be easy to get to for some of you in the south, but for many of us in the northern part of TV it's a long way just to get to the highway.

It's surprising to me that many chains have not moved their stores to The Villages. TV has a larger population than Ocala, Summerfield, Bellevue, Fruitland Park and Leesburg combined. It seems that we should be the center of the retail industry.

[graciegirl]

In addition to all of the other superior products mentioned in the various threads, your last two sentences...is enough reason alone to shop Costco. :thumbup:

For some unknown reason, it seems some folks just don't like that Costco pays their employees more...and values them instead of treating them as a liability.

Why does that bother some folks so much? :oops:


The Costs of Being Costco: Why Ethics Matter | business government society 2 (https://bizgovsoc2.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/the-costs-of-being-costco-why-ethics-matter/)




And YEA for the new and closer Wesley Chapel Costco. :coolsmiley:

The Book Above is a college textbook Written by a person who has authored several college textbooks apparently on business and one on eco-landscaping for which President Obama honored him. George A. Steiner (Author of Business, Government and Society) (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4779148.George_A_Steiner)

What kids are taught in College about business by people who have never engaged in business is very troubling to me.

[graciegirl]

Costco vs. Sam's arguments always ends up on this forum to the amount of pay.

I am fine with both. At least people are working and not being forced to work at either.

We had memberships to both in Cincinnati.

[l2ridehd]

I just never anticipated that when I started a thread about a convenient Costco that it would create a battle between Sam's and Costco, and a battle about driving distance and products and working conditions.

Is it not possible to start an informational thread on here without everybody jumping in to disparage and argue? Are people that bored? That is the last thread I will every start.

I just don't understand how the autonomy of the computer causes normal people to argue and fight. Oh well, lesson learned. And once everyone stops starting threads the forum will die a much deserved death.

[Villageswimmer]

I just never anticipated that when I started a thread about a convenient Costco that it would create a battle between Sam's and Costco, and a battle about driving distance and products and working conditions.

Is it not possible to start an informational thread on here without everybody jumping in to disparage and argue? Are people that bored? That is the last thread I will every start.

I just don't understand how the autonomy of the computer causes normal people to argue and fight. Oh well, lesson learned. And once everyone stops starting threads the forum will die a much deserved death.


FWIW I really appreciated your post. We had no idea there was a new Costco nearby. I should have come on earlier to thank you.

[CWGUY]

Yes... Thank you. Your post was informative. :coolsmiley:

How it became so negative is amazing.:ohdear: But not surprising! Thanks again.

[graciegirl]

I just never anticipated that when I started a thread about a convenient Costco that it would create a battle between Sam's and Costco, and a battle about driving distance and products and working conditions.

Is it not possible to start an informational thread on here without everybody jumping in to disparage and argue? Are people that bored? That is the last thread I will every start.

I just don't understand how the autonomy of the computer causes normal people to argue and fight. Oh well, lesson learned. And once everyone stops starting threads the forum will die a much deserved death.

This particular subject always does. ALWAYS on this forum. I am happy with Sam's. If Costco were here I would be happy with Costco. Thank you dear man for posting the information that Costco is nearer than it used to be. I hope you know that I respect and agree with almost everything you have ever posted.

[laryb]

I belong to all three, and while all of them have their selling points, I prefer Costco. I like Sam's for the convenience, and go to them the most. I like BJ's for their low price deli meats, and that they tend to sell in smaller portions. My son and his family live in Longwood, and I never visit them without stopping at Costco's. I would go in with him, but when we decided to buy a new car, I joined and used their car buyers program. Plaza was a participant in the program, so I sent the info to Costco and they deal with the dealer. No hassles and negotiating, just the deal I was looking for (plus a $700 Costco cash card). I find the meats superior, and a larger selection of produce and groceries. Now, I'm not a wine drinker, I'm told they have a great selection since they are the largest buyers in the world. Last week when we were visiting, my son told me to by this wine they get once or twice a year. I bought 3 bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (their brand) which has a 90-91 rating for $17.95 a bottle, and I'm told it can go for over a $100 a bottle. You can also buy Square Trade warranties on electronics there for a lot less. The warranty on my TV was $300+, and I got it for $80 from Costco. So, they're all good, and I won't drive there just to shop there, but I make it a point to go when I'm in the area.

[fred53]

I used to go to the Costco on Orange Blossom when I went to Orlando and then they moved it over by the mall and it was a nightmare getting in and out of there so stopped going.

Now an hour down 75 at Wesley Chapel exit 275 is a new Costco. Easy on off 75 and North of the 75/275 split. Big super store with every department, gas and tires, pharmacy and all the Costco items. Very easy 1 hour trip from here straight down 75.

Now would like one a lot closer, but for now this one works fine. Take a cooler with ice and it's a total of 3 hours round trip with an hour in the store.

if you add up the time spent driving and cost of gas what is the savings at the end of the day???

[manaboutown]

but when we decided to buy a new car, I joined and used their car buyers program. Plaza was a participant in the program, so I sent the info to Costco and they deal with the dealer. No hassles and negotiating, just the deal I was looking for (plus a $700 Costco cash card). I find the meats superior, and a larger selection of produce and groceries. Now, I'm not a wine drinker, I'm told they have a great selection since they are the largest buyers in the world. Last week when we were visiting, my son told me to by this wine they get once or twice a year. I bought 3 bottles of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (their brand) which has a 90-91 rating for $17.95 a bottle, and I'm told it can go for over a $100 a bottle. You can also buy Square Trade warranties on electronics there for a lot less. The warranty on my TV was $300+, and I got it for $80 from Costco. So, their all good, and I won't drive there just to shop there, but I make it a point to go when I'm in the area.

I used the Costco program to buy a new vehicle last year. It provided a pleasant experience at an auto dealer for a change. Their wine selection and pricing can't be beat! They have always stood behind their warranties for me, at times going the extra mile IMHO.

And I still own no stock in Costco. I just love being their customer and how they conduct their business!

[ColdNoMore]

I used the Costco program to buy a new vehicle last year. It provided a pleasant experience at an auto dealer for a change. Their wine selection and pricing can't be beat! They have always stood behind their warranties for me, at times going the extra mile IMHO.

And I still own no stock in Costco.

I just love being their customer and how they conduct their business!

Double ditto here. :bigbow:

[Henryk]

^^^^

My parents never, ever fed me a hot dog. My father was a Safeway manager and he knew what went into them. I never eat them and I never fed them to my children, ever!

My condolences to you and the kids. ;)

[Wiotte]

Eating hot dawgs always reminds me of my childhood going to Shea stadium and going to work with my father and having those wonderful dirty water dawgs with him !


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[manaboutown]

If you are born to hang, you won't drown. It isn't as if we hang out there frequently.

Loosen up Manabouttown, a little cold yummy FOUR BERRY Sundae won't do you in every now and then. I don't smoke or drink or chew.

Actually I do hang loose most of the time. I still can even hang ten now and then if the waves are just right!

When my sweet tooth temporarily gains control I may indulge in either apple or strawberry rhubarb pie from Costco. Although the latter is not often available I prefer it. My mother used to make rhubarb pies from rhubarb we grew in our back yard. Childhood memory...

Once again, I have no financial interest whatsoever in Costco except possibly through some shares I might own in an index fund holding the stock. I just love its stores and the internet shopping Costco provides.

[manaboutown]

My condolences to you and the kids. ;)

Well, my father was born in 1898 and starting at an early age worked in groceries for many years. He told me what he saw butchers put into hot dogs. Starting at the front of the pig they put in the snout, lips, gums, eyes and eyelids, ears...well you get the idea. They also put in parts from the other end of the pig starting with the tail... Then they would sweep up the "meat" scraps from the floor and add that. Now I am fairly certain that processing plants these days and indeed for some time have run a cleaner operation than he observed back in the day. Nonetheless much of the ingredients even today surely still consist of fleshy parts of an animal that can not be sold as cuts of meat such as loin, chops and so on.

[Mrs. Robinson]

[QUOTE=ColdNoMore;1432743]In addition to all of the other superior products mentioned in the various threads, your last two sentences...is enough reason alone to shop Costco. :thumbup:

For some unknown reason, it seems some folks just don't like that Costco pays their employees more...and values them instead of treating them as a liability.

Why does that bother some folks so much? :oops:


The Costs of Being Costco: Why Ethics Matter | business government society 2 (https://bizgovsoc2.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/the-costs-of-being-costco-why-ethics-matter/)

*******

Thank you for posting those statistics: Costco vs. Sam's; they are nothing short of incredible!

Regarding why most people prefer Costco for one reason or another . . . . .
There seems to be a minority few who come up with poor reasons why they feel differently.
One constant poster always seems to belittle another because her way is the only way that makes sense.
She makes off-the-wall analogies and goes off on tangents unrelated to the topic.

Another poster simply can't understand why someone does something or goes somewhere, simply because that is what they want to do for whatever the reason.
An example and gross exaggeration would be why pay five cents less for something when you have to drive an hour to get it?

Obviously, the reasoning is pretty much universal:
This is what the public prefers and regardless of the reason -- Costco comes out ahead of Sam's!

I happen to enjoy driving and going to one of the Costcos in Orlando is my preference.
I kill two birds with one stone and sometimes indulge in even killing another bird because I happen to already be there.

[graciegirl]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Time quotes an article from Cheapism. And the last two paragraphs seem to advise against membership in any wholesale club if you don't entertain a lot, or have a lot of storage or have to drive for an hour to get to the club.

Costco or Sam’s? Which Wholesale Club Is Most Worth the Membership Cost? | TIME.com (http://business.time.com/2011/07/14/costco-or-sams-which-wholesale-club-is-most-worth-the-membership-cost/)

[Mrs. Robinson]

Hot Dog and Soda Combo - Sam's Club (https://www.samsclub.com/sams/hot-dog-combo/prod21223849.ip)

BIGGER Nathan's Hot Dog too.

Costco hot dogs are all beef and a smidgen over 1/4 lb.

Their hot dog and soda combo @ $1.59 is less than what Sam's charges and the price hasn't changed since 1985!

[coffeebean]

I just never anticipated that when I started a thread about a convenient Costco that it would create a battle between Sam's and Costco, and a battle about driving distance and products and working conditions.

Is it not possible to start an informational thread on here without everybody jumping in to disparage and argue? Are people that bored? That is the last thread I will every start.

I just don't understand how the autonomy of the computer causes normal people to argue and fight. Oh well, lesson learned. And once everyone stops starting threads the forum will die a much deserved death.

I don't see it as arguing....I see it as healthy discussion. Isn't that why we are all here? This is a discussion forum, isn't it?

[coffeebean]

if you add up the time spent driving and cost of gas what is the savings at the end of the day???

For us, it is not about the savings......at all. It is all about the products that we can not get at Sam's as I said in an earlier post.

[dbussone]

Costco hot dogs are all beef and a smidgen over 1/4 lb.



Their hot dog and soda combo @ $1.59 is less than what Sam's charges and the price hasn't changed since 1985!



But it costs more than that for the fuel to buy one! Not worth the time and energy. I hope the dogs aren't that old.

I have both Sams & Costco cards. Sams does just fine.


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[Wiotte]

Costco has a cult following. No amount of arguing will change minds. Consumerism is a religion and as such should not be discussed with mixed company.


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[Mrs. Robinson]

But it costs more than that for the fuel to buy one! Not worth the time and energy. I hope the dogs aren't that old.

I have both Adams & Costco cards. Sams does just fine.

I realize it's like reading a novel, but have you read the previous posts on Costco and Sam's?

If so, you would realize that people that go to Costco, don't care about the time it takes to get there.
They don't care about the price of gas and what it costs them in terms of wear and tear on their car.
They don't care that they have to pay a membership fee.

They don't care about any of that!

It's all very simple; they go because they want to.

There is no possibility that their hot dogs could be old.
Their food court business is constant.
Every Costco sells hundreds (probably more) of hot dogs a day.

What is an Adams card? Never heard of them.

[Chatbrat]

Honestly, Costco has way better everything than Sam's; however, IMHO its not with the risk of driving on I-75 to do anything as not that important as shopping.

I-75 and I-4 are among the most dangerous roads in the entire USA--I have witnessed at least 6 fatal accidents and I had two close friends a husband & his wife killed on I 75--they were in a KIA Soul- that was rear ended by a semi