Costco

[Ginnybugs]

We've been trying to get a Costco to come to TV for years. Today I got on their web page and scrolled down to the bottom to Customer Service where you could do a live chat for suggestions. I suggested a Costco to come here, and that The Villages is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. I was asked for my zip code. I was then told they would send that request to the regional manager. If a lot of Villagers would do this, we might get their attention.

[ColdNoMore]

I've heard that the Costco Board of Directors has demanded that one be built near TV, as soon as possible...to stop all of the phone calls/e-mails/letters they're getting.

Rumor has it, that they will be concentrating mostly on televisions, electronics, jewelry, adult diapers, smaller portions of meat, home remodeling items, clothes, etc. and relying less on bulk items like 5 gallon buckets of baked bean...and large bunches of green bananas.



:1rotfl:

[Rango]

I've heard that the Costco Board of Directors has demanded that one be built near TV, as soon as possible...to stop all of the phone calls/e-mails/letters they're getting.

Rumor has it, that they will be concentrating mostly on televisions, electronics, jewelry, adult diapers, smaller portions of meat, home remodeling items, clothes, etc. and relying less on bulk items like 5 gallon buckets of baked bean...and large bunches of green bananas.



:1rotfl:

:bigbow:

[dewilson58]

:faint:

[Fredman]

Everyone must be calling because I called and waited an hour before a customer rep came on and told me they sent in a team overnight would start building when hell freezes over

[ColdNoMore]

Everyone must be calling because I called and waited an hour before a customer rep came on and told me they sent in a team overnight would start building when hell freezes over

Did they give an approximate opening date? :D

[Fredman]

Did they give an approximate opening date? :D

February 31, 2020

[Jim 9922]

I've heard that the Costco Board of Directors has demanded that one be built near TV, as soon as possible...to stop all of the phone calls/e-mails/letters they're getting.

Rumor has it, that they will be concentrating mostly on televisions, electronics, jewelry, adult diapers, smaller portions of meat, home remodeling items, clothes, etc. and relying less on bulk items like 5 gallon buckets of baked bean...and large bunches of green bananas.



:1rotfl:

----- And lots of Annuities:a040:

[EdFNJ]

OH NO! Not another Costco thread! :1rotfl:



https://i.ibb.co/80VqsqY/wall.jpg

[Mmarr]

Word has it coming to summerfield area.. 441/27 north.
Never landing on village property..

[Chris555]

I'm still about two years away from moving to TV, but I want a Costco when I get there!

[Northerner52]

No way a Costco will be built here. Not enough population. They want millions in the cities they build. Drive hour to Westly Chapel or Orlando once a month to get my Costco fix

[Northerner52]

Costco only builds were there is population density

82699

82700

[eeroger]

It won't be for many years. If you also look on their site, they have a list of locations for the next 2-3 years. It takes at least that long to purchase land and permits before they even think about building a store.

[Deb Ott]

I am very sure this is correct. I think they will have a pharmacy as well for bulk purchasing of erectile dysfuntion drugs. :)

[Dave2000]

Sounds like Walmart!!!

[greenflash245]

how bout a trader joes? certainly tv must have some tj followers

[smetna1]

I did this 2 years ago and got a response that they have sent my request to their real estate department to review. Did it again 6 months ago and got the exact same message back. Wish they would really take us seriously as we like Costco but have settled for Sams.

[Kay5301]

I've never been a member of Cos CO, was for BJ'S for years but they are too far away from TV, so we became members of Sam's Club. Is Cosco better than Sam's Club?

[Trudy Wiley]

We like like a Costco store in the villages

[Dlbonivich]

What is the big deal about Costco,?

[Cubnut]

What is the big deal about Costco,?

Very superior meat and chicken

[biker1]

There is a Costco an hour away. Nobody is forcing you to go to Sam's Club. There isn't a closer Costco because they build about 15 new stores each year in the US and apparently other areas match their desired demographics better.

I did this 2 years ago and got a response that they have sent my request to their real estate department to review. Did it again 6 months ago and got the exact same message back. Wish they would really take us seriously as we like Costco but have settled for Sams.

[rbell412]

What’s so good about Costco? How does it compare to Sams?

[CWGUY]

What’s so good about Costco? How does it compare to Sams?

The biggest difference is ...... it's further away! :ho:

[Pommom91]

[QUOTE=Northerner52;1712454]Costco only builds were there is population density

I believe that Costco only builds on property that can be seen from a freeway.

[ColdNoMore]

February 31, 2020

Can't wait.


:D

[sparky4840]

Depends.

[Chi-Town]

[QUOTE=Northerner52;1712454]Costco only builds were there is population density

I believe that Costco only builds on property that can be seen from a freeway.

Had a Costco near me in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Plenty of population density but no freeway anywhere close by.

[Tall4mom]

Have always used Sam's Club. Not a big Costco fan.

[msilagy]

Most villagers are not going to buy in bulk so why would it be advantageous for them to build here? They want to go where there are families with lots of kids that makes it lucrative for them - excuse me can I have 2 bananas? LOL

[Sherrilee]

What’s so bad about sams club? Aren’t they about the same... never been to Costco

[JSR22]

IMO Costco is much better than Sam's. The wine selection, hard liquor the quality of meat and fish are superior. We belong to both but go to COSTCO monthly even though it is an hour away.

[ColdNoMore]

IMO Costco is much better than Sam's. The wine selection, hard liquor the quality of meat and fish are superior. We belong to both but go to COSTCO monthly even though it is an hour away.


:thumbup:...:thumbup:...:thumbup:


.

[RosemarySoso]

I cannot read your posts. The beige background with orange letters is difficult to see. Maybe it’s just me 🤷*♀️

[Pinball wizard]

I recently went to BJ's in Clermont. 40 min from Fenney, free 3 month membership. I was very happy with the selection and prices.

[ffresh]

I am very sure this is correct. I think they will have a pharmacy as well for bulk purchasing of erectile dysfuntion drugs. :)

Ooooooh … that's hitting below the belt

[ldj1938]

When Terry Bradshaw comes back...

[ColdNoMore]

I cannot read your posts. The beige background with orange letters is difficult to see. Maybe it’s just me ������*♀️

You must be using the "new design"...and I'm using the old, tried/true one.

On mine, I'm using dark orange letters on a green background and to me...it's the easiest I've found to read.

Of course...that's just my opinion. :D

When I'm forced to give up the old design and go to the new (unimproved, IMHO) version...I'll have to figure out something different.

Sorry for the hassle...as of now. :ho:

[Kassey]

We've been trying to get a Costco to come to TV for years. Today I got on their web page and scrolled down to the bottom to Customer Service where you could do a live chat for suggestions. I suggested a Costco to come here, and that The Villages is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. I was asked for my zip code. I was then told they would send that request to the regional manager. If a lot of Villagers would do this, we might get their attention.
I understand a 1000 signature petition was sent to costco’s corporate office. Still nothing was done. I think someone has to reach someone in corporate. Regional managers just ignore the requests.

[ColdNoMore]

...not exactly a new subject. :D

And the poll says.... :ho:


Costco/Sam's/BJ's Poll (Shop Here) (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/costco-sams-club-bjs-poll-275364/)


With almost 70% favoring Costco...it wasn't even close. :oops:

[prendymom]

I have been, calling, emailing & posting on Costco FB page for one for the past 5 yrs. Nothing yet.

I initially began with WAWA 8 years ago & we now have 3 & 1 being built in Leesburg. :)

I then went for Target's for the past 8 years. A super Target's would be great on #301, got nowhere.

Then I went for Dollar Tree 5 years ago. I emailed & called them too & we got 1 here yeah.
I believe if they here enough on Social Media they will listen eventually.

:)

[OhioBuckeye]

Word has it coming to summerfield area.. 441/27 north.
Never landing on village property..

I can believe that because I don’t think TV would let anything come to TV unless they get their cut. Summerfield would be a better choice because they would get Ocala business, & everything north of that & possibly take some of “Sams” business.

[CWGUY]

I can believe that because I don’t think TV would let anything come to TV unless they get their cut. Summerfield would be a better choice because they would get Ocala business, & everything north of that & possibly take some of “Sams” business.

:confused: Who would you let open a business on your property without paying? :oops:

[coffeebean]

Drive hour to Westly Chapel or Orlando once a month to get my Costco fix

That is what we do. I have a running list for Costco and do an "inventory" before each trip. Has worked very well so far for us.

We used to have a Costco five minutes drive away from our home in NJ. Wahhhhhh.

[coffeebean]

........ Is Cosco better than Sam's Club?

In a word.....YES!

[coffeebean]

What is the big deal about Costco,?

I know this may sound silly but....As far as I'm aware, Costco is the only warehouse/store that has 4 1/2" wide toilet paper and it is Charmin brand. Believe it or not, that extra 1/2" in width makes the toilet paper sit on the toilet paper holder without it moving side to side. It stays put!!!

[coffeebean]

What’s so good about Costco? How does it compare to Sams?

Costco sells their rotisserie chicken pulled and in blister pack packaging. Sam's does not do that. The Costco rotisserie chicken is so delicious and NO BONES!!!! Just pure awesomeness. In fact, I have not seen pulled rotisserie chicken anywhere but Costco.

The package of rotisserie chicken is so large, I portion is out into six packages and freeze them. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Costco.

[coffeebean]

Costco only builds were there is population density

I believe that Costco only builds on property that can be seen from a freeway.

Not true. Our Costco in New Jersey was not visible from the the NJ Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. In fact, the Costco was not even that close to those main arteries......maybe 5 miles away.

[coffeebean]

Have always used Sam's Club. Not a big Costco fan.

To each his own. What is it about Sam's that you prefer over Costco?

[coffeebean]

Most villagers are not going to buy in bulk so why would it be advantageous for them to build here? They want to go where there are families with lots of kids that makes it lucrative for them - excuse me can I have 2 bananas? LOL

Then why did Sam's built a warehouse very close to The Villages?

[CWGUY]

I know this may sound silly but....As far as I'm aware, Costco is the only warehouse/store that has 4 1/2" wide toilet paper and it is Charmin brand. Believe it or not, that extra 1/2" in width makes the toilet paper sit on the toilet paper holder without it moving side to side. It stays put.

:icon_wink: I'm embarrassed to say that for 70 years I have managed to never think of measuring my TP...... I just measured my TP from Sam's Club and it's 4 and 3/8 inches across. :oops:

[coffeebean]

I cannot read your posts. The beige background with orange letters is difficult to see. Maybe it’s just me 🤷*♀️

You must be using the new version of TOTV.

With the old version, I use yellow to highlight the text so it is very visible against the dark green background.

With the new version of TOTV, I use red, dark green or black to highlight the text to stand out against the peachy/beige background.

I always BOLD the text I highlight which makes it even easier to see.

[coffeebean]

You must be using the "new design"...and I'm using the old, tried/true one.

On mine, I'm using dark orange letters on a green background and to me...it's the easiest I've found to read.

Of course...that's just my opinion. :D

When I'm forced to give up the old design and go to the new (unimproved, IMHO) version...I'll have to figure out something different.

Sorry for the hassle...as of now. :ho:

Problem is both versions are being used at this time. If you highlight text for one, it is not visible on the other.

[CWGUY]

Then why did Sam's built a warehouse in The Villages?

:what:

[coffeebean]

I can believe that because I don’t think TV would let anything come to TV unless they get their cut. Summerfield would be a better choice because they would get Ocala business, & everything north of that & possibly take some of “Sams” business.

Actually, Sam's is not in The Villages. Isn't that Lady Lake? It is just very close to The Villages.

[coffeebean]

:icon_wink: I'm embarrassed to say that for 70 years I have managed to never think of measuring my TP...... I just measured my TP from Sam's Club and it's 4 and 3/8 inches across. :oops:

Really? I thought all standard toilet paper is 4" in width. But, it isn't Charmin.

[ColdNoMore]

In a word.....YES!

In two words...HECK YES! :thumbup:


As to the questions on "what's the difference between Costco and Sam's," I've found that while Costco reputedly carries less products (SKU's) than Sam's...their general quality is much higher.

It is not unusual at all, to find high-end/luxury products at Costco, whereas I find Sam's has pretty much what you would find in Walmart...just at different quantities. :shrug:

What also makes Costco fun...is the 'Treasure Hunt' aspect of it.

Their expertise on shoppers psyche is second to none, which often makes me spend more money than intended (getting out of of Costco without dropping less than $200 on things I didn't know I needed...is hard).

Costco rotates their inventory often, so if you don't buy that really good deal on a quality/luxury product now...it may not be there the next time.

Then, of course is their rotisserie chicken...which has a cult following of its own


Costco Chicken (carve here) (http://www.rd.com/advice/saving-money/costco-rotisserie-chicken/)

There really isn’t a sneaky catch to these low-cost meals. Most supermarkets sell their rotisserie chickens within a range of $5 and $7, reports the Wall Street Journal.

But those places might be skimping on the size of their birds. According to the same report, Costco’s chickens weigh at least three pounds cooked, while rivals’ usually weigh one-and-a-half to two pounds.

According to Costco’s chief financial officer, the retailer loses between $30 and $40 million a year on the chickens. Still, they refuse to raise their prices to a more reasonable $5.99. The reason: They really believe $4.99 is how much a chicken should cost. “That’s us,” said the CFO on a call with analysts. “That’s what we do.” In a less selfless way, the chickens keep foot traffic high at the store, which benefits its bottom line.



And last, but certainly not least, is that I find Costco employees to be generally happier & more helpful...than other warehouse store employees.

Which is most likely due to the fact that they pay and treat their employees well.

11 More Reasons To Love Costco (poke here) (http://www.huffpost.com/entry/reasons-love-costco_n_4275774)

1. The company pays a living wage. Costco’s CEO and president, Craig Jelinek, has publicly endorsed raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour, and he takes that to heart. The company’s starting pay is $11.50 per hour, and the average employee wage is $21 per hour, not including overtime. Most other big box retailers start their employees at minimum wage.

2. Workers get benefits. About 88 percent of Costco employees have company-sponsored health insurance, according to David Sherwood, Costco’s Director of Financial Planning and Investor Relations. “I just think people need to make a living wage with health benefits,” Jelinek told Bloomberg. “It also puts more money back into the economy and creates a healthier country. It’s really that simple.”

3. The CEO makes a reasonable salary. Costco’s CEO makes far less than most executives, with a total compensation package of about $4.83 million in 2012. In contrast, Walmart CEO Mike Duke made roughly $19.3 million during the same year. Walmart’s CEO earns as much as 796 average employees, according to CNN Money, compared to Costco’s CEO making 48 times more than the company’s median wage.

4. Costco helped its employees weather the recession. When the economic crisis hit and other retailers laid off workers, Costco’s CEO approved a $1.50-an-hour wage increase for many hourly employees, spread out over three years.

5. Costco doesn’t kill Thanksgiving. While many of its competitors are forcing employees to work on Thanksgiving Day, Costco will buck the trend and stay closed.

6. It also doesn’t waste money on expensive advertising. The company doesn’t advertise nor does it hire a public relations staff. Meanwhile, Walmart dropped $1.89 billion on ads in 2011.

7. Its prices aren’t horrendously high. Costco never marks up products by more than 15 percent, while most retailers commonly mark products up by more than 25 percent.

8. It embraces equality. Costco scored extremely well (90/100) on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, an assessment of LGBT policies in the workplace.

9. It hires from the inside. More than 70 percent of its warehouse managers began their careers working the register or the floor.

10. Costco’s employees are loyal. For employees that have worked at the company for more than one year, the annual turnover rate is below six percent, according to Sherwood. For executives, the turnover rate is less than one percent.

11. Free samples. Need we say more?




Did I mention that...I LOVE Costco? :ho:

[CWGUY]

Really? I thought all standard toilet paper is 4" in width. But, it isn't Charmin.

:pray: Really! It's Ultra Premium Members Mark 2-ply and very soft. Still can't believe I'm having this :1rotfl: conversation. Was always more concerned about how much was left on the roll not how wide it was. :ho:

[EdFNJ]

Not true. Our Costco in New Jersey was not visible from the the NJ Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway. In fact, the Costco was not even that close to those main arteries......maybe 5 miles away. Yep ... and the key is they are in VERY high density industrial/warehouse/office/retail store areas close enough to a major highway(s) which is what they look for. They couldn't make enough money and do enough volume off of mostly Grammys and Grampys buying some toilet paper and a $4 chicken when they are in town 3-6 months out of the year. Maybe if they sold horse & pig feed they could compete with Rural King! :D :D

Ever been to RK? Cool place. Free popcorn always and free hot dogs on Saturdays.

[Gerryk12]

I have previously spoken to someone in the marketing dept. (corporate) and the population is not the right "mix" as they need larger family units to market to. We are mostly retired and in very small family (husband/wife, etc) groups. However, it doesn't hurt for you to post the email address for their contact and to have as many of The Villages residents contact them.

[JerryLBell]

No way a Costco will be built here. Not enough population. They want millions in the cities they build. Drive hour to Westly Chapel or Orlando once a month to get my Costco fix
Anchorage, Alaska has a population of 294,000 (2017 Census). OK, that's just over twice the population of The Villages (not counting surrounding cities). But they have two Costco locations.

Juneau, Alaska has a a population of just 32,000 (2011 Census), or about a quarter of the population of The Villages. And they have a Costco location.

It's not just population that Costco looks at. They also look at what people are likely to buy at their locations. They have to sell enough "big ticket" items (furniture, electronics, cars, etc.) to warrant a location. Allegedly, Sams Club struggles in The Villages because most of us fill up the car there to save a few cents per gallon and maybe buy some smaller grocery items or the occasional lower-end TV. So maybe it's understandable that they don't come here.

What really puzzles me is, why doesn't Trader Joe come here? They are related to Aldis and often appear in the same markets. Aldis has two locations currently in the area and a third one on the way. Trader Joe has none. And my wife has to drive clear up to Gainesville to get her Trader Joe goat cheese and a few other specialty items there. It sure would save me some gas and time if they built a location here!

[EdFNJ]

Anchorage, Alaska has a population of 294,000 (2017 Census). OK, that's just over twice the population of The Villages (not counting surrounding cities). But they have two Costco locations.

Juneau, Alaska has a a population of just 32,000 (2011 Census), or about a quarter of the population of The Villages. And they have a Costco location.

It's not just population that Costco looks at. They also look at what people are likely to buy at their locations. They have to sell enough "big ticket" items (furniture, electronics, cars, etc.) to warrant a location. Allegedly, Sams Club struggles in The Villages because most of us fill up the car there to save a few cents per gallon and maybe buy some smaller grocery items or the occasional lower-end TV. So maybe it's understandable that they don't come here.

What really puzzles me is, why doesn't Trader Joe come here? They are related to Aldis and often appear in the same markets. Aldis has two locations currently in the area and a third one on the way. Trader Joe has none. And my wife has to drive clear up to Gainesville to get her Trader Joe goat cheese and a few other specialty items there. It sure would save me some gas and time if they built a location here!


They def don't want "millions" where they open :) but you can't compare Alaska to the "lower 48". Totally different. As for TJ's she can also go to Orlando area, there are 2 TJ's and it takes 1hr or less depending where in TV you live, to get there which is less than Gainesville and at the same time hit one of the 2 Costco's as well as Whole foods and check out Disney Springs. Then have dinner on "restaurant row" right near TJs in Dr Phillips (Orlando) where there is everything from Wendy's to Ruth Chris. Rt 4 can be avoided for the entire trip except for maybe 1 mile if you don't have a GPS.

[dmatkin]

I have been doing business with Costco since the mid-80's. This includes the US as well as International Regions. I am still active with Costco working with companies attempting to do business with them. As a result I have some good contacts with Costco Executives and have a clear understanding of their business model. Further, I have many close friends that are employed at Costco corporate (Issaquah Washington) that keep me up-to-date on whats happening with Costco.

I too would like to see a Costco close to TV's. Last month I contacted the SVP for the Southeast Region requesting an update on plans for a location down here. Below is the email reply I received on January 8th in quotes:

"Good Morning
We are still In the early stages of looking for the right property and one that makes sense knowing the size (of the market) and competitive environment. Our real estate group is running into issues with finding something that is affordable by our standards. Thanks for checking back."

Bottom line----they are looking, but land costs around TV's is very expensive these days. I can tell that Costco will not announce any information on a new location until land is acquired and permits granted.

I hope this helps-----keep your fingers crossed.

[Two Bills]

They said they would be here when Tom Brady retires!

[Fastskiguy]

No way a Costco will be built here. Not enough population. They want millions in the cities they build. Drive hour to Westly Chapel or Orlando once a month to get my Costco fix

They just opened a store in Rockford IL.....with a shrinking population and nowhere near the $$ as the villages. Just sayin', it's possible.

[npwalters]

No way a Costco will be built here. Not enough population. They want millions in the cities they build. Drive hour to Westly Chapel or Orlando once a month to get my Costco fix

There is a Costco and 2 Sam's Clubs in Huntsville, AL - population 194,000.

[Pickbent]

Wonderful store chain with outstanding quality of foods and goods with superb customer service, no hassles on returns,etc. huge Need for them here in fast growing TV. Where tired old stores and strip malls on Rt 411, 27, etc. just not up with more upscaleTV shoppers’needs.

[EdFNJ]

There is a Costco and 2 Sam's Clubs in Huntsville, AL - population 194,000.
From Wikipedia: "The Huntsville metropolitan area's population was 417,593 in 2010, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in the state. The Huntsville metro's population reached 462,693 by 2018."

Lot's of technology (and tech workers) and lots of military bases (military families) and lots of businesses catering to them who buy what they sell.

How big is "The Villages Metropolitan Area"? We got Ocala, Leesburg, Lots of beef herds, Okawaphunka and and Howey in the Hills. Lot's of part-time and full-time old folks too. It's not just the town where they locate it's the demographics of what is all around it including industry, technology, retail and other things they consider..

[llmcdaniel]

Oh balogna! We had a Costco in our small town of 18,000 in southern Oregon, and it did very well.

[ColdNoMore]

Oh balogna! We had a Costco in our small town of 18,000 in southern Oregon, and it did very well.

:thumbup:

[Bridget Staunton]

Could you please provide the web address. I have been on many of their site and didn’t see anything

[Mikee1]

I have been doing business with Costco since the mid-80's. This includes the US as well as International Regions. I am still active with Costco working with companies attempting to do business with them. As a result I have some good contacts with Costco Executives and have a clear understanding of their business model. Further, I have many close friends that are employed at Costco corporate (Issaquah Washington) that keep me up-to-date on whats happening with Costco.

I too would like to see a Costco close to TV's. Last month I contacted the SVP for the Southeast Region requesting an update on plans for a location down here. Below is the email reply I received on January 8th in quotes:

"Good Morning
We are still In the early stages of looking for the right property and one that makes sense knowing the size (of the market) and competitive environment. Our real estate group is running into issues with finding something that is affordable by our standards. Thanks for checking back."

Bottom line----they are looking, but land costs around TV's is very expensive these days. I can tell that Costco will not announce any information on a new location until land is acquired and permits granted.

I hope this helps-----keep your fingers crossed.

At one point I had the opportunity to chat with Costco Execs, I was told the demographics they look for are family income $100,000 plus, families, average ticket or sale of $400.00. there were a couple of other things as well, but this was the beginning of the list. We typically do net spend that on an average trip. This is Costco's biggest limiting factor of coming to TV.
$50.00 average ticket does not interest them much...

[Don5154]

It’s 10 minutes away 🤪

[graciegirl]

We belonged to Costco and Samsclub in Cincinnati.

We are going to Samsclub in a few minutes to get a cheesecake, a chocolate layer cake and some fruit for a ladies get together at our house tomorrow. They have excellent cakes and very good meat and we have purchased many household items from them over the years. We are satisfied with one major store in the same category as Costco. It may be the reason Costco doesn't come, because the market is covered.

We are glad we have Samsclub here. I think it has been here for about a dozen years. It is on 441/27 across from Kohls, for those who are new.

[billethkid]

Apparently it is more about location....it cannot be "the mix". Just go to Sam's any day of the week or any time.....it is always very busy.

Any way that is what the girl friend of our gardener's third cousin said he heard from one of the cashier's kids.......:)

[Mumbles]

In two words...HECK YES! :thumbup:


As to the questions on "what's the difference between Costco and Sam's," I've found that while Costco reputedly carries less products (SKU's) than Sam's...their general quality is much higher.

It is not unusual at all, to find high-end/luxury products at Costco, whereas I find Sam's has pretty much what you would find in Walmart...just at different quantities. :shrug:

What also makes Costco fun...is the 'Treasure Hunt' aspect of it.

Their expertise on shoppers psyche is second to none, which often makes me spend more money than intended (getting out of of Costco without dropping less than $200 on things I didn't know I needed...is hard).

Costco rotates their inventory often, so if you don't buy that really good deal on a quality/luxury product now...it may not be there the next time.

Then, of course is their rotisserie chicken...which has a cult following of its own


Costco Chicken (carve here) (http://www.rd.com/advice/saving-money/costco-rotisserie-chicken/)




And last, but certainly not least, is that I find Costco employees to be generally happier & more helpful...than other warehouse store employees.

Which is most likely due to the fact that they pay and treat their employees well.

11 More Reasons To Love Costco (poke here) (http://www.huffpost.com/entry/reasons-love-costco_n_4275774)




Did I mention that...I LOVE Costco? :ho:

Amen sister/brother! I was just thinking the same: quite happy personnel, more employee-customer involvement; BIGGER chickens; a superior wine selection (beats some ABC stores); very good choice of electronics; superior staging of items; great card checkers at the doors; ya know, it's really worth traveling an hour to the nearest Costco to get these warm-and-fuzzies. You just don't get much of it at Sam's at Lady Lake, although it has its good points.

[Mumbles]

Bwahahaha! Rotfl

[Halle]

There are two Costcos in Anchorage, Alaska population less than 300k state population less than 800k. I believe demographics are more important to Costco than population.

[Fishers2tall]

I know this may sound silly but....As far as I'm aware, Costco is the only warehouse/store that has 4 1/2" wide toilet paper and it is Charmin brand. Believe it or not, that extra 1/2" in width makes the toilet paper sit on the toilet paper holder without it moving side to side. It stays put!!!

Coffeebean :bigbow::bigbow::bigbow: you may think your comment sounds silly but you have helped bring great clarity to an important goal of mine!

I now hope to someday have a life in which the hardest problem I have to deal with is the toilet paper sliding back and forth too far on the holder! Well that and I would like to hit at least 70% of my greens in regulation! Then my life would be perfect!

[coffeebean]

Coffeebean :bigbow::bigbow::bigbow: you may think your comment sounds silly but you have helped bring great clarity to an important goal of mine!

I now hope to someday have a life in which the hardest problem I have to deal with is the toilet paper sliding back and forth too far on the holder! Well that and I would like to hit at least 70% of my greens in regulation! Then my life would be perfect!

So glad I can help!:)

[Fast Freddy]

O.K. this is real information: two weeks ago during our regular Costco visit I tried to post that 2 different employees told us that Costco is looking for property in Ocala (probably near a freeway as usual). A manager said that 50% of the work force need to be local residents and 50% are transferred in to train on the spot so things run smoothly.
That is really the latest info. direct from the Lutz Costco.
Looking for property sites is a basic step but it doesn't guarantee selection. We can only hope that the powers to be will consider Ocala as viable.
By the way, have you noticed Sam's Lady Lake removed the Customer Service desk? Its now a small square with long lines and phone calls are now answered by the liquor dept. who also must service customers, that why they never answered my phone call. Yes, Costco is handsdown superior to Sam's.

[npwalters]

From Wikipedia: "The Huntsville metropolitan area's population was 417,593 in 2010, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in the state. The Huntsville metro's population reached 462,693 by 2018."

Lot's of technology (and tech workers) and lots of military bases (military families) and lots of businesses catering to them who buy what they sell.

How big is "The Villages Metropolitan Area"? We got Ocala, Leesburg, Lots of beef herds, Okawaphunka and and Howey in the Hills. Lot's of part-time and full-time old folks too. It's not just the town where they locate it's the demographics of what is all around it including industry, technology, retail and other things they consider..

I stated the population of the city, not the metropolitan area. The major discriminator is that TV population is seasonal. I prefer Costco but don't expect to see one until well after there is a 4th square south of the turnpike.

[New Englander]

I know this may sound silly but....As far as I'm aware, Costco is the only warehouse/store that has 4 1/2" wide toilet paper and it is Charmin brand. Believe it or not, that extra 1/2" in width makes the toilet paper sit on the toilet paper holder without it moving side to side. It stays put!!!

Another good thing about the 4.5" toilet-paper is it is helpful if a person has a wide labanza. :icon_wink:

[ColdNoMore]

Nope, ain't gonna do it.

I'm not THAT bored yet, to bring out a tape measure...for toilet paper. :ohdear:

[ColdNoMore]

4 inches width...exactly. :oops:


:1rotfl:

[coffeebean]

Nope, ain't gonna do it.

I'm not THAT bored yet, to bring out a tape measure...for toilet paper. :ohdear:

You don't need a tape measure. Just look at the packaging which has the dimensions of the roll.

In fact, the Charmin I purchase at Costco has the width of the roll highlighted on the packaging. That is what caught my eye a few years ago and how I discovered the wider rolls. I won't buy anything else other than the 4 1/2" wide Charmin at Costco.

[Viperguy]

Way better. Don't want to drive? Buy online.

[EdFNJ]

I stated the population of the city, not the metropolitan area. The major discriminator is that TV population is seasonal. I prefer Costco but don't expect to see one until well after there is a 4th square south of the turnpike. Yes you did, but my point was, the size of the city where they put up a building is meaningless, it the population and type of areas all around them. They could build in a city with pop 32 because property may be very cheap but within 3 blocks the next city has a pop of 1/2million so the fact they built in PODUNK but not here is not relevant. What surrounds Podunk (or here) is. The perfect example is Costrco in WInter Park FL, pop 30,000 but looks what is around it. Yes, seasonal is def a consideration but what is around us (cows, steer & Leesburg and just about nothing else) is a major factor as well.

[JoMar]

Putting a Costco here, in my opinion, won't greatly impact their profitability since everyone that loves Costco seems to be driving to their locations. Why build a store here when their customers are going to them any way. Now, start dropping memberships and if it's significant, might get their attention.

[EdFNJ]

O.K. this is real information: two weeks ago during our regular Costco visit I tried to post that 2 different employees told us that Costco is looking for property in Ocala (probably near a freeway as usual). A manager said that 50% of the work force need to be local residents and 50% are transferred in to train on the spot so things run smoothly.
That is really the latest info. direct from the Lutz Costco.
Looking for property sites is a basic step but it doesn't That's the same old news going around here for years if you search the millions of Costco posts that turn up every time a new person moves in. :D EMPLOYEES have no official information. That being said, Ocala would make a lot more sense than here **IF** there was an actual plan in this part of the state.

[billethkid]

Putting a Costco here, in my opinion, won't greatly impact their profitability since everyone that loves Costco seems to be driving to their locations. Why build a store here when their customers are going to them any way. Now, start dropping memberships and if it's significant, might get their attention.

Same could be said for Sam's Club with stores as little as an hour away.
However they saw fit to build here. I would bet that there was no significant effect on incremental sales from TV residents.
Plus they pick up additional sales from those who would not travel an hour.

I would also bet that the decision making "required" demographics of Sam's Club is not much different than Costco.

Costco just has not found the right location.....YET!

[JoMar]

Same could be said for Sam's Club with stores as little as an hour away.
However they saw fit to build here. I would bet that there was no significant effect on incremental sales from TV residents.
Plus they pick up additional sales from those who would not travel an hour.

I would also bet that the decision making "required" demographics of Sam's Club is not much different than Costco.

Costco just has not found the right location.....YET!

I think you will find that Sam's Club's are also paired in markets with Walmart while Costco is a stand a lone entity. I'm sure there is an incestuous relationship since Walmart sells many of the same food products so not sure I agree that their business models are similar or that the financials of Walmart Corp are dependent on Sam's. Costco is definitely a much larger company as compared to Sam's, and Sam's has been closing stores while Costco has been opening stores. So not sure agree their decision making strategies are similar.

[billethkid]

I think you will find that Sam's Club's are also paired in markets with Walmart while Costco is a stand a lone entity. I'm sure there is an incestuous relationship since Walmart sells many of the same food products so not sure I agree that their business models are similar or that the financials of Walmart Corp are dependent on Sam's. Costco is definitely a much larger company as compared to Sam's, and Sam's has been closing stores while Costco has been opening stores. So not sure agree their decision making strategies are similar.

Not quite a year old article but not much if anything has changed:

Costco vs. Sam's Club: What's the Difference? (https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061715/business-model-analysis-costco-vs-sams-club.asp)

[ColdNoMore]

Not quite a year old article but not much if anything has changed:

Costco vs. Sam's Club: What's the Difference? (https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061715/business-model-analysis-costco-vs-sams-club.asp)

From the same link.


Walmart will never be Costco )click here) (http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/121715/walmart-will-never-be-costco.asp)

Customers are loyal to Costco because they get quality products and good prices. Walmart is trying to gain customer loyalty through gimmicky experiments instead of providing customers what they really want.

Since Walmart’s raised its entry-level wage to $9 in 2015, reports have emerged from employees that the increases have done little to improve their quality of life. Stories of higher wages resulting in fewer hours and a lack of employee benefits for not-quite-full-time employees are commonplace on the internet.

Contrast that to the way Costco treats its workers. The average wage at Costco is over $20 per hour and most employees are covered by the company’s benefits plan. Costly employee turnover is minimal and staff are uber-productive and promoted from within.

[mulligan]

Don't you get it yet people ?? No matter how many times you call, e-mail, post or otherwise contact the company, The demographic is still wrong in this area. It's not just numbers of people, but their ages. Don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot of old people around here. That's not who spends the most money.

[EdFNJ]

Don't you get it yet people ?? No matter how many times you call, e-mail, post or otherwise contact the company, The demographic is still wrong in this area. It's not just numbers of people, but their ages. Don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot of old people around here. That's not who spends the most money.
Right on the money (pun intended) :) If I could have added 12 "thumbs up" I would. That is the:




_______________
bottom line

[billethkid]

Don't you get it yet people ?? No matter how many times you call, e-mail, post or otherwise contact the company, The demographic is still wrong in this area. It's not just numbers of people, but their ages. Don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot of old people around here. That's not who spends the most money.

A yes and no comment.
Yes there are a lot of old(er people.
No to that's not who spends the most money....yes a percentage does not....the majority does.

Anyway...like Sam's Club, Costco would not locate within TV. They would be looking at land that has a more than TV draw. Which is anyplace 5-10 or more miles away!!

[Aloha1]

Really? I thought all standard toilet paper is 4" in width. But, it isn't Charmin.

If it isn't Charmin, I'm not going.

[TimeForChange]

We've been trying to get a Costco to come to TV for years. Today I got on their web page and scrolled down to the bottom to Customer Service where you could do a live chat for suggestions. I suggested a Costco to come here, and that The Villages is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. I was asked for my zip code. I was then told they would send that request to the regional manager. If a lot of Villagers would do this, we might get their attention.

I heard that Costco has decided that the demand for a store in or near TV is so great that they will partner with the Morse family to build a monorail to the one near Millenia Mall in Orlando. That's the only way we get one. Folks, Costco is not coming to TV. We do not meet or even approach meeting their sales:boom: marketing demographics plan for a store. Forget it and make a 50 minute drive each month like we do. Go to Park Avenue in Winter Park following and have a nice lunch in one of the upscale eatery's.