Costco

[ldj1938]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.

[EdFNJ]

WooHoo! Another Costco thread! :a040: Much better than more mask threads! :)

NO, it won't matter. If it DID matter they would just think ... "GEE, why spend all the $$$$ to open a store, they will just order by mail!" :)

[dsnrbec]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.

Have you tried the one in Wesley Chapel? We went last week and it was an easy drive on I-75 and only took an hour.

[TimeForChange]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.

Let me make a suggestion to you. Go to any Costco in Orlando, sit in the parking lot at any hour they are open, watch the overfilled shopping carts, numbers of children, the number of cars in the parking lot throughout the day and then think about them here. We are two person households, we do not purchase anywhere near the amounts that growing families do in cities. Costco has very definite, marketing and merchandising plan based purely on demographics in a surrounding area, They know how many cars that should be in the parking lot at any hour of the day. Unless they go to a smaller store strategy I do not think we will ever see one in TV. Some think that Sams compares but it does not. Costco is the king of big box shopping. Sams is nothing but a copy and an oversized Walmart.

[Stu from NYC]

My florist who speaks to our butcher is convinced that the plans for Hacienda will fall thru and we will get a mini Costco on 441.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

If I drive to Costco can I get a 200 package of toilet paper , Sam’s 100 pack just isn’t doing it for me

[Stu from NYC]

If I drive to Costco can I get a 200 package of toilet paper , Sam’s 100 pack just isn’t doing it for me

Yes but you must sign a loyalty oath promising to share it with another customer

[EdFNJ]

If I drive to Costco can I get a 200 package of toilet paper , Sam’s 100 pack just isn’t doing it for me Too much Metamucil. You should cut back to 3x a day.

[Jima64]

still trying to figure out the reason for going to costco for two seniors. where are the regular frozen french fries?

[Stu from NYC]

still trying to figure out the reason for going to costco for two seniors. where are the regular frozen french fries?

Well at Sams you could either buy an 8 pound package or if you like them they have in 40 pounds. Can never have too much

[Kenswing]

still trying to figure out the reason for going to costco for two seniors. where are the regular frozen french fries?
My wife and I go to Costco all the time. The meat alone is worth going for. There are plenty of things we like that you don't have to buy in bulk. The things we do buy in bulk are things that don't spoil or that freeze well.

[Stu from NYC]

My wife and I go to Costco all the time. The meat alone is worth going for. There are plenty of things we like that you don't have to buy in bulk. The things we do buy in bulk are things that don't spoil or that freeze well.

At Sams we buy ground turkey in 5 pound packs, salmon in 2 1/2, and produce that we find is much better than supermarkets

[Northerner52]

Two Westley Chapel Costco employees told me they are looking for land between The Villages and Ocala.

[UpNorth]

Yes, Costco does sell huge packages of things we probably would only buy one or two of. But they also have fantastic quality meats and produce, great deals on vitamins and supplements, and electronics with the best no-hassle return policy on earth. And the best $4.99 rotisserie chicken around. Gasoline at the cheapest price and great deals on tires, etc. I would guess that most of the people who think Costco is a dumb idea have never been in one.

[Velvet]

I like Costco kefir and wild salmon the best. We went to Costco regularly for just the two of us before Covid. Now we don’t anymore - but those large boxes of supplies we bought months ago (including disinfectant wipes) are still lasting. Costco turned us into hoarders years ago. Who knew we were stocking up for a pandemic?

[davem4616]

if Costco saw having a retail outlet near TV as a smart move, it would have already happened

but, go ahead and buy online....they'll love the business

[TimeForChange]

still trying to figure out the reason for going to costco for two seniors. where are the regular frozen french fries?

Well, you will never get to experience their meat that is better than any in TV. Their fish (same), their selection of wines (better than any in TV), their cheeses, their produce (cannot find any as good in TV). Stay in TV and that just means the Costco I go to will be less crowded.

[Stu from NYC]

if Costco saw having a retail outlet near TV as a smart move, it would have already happened

but, go ahead and buy online....they'll love the business

Could well be

[mowdie]

Let me make a suggestion to you. Go to any Costco in Orlando, sit in the parking lot at any hour they are open, watch the overfilled shopping carts, numbers of children, the number of cars in the parking lot throughout the day and then think about them here. We are two person households, we do not purchase anywhere near the amounts that growing families do in cities. Costco has very definite, marketing and merchandising plan based purely on demographics in a surrounding area, They know how many cars that should be in the parking lot at any hour of the day. Unless they go to a smaller store strategy I do not think we will ever see one in TV. Some think that Sams compares but it does not. Costco is the king of big box shopping. Sams is nothing but a copy and an oversized Walmart.
Sam’s Club is Walmart with better meat....

[Aloha]

If a COSTCO opens close to the Villages, the local Sam's Club will close, which will certainly be no big loss.

[Rwirish]

Sams is just fine. A Costco is not needed.

[Stu from NYC]

Sams is just fine. A Costco is not needed.

Never had a Costco near where we lived so always member of Sams but on the few occasions with friends going to Costco was impressed . Competition is good.

Brings out the best in businesses.

[prendymom]

For the past 6 years, I have called, e mailed, posted on Costco FB page about the needs of this area & it's growth. I have even sent them photos of huge areas for their store, but no luck, just lip service. Somebody else wanna try?

[Bridget Staunton]

I am a Costco lover visit Wesley Chapel once a month. We have time why are we rushing. Bought 2 cars, tires etc and our monthly trip include meat, fish, toiletries, breakfast stuff, veg, fruit and the course the man needs his beer. It’s a nice comfortable trip down 75. Sams is not for me and I find the employees are not friendly. Costco employees are always ready to help

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Rumor has it Cosco is building in Ocala that means coming to The Villages is not likely

[JSR22]

Rumor has it Cosco is building in Ocala that means coming to The Villages is not likely

Costco is not coming to Ocala. They bought the KMART distribution center and will use it as a distribution center not a store.

[Scorpyo]

If I drive to Costco can I get a 200 package of toilet paper , Sam’s 100 pack just isn’t doing it for me
Actually Costco has a deal going on right now. If you take the 200 toilet paper package you get a discount on the 200 paper towel package. I doubled my order.

[Marita Koziar]

We tried that one about a month ago. Very nice Costco. Better than going to Orlando. I have been sending emails to Costco for 16 years, begging them to build one near us. Don’t think it is going to happen.

[Nell57]

For the past 6 years, I have called, e mailed, posted on Costco FB page about the needs of this area & it's growth. I have even sent them photos of huge areas for their store, but no luck, just lip service. Somebody else wanna try?

I’d love to help out, but I’ve been busy sending petitions to Trader Joe’s.

[Mikee1]

The Costco is in Lutz, FL, not Wesley Chapel.

Costco's sales demographic model is a family of 4, average ticket or receipt total is $400.00 every 2 weeks.

A 2 person senior household is not likely to meet that matrix.

[FredJacobs]

About 5 years ago, it was rumored that Costco and Macy's were to be the anchor stores at a mall to be built on the site of the Brownwood Hotel. Then we heard that Costco refused to build here. Stores like Costco, Sam's, WalMart, etc. operate on receiving huge discounts from manufacturers and they operate on very small markups and profits. For example, WalMart is believed to operate on 15% profit.

The problem with locating in TV is that retailer rent usually includes a percentage of the retailer's income. This makes the property owner (the Morses) a partner in the business and gives them the right to audit your books. No large chain or corporation will even consider the idea. However, franchise owners like Too-Jays, Flippers, etc. are individuals and can do what they like.

For well over 10 years, residents of TV have been trying to get Trader Joe's to locate here. No one doubts that TV would be a prime market for Trader Joe's. The last I heard was that upwards of 6,000 residents signed a "petition" to get a store here. Time after time, it was rebuffed. Finally, Trader Joe's management let the petitioners know, "Stop calling on us. We will never build a store in The Villages." It was the rent that forced them to take that position.

[FromNY]

As the area grows and multigenerational homes apartments fill up Costco will probably show up. A few years back Wesley Capel was farm land. And the building explosion began. 17 years ago Sam's was farm land. Hang tight took this area a bit of time to see HomeGoods and other stores. As we grow so will the outskirts. Jobs schools businesses. The friendly retirement community will be part of another massive growth of Florida. Oh for the days of the Buffalo and quaint communities. Yep age is creeping in.

[steve1025]

When I ask people in the pool what store they miss the most, the number one answer is Costco. Number two is Trader Joe's and number three is The Christmas Tree Store. Four is B.J's.

[sborlove]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.

No need to order on line since it is more expensive than in the stores but they actually use our zip codes when we do visit their stores. They can tell from our membership numbers and home addresses associated with the accounts.

[coffeebean]

Sams is just fine. A Costco is not needed.

Costco blister packs their rotisserie chicken that has been pulled off the bones. Sam's does not offer this.

For some reason, our local Sam's has stopped carrying frozen Tyson chicken tenderloins. Costco still has those in the Kirkland brand frozen rotisserie chicken.

Those are just two differences between the two warehouses. There are many more with Costco coming out on top.

We go to the Wesley Chapel Costco.

[coffeebean]

For the past 6 years, I have called, e mailed, posted on Costco FB page about the needs of this area & it's growth. I have even sent them photos of huge areas for their store, but no luck, just lip service. Somebody else wanna try?

Many thanks for your efforts.

[coffeebean]

Rumor has it Cosco is building in Ocala that means coming to The Villages is not likely

Ocala? I'll take it!

[coffeebean]

Costco is not coming to Ocala. They bought the KMART distribution center and will use it as a distribution center not a store.

:( :(

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Actually Costco has a deal going on right now. If you take the 200 toilet paper package you get a discount on the 200 paper towel package. I doubled my order. addition to my home I’ll be able to buy even more

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

The suggestion that these stores don’t come here because of the villages high rents makes no sense . There are many stores that surround the property that are not owned by the villages

[KRM0614]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.
The Costco story has been floated for years. The commercial real estate rates are very expensive and many other considerations. Give it up

[lstevenson1470]

Good idea! I have sent requests to Costco to consider opening a store in the area. We really need one!

[Annie66]

If I drive to Costco can I get a 200 package of toilet paper , Sam’s 100 pack just isn’t doing it for me

I would change my diet if I needed that much TP.

[davem4616]

When I ask people in the pool what store they miss the most, the number one answer is Costco. Number two is Trader Joe's and number three is The Christmas Tree Store. Four is B.J's.



We drive down to Clermont once a month to a BJ's that's on Rt 27...it's only a 30 mile trip from TV

BJ's is mostly an east coast store...shopped at BJ's for decades, never shopped at a Costco or Sam's because there just weren't any near us

[Topspinmo]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.

Not big fan of any store where I have to pay To get in just to buy there crap. Think of the millions there making off gullible’s.

[BerniceD]

I love Costco, what else is there to say! I also love Trader Joe's and often shop both in same day. I hate shopping.

[ctreick]

I really miss Costco since moving to TV...Sam’s Club just doesn’t do it...the quality of product and variety is far superior at Costco!!!

[cassjax2]

I’ve been ordering online for about 3 years and only go to Costco when it’s a must. I’ve been a member since 1993 and would never consider changing to Sam’s.

[EdFNJ]

Not big fan of any store where I have to pay To get in just to buy there crap. Think of the millions there making off gullible’s.
Sure, makes sense. Pay more because you don't want to pay a membership fee. :) They also have great SALES every month that lasts a month. Been a member for over 25 years (used to be called Price Club back then near me). I've saved the fees I have paid many times over. Actually you can save 1 or 2 years fees on one visit or even 1 item. Just as an example (but not limited to) 2yrs ago I bought a 65" TV for $200 less than could be found anywhere on the internet + it included 2 extra years warranty and they even hung it on the wall for free (on existing bracket). ~3 years fee saved. Last year I purchased a gas powered power washer which was $150 less than I could find locally (Sam's had it), delivered for free (~2 yrs fee saved). Just a single bottle of pure vanilla extract is 1/5th the PRICE PER OUNCE from any supermarket. Same for cinnamon. Wife buys Citrical calcium pills @ 1/2 the price per pill of ANY local store. I buy Centrum multi-viatmins, COQ10, 1/2 or better per pill than any local store ..... dozens and dozens of other drugstore items that can save you a years fee on just 1 shopping visit. And their prime meats, the best vs any local store. I can go on and on. The 60lb bags of rice ain't for me but there is many dozens of items that will save you your 1 year membership fee in 1 shopping visit. Occasionally I suffer and buy 2 LARGE BOTTLES of peanut butter for 1/2 the supermarket price per oz but it won't go bad. Plus their return policy is the absolute tops vs. ANY other store (inc Sams). Plus you can "share" your membership with a friend or family member and even get them their own card. If one is an "educated consumer" they can do very very well. Of course to many people saving a few bucks isn't a big deal and all the power to them but at least for us it's worth the membership AND the trip. Sure, the jokes about buying a 200lb box of cookies will always stick (like the Villages STD atory) but are generally unfounded with just a little bit of "pre-visit" planning and smart shopping and YES, you can order online but very often prices are less in the store and of course they have a much larger selection.

[Kenswing]

Not big fan of any store where I have to pay To get in just to buy there crap. Think of the millions there making off gullible’s.
The 2% cash back we get more than covers our membership fee. We get even more money back by using their credit card.

We book all of our cruises through Costco. Not only do we get 3% back from the credit card but Costco also kicks back a good portion of their commission in the form of onboard credit.

We get a lot of money back each year from the credit card. lol

[Northerner52]

I was told it would be closer to TV than Ocala. Probably near 44 and 75.

Rumor has it Cosco is building in Ocala that means coming to The Villages is not likely

[ShaSha]

I have been ordering what Costco will deliver since March . It’s easy and not hard to reach the $75 minimum fir free delivery.

[Topspinmo]

The 2% cash back we get more than covers our membership fee. We get even more money back by using their credit card.

We book all of our cruises through Costco. Not only do we get 3% back from the credit card but Costco also kicks back a good portion of their commission in the form of onboard credit.

We get a lot of money back each year from the credit card. lol

You know what Dave Ramsey says about cash back on credit cards?

[Kenswing]

You know what Dave Ramsey says about cash back on credit cards?

Have no idea.

What I do know is that I'm getting a minimum of a 30 day interest free loan. I'm getting money back on things I would have bought anyway. My credit card covers comp and collision on a rental car. There are no foreign transaction fees. No annual membership cost.

Please tell me what your perceived downside is.

[jdulej]

Here is my problem with Costco - the last time we shopped at one we went in to get capers (they had a great buy then). We left with the capers, a ping pong table, and a food processor. I realized then that I had a Costco problem and had to quit cold turkey.

[Stu from NYC]

You know what Dave Ramsey says about cash back on credit cards?

I will bite what does he say?

To me a free card that we pay off each month and gives us a bunch of cash back each year is a super duper deal. Especially since we only purchase what we will use.

[yankygrl]

Just a suggestion, but I have started ordering whatever I can from Costco online. If they start seeing the number of orders online that I know we generate maybe it will help get a store built here. Too bad It's such a miserable trip to the nearest location. Sam's is just not doing it for me.
Good luck with that idea...already tried with Trader Joe’s and they aren’t coming.

[Tom M]

still trying to figure out the reason for going to costco for two seniors. where are the regular frozen french fries?

1. The pharmacy (Propecia cheaper than anywhere else)
2. The Rotisserie chickens (bigger and cheaper)
3. The gasoline
4. A 12 month supply of anything you only need a few of.

[Stu from NYC]

So what does Dave Ramsey have to say about Costco?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

You know what Dave Ramsey says about cash back on credit cards? back from my credit card every year , I pay my bill off every month automatically, I’m sure what is not being said and what Dave Ramsey says is if you carry a balance it’s not worth it , but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never listened to him

[Stu from NYC]

back from my credit card every year , I pay my bill off every month automatically, I’m sure what is not being said and what Dave Ramsey says is if you carry a balance it’s not worth it , but I wouldn’t know because I’ve never listened to him

Ramsey is an interesting fellow, a bit too conservative for my taste but he seems to have helped many people.

Still would like to know what he said. Why would someone leave that comment and not come back?

[Kenswing]

Ramsey is an interesting fellow, a bit too conservative for my taste but he seems to have helped many people.

Still would like to know what he said. Why would someone leave that comment and not come back?
Just so you don't have to keep asking, a quick Google search found this.
Are Credit Card Points Worth It? | DaveRamsey.com (https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/credit-card-rewards-yeah-right)

[Stu from NYC]

Just so you don't have to keep asking, a quick Google search found this.
Are Credit Card Points Worth It? | DaveRamsey.com (https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/credit-card-rewards-yeah-right)

Thanks, interesting article.

We pay off our charges monthly and think the cash back with our Sams M/C is very worthwhile. 3 percent on travel air restaurants work great for us, other than this year of course.

We do have a travel card that we pay $ 95 yearly that came with about 60,000 air miles but also a free pass to the United club annually.

When we were able to travel it was worth it to us but now will seriously consider dropping it.

[John41]

Ramsey is an interesting fellow, a bit too conservative for my taste but he seems to have helped many people.

Still would like to know what he said. Why would someone leave that comment and not come back?

Dave Ramsey, “You can wander into debt, but you can’t wander out”.

[NewRealms]

They are building a Costco in Ocala.

[JSR22]

They are building a Costco in Ocala.

They are not building a store in Ocala. They purchased a KMART distribution center and will use it as a DC not a store. There is a sign that they are hiring that got everyone excited. The Mayor of Ocala provided the info of no store.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Just so you don't have to keep asking, a quick Google search found this.
Are Credit Card Points Worth It? | DaveRamsey.com (https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/credit-card-rewards-yeah-right) for people , but it means nothing to most people , my card is no fee, I spend as much money as I like not because of the cash I’ll get back and my credit card company Bank of America. Gives me real cash back, I usually wait till I have $500 , they will ask if you want it towards your bill ( no) sent to your bank account( no) or a check in the mail (yes) because I’m going to spend it lol