Costco

[Bay Kid]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive?

[ThirdOfFive]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive?
Altamonte Springs (Orlando suburb). About 1.25 - 1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. We take the turnpike (tolls).

[Joeint]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive?

The one in Wesley Chaple is 54 minutes from the Fenny area down I-75 with no tolls.

[retiredguy123]

From Lake Sumter Landing the Altamonte Springs location is 64 miles. The Wesley Chapel location is 65 miles, but I think it is an easier drive because it is located on the I-75 Interstate. Also, there is are a lot of other stores at that location.

Next year, there will be a new Costco in Clermont, which will be about 45 miles.

[Stu from NYC]

Still waiting for the one to be built here

[retiredguy123]

Still waiting for the one to be built here
What choice do you have?

FYI, there is a new Costco scheduled to open in Pudong, China in March 2023, only about 7,500 miles from The Villages.

[Stu from NYC]

What choice do you have?

FYI, there is a new Costco scheduled to open in Pudong, China in March 2023, only about 7,500 miles from The Villages.

So far our choices are Sams and BJ's and have membership to both. When it is open will look at Waze and see how we can get there by planes, trains and auto's.

[Laker14]

What choice do you have?

FYI, there is a new Costco scheduled to open in Pudong, China in March 2023, only about 7,500 miles from The Villages.

Plus, there will be a lot of other shops there. Even one selling those crispy roasted cockroaches.

[Stu from NYC]

Plus, there will be a lot of other shops there. Even one selling those crispy roasted cockroaches.

As the old saying goes, Try it you will like it:undecided:

[La lamy]

What choice do you have?

FYI, there is a new Costco scheduled to open in Pudong, China in March 2023, only about 7,500 miles from The Villages.

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.

[coffeebean]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive?

We go to Wesley Chapel Costco. We take I-75 and it takes about one hour and 10 minutes. One time, on a Sunday morning, it took us 55 minutes to get there.

Costco is coming to a location in Clermont. We drove to the site where construction had not begun yet and it took us 45 minutes to get there. That location will be where we will be going to Costco.

[coffeebean]

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.

For us, it is not about saving money. Costco has products that I can not find anywhere else. That is a fact.

[deej012160]

We like Costco because of the people working there. It is always a good experience. I have returned a few things, too, and it was very easy to do. No surly employees to deal with!

[retiredguy123]

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.
Where can you buy a $20K diamond ring, and return it 10 years later and get a full refund?

[coffeebean]

We like Costco because of the people working there. It is always a good experience. I have returned a few things, too, and it was very easy to do. No surly employees to deal with!

Costco employees are happy employees. Costco has a great retention level of employees.

[coffeebean]

Where can you buy a $20K diamond ring, and return it 10 years later and get a full refund?

Really? I know Costco has a great return policy but that is out of this world.

[retiredguy123]

Really? I know Costco has a great return policy but that is out of this world.
Yes, there's no time limit for returns, except for certain electronics products. And they sell high priced jewelry up to $80 to $100K.

Most jewelry stores will never give you a refund, only an exchange within a few weeks after purchase.

[coffeebean]

Yes, there's no time limit for returns, except for certain electronics products. And they sell high priced jewelry up to $80 to $100K.

Most jewelry stores will never give you a refund, only an exchange within a few weeks after purchase.

You can't beat that!

[Kenswing]

We like the $4.99 rotisserie chicken. My wife brought a whole chicken home from Publix for me to cook on the smoker. The price was $13.00. I asked her never to do that again. lol

[kkingston57]

Depends upon where you live. We are in the Spanish Springs area and closest/fastest time Costco is about 1 hour away near the Millenial Mall(1-4 and Turnpike). Closest, but not fastest is Altamonte Springs.

[RICH1]

Costco about 1 hour away… do you have Mapquest or one of many GPS options? The DMV should consider testing Senior cognitive skills

[Stu from NYC]

We like the $4.99 rotisserie chicken. My wife brought a whole chicken home from Publix for me to cook on the smoker. The price was $13.00. I asked her never to do that again. lol

Sams and BJs also sell the same chicken but we think Sams tastes better.

Supposedly they are a loss leader for all three big box stores

[Djean1981]

I submitted feedback on Costco's site asking for a Costco in the Villages. They'll probably ignore it, but I figured it can't hurt to ask.

[gego3650]

Clermont location is almost finished.

[retiredguy123]

Clermont location is almost finished.
It is not even listed as a future store, and it is not on their schedule to open within the the next 6 months.

[DARFAP]

No kidding. Have been to Sam's and Costco. Basically the same, and there's one in Lady Lake.

[Kenswing]

Clermont location is almost finished.

This would suggest that construction hasn’t even started.

Costco / Clermont (https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/f6f137f87ece47bcbc1f2d6f3a98d3ee.html)

[Stu from NYC]

This would suggest that construction hasn’t even started.

Costco / Clermont (https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/f6f137f87ece47bcbc1f2d6f3a98d3ee.html)

Very strange

[bsloan1960]

So far our choices are Sams and BJ's and have membership to both. When it is open will look at Waze and see how we can get there by planes, trains and auto's.

Never been to Sams or BJ's. Do you do weekly shopping there? Is that how it pays for the price of membership?... and if so why be a member of TWO discount places? Thanks

[coralway]

A great stock to own

[Stu from NYC]

Never been to Sams or BJ's. Do you do weekly shopping there? Is that how it pays for the price of membership?... and if so why be a member of TWO discount places? Thanks

Each place has some different offerings. Been a member of Sams for 30 years and just joined BG's when new store opened.

Going back and forth but probably will keep both memberships.

One big advantage of BJ is a very good deli counter. Sams has pharmacy.

We like the fruits and vegetables at both stores and do go weekly for the most part.

[kkingston57]

Clermont location is almost finished.

Per friend of ours in Clermont, they just started.

[coffeebean]

Per friend of ours in Clermont, they just started.

Thank you for the information. Waiting patiently for this Costco to be ready for customers. (Actually, I can't wait!!!!)

[Michael G.]

Thank you for the information. Waiting patiently for this Costco to be ready for customers. (Actually, I can't wait!!!!)

Can anyone give me a reason why Costco ignores building around are near TV??

[Kenswing]

Can anyone give me a reason why Costco ignores building around are near TV??

We’re not really their target demographic. They rely more on families that buy in bulk not old folks that tend to buy less. Add in the seasonal fluctuation of the population and it makes us even less attractive.

That being said. Maybe now with all the multi family housing being built on the periphery of The Villages and the impending construction of Middleton, we might start to look a little more viable.

[Stu from NYC]

Thank you for the information. Waiting patiently for this Costco to be ready for customers. (Actually, I can't wait!!!!)

Apparently they just started construction however according to others it is almost done.

Cant wait until someone figures this out

[Kenswing]

Apparently they just started construction however according to others it is almost done.

Cant wait until someone figures this out

Why don’t you drive down there and take a look? What better way to “figure this out”. Let us know what you find.

[retiredguy123]

Apparently they just started construction however according to others it is almost done.

Cant wait until someone figures this out
On their website, the future store openings are scheduled out to March 2023, but the Clermont store is not listed. So, apparently, you have at least another 6 months or longer to wait.

There is a lot of building construction in the area, but it is not clear whether it is the Costco store or other stores that are planned for the area. It could be that they want to complete the surrounding store construction before opening the Costco.

[Stu from NYC]

Why don’t you drive down there and take a look? What better way to “figure this out”. Let us know what you find.

I would but in the middle of cataract surgery so not willing to drive that far. I hereby deputize you to do it.

[Kenswing]

I would but in the middle of cataract surgery so not willing to drive that far. I hereby deputize you to do it.

Nah. I figure it’ll open when it opens. In the meantime I’ll be happy making the drive to Wesley Chapel.

Good luck with the peepers. That eye stuff gives me the willies.

[mikeycereal]

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.

I didn't either. Until I tried the pesto salmon in the foil tray. Signed up right after trying it. Sam's Salmon is... okay, but not the same. I'm going to have to try Lighthouse one day so I stop pining for Costco to open closer.

[Stu from NYC]

Nah. I figure it’ll open when it opens. In the meantime I’ll be happy making the drive to Wesley Chapel.

Good luck with the peepers. That eye stuff gives me the willies.

So far it is doing ok. Told nurses was very nervous so they really filled me with whatever they used to make me very relaxed. I have no idea what happened between being rolled into OR and than finding myself sitting in a chair.

An hour of my life was gone.

[FMF Doc]

What choice do you have?

FYI, there is a new Costco scheduled to open in Pudong, China in March 2023, only about 7,500 miles from The Villages.

Is it golf cart accessible?

[Stu from NYC]

Is it golf cart accessible?

Only if the bus leaves you off in the parking lot. However more likely they take you to the door in a rickshaw

[Laker14]

Is it golf cart accessible?

Yes, but it's not on The Villages GPS App yet. However it will be by the time it opens, because the new Village of Pyongchaing will just be opening by then. But it will be a few more years before all of the bridges are built.

[Bilyclub]

Wesley Chapel is an easier drive with a lot within a few blocks. The Orlando location by I-4 is a zoo. There is a Costco Business Store that has some different items like Dr Pepper a few miles from the I-4 store.

[coffeebean]

Can anyone give me a reason why Costco ignores building around are near TV??

It has been said time and time again that The Villages is not Costco's demographic. Our households here are not families but usually two people per household. I guess we just don't purchase enough and many of the warehouses have large quantities.

Having said that, Sam's seems to do very well here. Costco could have had that location but they opted not to go for it.

[coffeebean]

I would but in the middle of cataract surgery so not willing to drive that far. I hereby deputize you to do it.

Wishing you an excellent outcome with your surgery.

[coffeebean]

I didn't either. Until I tried the pesto salmon in the foil tray. Signed up right after trying it. Sam's Salmon is... okay, but not the same. I'm going to have to try Lighthouse one day so I stop pining for Costco to open closer.

Costco's pulled rotisserie chicken is fantastic. I portion it into several servings and freeze them. It is delicious and it's all breast meat in the package.

[coffeebean]

Wesley Chapel is an easier drive with a lot within a few blocks. The Orlando location by I-4 is a zoo. There is a Costco Business Store that has some different items like Dr Pepper a few miles from the I-4 store.


Wesley Chapel is our chosen location to go to Costco.

[Stu from NYC]

Costco's pulled rotisserie chicken is fantastic. I portion it into several servings and freeze them. It is delicious and it's all breast meat in the package.

Sams used to sell 4 whole breasts with wings in one package and loved it. Unfortunately since Covid stopped offering it.

[EdFNJ]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive? After being here 9 years you don't know? Or is this just the periodic Costco click bait topic? :shrug:

[EdFNJ]

This would suggest that construction hasn’t even started.

Costco / Clermont (https://www.constructionjournal.com/projects/details/f6f137f87ece47bcbc1f2d6f3a98d3ee.html)

Very strange Why? It states on top of that link Construction is expected to begin late 2022. It ain't late yet! :)

[Stu from NYC]

Why? It states on top of that link Construction is expected to begin late 2022. It ain't late yet! :)

Other people have stated that this site is not even on the list of upcoming stores.

[mbene]

One of the things we've found is that once you find a product at Costco you like, when you go back your next few trips that product is usually still for sale there. At Sam's we would find something we like then the next time we went they would no longer carry it.

[Stu from NYC]

One of the things we've found is that once you find a product at Costco you like, when you go back your next few trips that product is usually still for sale there. At Sam's we would find something we like then the next time we went they would no longer carry it.

Been a member of Sams for over 30 years and most of the things we bought early on are still for sale. However quite a few prepared food items have come and gone over the years but do seem to hang around for quite a while.

[MrChip72]

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.

Costco products (mostly Kirkland branded) are generally much higher quality than Walmart, and even higher quality than most competing products as a whole. I would be interested to know any "Great Value" products from Walmart that are "almost as good" as any of the Costco products.

Costco is successful because of the high quality and value that it delivers for customers. For Walmart, it's more about how cheap they can sell low quality items.

[Timothyimitchell]

It has been said time and time again that The Villages is not Costco's demographic. Our households here are not families but usually two people per household. I guess we just don't purchase enough and many of the warehouses have large quantities.

Having said that, Sam's seems to do very well here. Costco could have had that location but they opted not to go for it.

Eastport/Middleton will provide that demographic. Costco and all the other shopping will be across the Bexley Bridge. That's if, the economy doesn't collapse. That may be a big IF

[Stu from NYC]

Eastport/Middleton will provide that demographic. Costco and all the other shopping will be across the Bexley Bridge. That's if, the economy doesn't collapse. That may be a big IF

Could be but if it happens most of us will have moved on.

[Michael G.]

We’re not really their target demographic. They rely more on families that buy in bulk not old folks that tend to buy less. Add in the seasonal fluctuation of the population and it makes us even less attractive.



With BJ's and Sam's club a couple miles apart doesn't help either.

[Djean1981]

I'm hoping for a Costco in the South area - once Middleton, new school, family housing development (and other non-villages housing) is in place.

[Stu from NYC]

With BJ's and Sam's club a couple miles apart doesn't help either.

That is why I think having a Costco is just wishful thinking.

[mikeycereal]

Costco's pulled rotisserie chicken is fantastic. I portion it into several servings and freeze them. It is delicious and it's all breast meat in the package.

I used to like rotissarie chicken, but the last few times I bought one it tasted different and the texture was tougher. It was really gross, like chewing rubber. Ended up tossing it. I was trying to figure out why it was like that since I love chicken. Only experienced that about 4 times in the last 4 years. When I bought chicken breasts there was that same rubber texture after cooking. And it's not from overcooking. It may be from added hormones. When I get chicken from Cane's or Huey's it's always been melt in the mouth good. The tenders aren't a problem, seems to be more with the breast.

[Bilyclub]

I used to like rotissarie chicken, but the last few times I bought one it tasted different and the texture was tougher. It was really gross, like chewing rubber. Ended up tossing it. I was trying to figure out why it was like that since I love chicken. Only experienced that about 4 times in the last 4 years. When I bought chicken breasts there was that same rubber texture after cooking. And it's not from overcooking. It may be from added hormones. When I get chicken from Cane's or Huey's it's always been melt in the mouth good. The tenders aren't a problem, seems to be more with the breast.

I thought I was the only one with that problem. Happened at Havana a couple of times too. Always thought it was over cooking.

[coffeebean]

I used to like rotissarie chicken, but the last few times I bought one it tasted different and the texture was tougher. It was really gross, like chewing rubber. Ended up tossing it. I was trying to figure out why it was like that since I love chicken. Only experienced that about 4 times in the last 4 years. When I bought chicken breasts there was that same rubber texture after cooking. And it's not from overcooking. It may be from added hormones. When I get chicken from Cane's or Huey's it's always been melt in the mouth good. The tenders aren't a problem, seems to be more with the breast.

Oh my, that is not good news. So far, (knock on wood), the rotisserie chicken from Costco has been really delicious. What they do is pull the white meat off the bone and package it......no bones and no skin.

[thelegges]

I used to like rotissarie chicken, but the last few times I bought one it tasted different and the texture was tougher. It was really gross, like chewing rubber. Ended up tossing it. I was trying to figure out why it was like that since I love chicken. Only experienced that about 4 times in the last 4 years. When I bought chicken breasts there was that same rubber texture after cooking. And it's not from overcooking. It may be from added hormones. When I get chicken from Cane's or Huey's it's always been melt in the mouth good. The tenders aren't a problem, seems to be more with the breast.
When a chicken is marinated, or Brined too long it gets tough, with a rubber consistency. We brine all of our poultry before baking or rotisserie, keeps them juicy. Could be Costco or their supplier, has changed their soak process and chicken comes out very different

[coffeebean]

Eastport/Middleton will provide that demographic. Costco and all the other shopping will be across the Bexley Bridge. That's if, the economy doesn't collapse. That may be a big IF

Close enough. That would be a great location for a Costco for all of The Villages.

[coffeebean]

I'm hoping for a Costco in the South area - once Middleton, new school, family housing development (and other non-villages housing) is in place.
I’m hoping too. If all of this expansion in the south of The Villages makes us look more lucrative for Costco in our area, I’m all for it.

[Kenswing]

I’m surprised that Ocala doesn’t have one. They’re a city of 60,000+. That would also be an easy trip from The Villages.

[goldseekur]

That is why I think having a Costco is just wishful thinking.


In Columbus, Ohio, we has a Costco right across the street from a Sam's Club.

Maybe they will get like gas stations, one on every corner!:a20:

[daniel200]

Costco products (mostly Kirkland branded) are generally much higher quality than Walmart, and even higher quality than most competing products as a whole. I would be interested to know any "Great Value" products from Walmart that are "almost as good" as any of the Costco products.

Costco is successful because of the high quality and value that it delivers for customers. For Walmart, it's more about how cheap they can sell low quality items.


Now I understand why so many say that The Villages is not Costco's demographic.

[thelegges]

I’m hoping too. If all of this expansion in the south of The Villages makes us look more lucrative for Costco in our area, I’m all for it.

Claremont is as close as you will see a Costco, never on developer land.

[Stu from NYC]

In Columbus, Ohio, we has a Costco right across the street from a Sam's Club.

Maybe they will get like gas stations, one on every corner!:a20:

OK but has anyone ever seen the three of them on top of each other?

[Michael G.]

OK but has anyone ever seen the three of them on top of each other?

What a great idea.
Three level shopping in one building, Costo, Sam's Club, and BJ's. :pepper2:

[JSR22]

OK but has anyone ever seen the three of them on top of each other?

In Flemington NJ there is a Costco, BJs and a Walmart Super Center within 3 miles of each other.

[Stu from NYC]

In Flemington NJ there is a Costco, BJs and a Walmart Super Center within 3 miles of each other.

OK but please let me know when they add a Sams to the mix.

[JSR22]

OK but please let me know when they add a Sams to the mix.

To me there is zero difference between Walmart Super Center and Sams. I don’t like either one.

[coffeebean]

In Columbus, Ohio, we has a Costco right across the street from a Sam's Club.

Maybe they will get like gas stations, one on every corner!:a20:

Friends of ours in Georgia have a Home Depot right across the street from Lowes.

[Nucky]

I move that a Costco is built in The Village’s immediately with a Jumbo Tron, Movie Theater before an old friend ruptures an artery! Let’s get to work on this. We can use the laborers who are screwing the pooch on the 441 improvement project!

[Stu from NYC]

I move that a Costco is built in The Village’s immediately with a Jumbo Tron, Movie Theater before an old friend ruptures an artery! Let’s get to work on this. We can use the laborers who are screwing the pooch on the 441 improvement project!

Rumor has it those workers are on an around the world cruise and will be back in time to do some work in February.

[Stu from NYC]

Friends of ours in Georgia have a Home Depot right across the street from Lowes.

In many areas of the country the two stores are next door to each other. In Roanoke they were on each side of the street.

[B-flat]

For us, it is not about saving money. Costco has products that I can not find anywhere else. That is a fact.

Same here products we can't find anywhere else and that's not even mentioning the fact I purchased Kirkland hearing aids(made by Phonak) thru them for $1399 vs. $5000 elsewhere for a very comparable national brand.

[Jensor17]

LOL
Don't see why people love Costco. I haven't found it much better or cheaper than Walmart myself.
Costco guarantees every product they sell. From Christmas trees to vaccuums.
. I had a bagless vacuum cleaner by FantomVac that never worked. I took it to a local warranty repair shop owner, who said there is no warranty on Fantom vacs. Costco took it back without a squabble. I had a Christmas tree that would not light up in the middle. Costco manager said “we will refund your money”.
Costco adds extra years’ warranties FREE on computers and appliances and TVs. Costco price-savings on one trip are worth the cost of your annual.membership

[thelegges]

Costco guarantees every product they sell. From Christmas trees to vaccuums.
. I had a bagless vacuum cleaner by FantomVac that never worked. I took it to a local warranty repair shop owner, who said there is no warranty on Fantom vacs. Costco took it back without a squabble. I had a Christmas tree that would not light up in the middle. Costco manager said “we will refund your money”.
Costco adds extra years’ warranties FREE on computers and appliances and TVs. Costco price-savings on one trip are worth the cost of your annual.membership

We had a 3 year old dyson that was close to $450. That stopped working. While in Costco looking for new vacuum, employee told us to bring it back, we were refunded the full amount. I can’t think of any business other than Costco that will do that even with an extended warranty. We buy all of our electronics there.

[coffeebean]

Same here products we can't find anywhere else and that's not even mentioning the fact I purchased Kirkland hearing aids(made by Phonak) thru them for $1399 vs. $5000 elsewhere for a very comparable national brand.

Good for you! Certainly worth the price of the membership.

[Pairadocs]

How far is Costco from The Villages? Is it an easy drive?

We tend to go to the Winter Park location (45 miles) most often; but I suppose it depends on each person's preferences/routines. We loved the idea of being about to do our Trader Joe's shopping, Whole Foods shopping, and Costco shopping all in one day.... plus the allure of having a great dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants there before coming home. The fact that we could also make a "Nothing Bundt" stop was also a powerful "motivator", LOL, now of course, we HAVE our own Nothing Bundt ! Otherwise, our favorite Costco location is Sarasota.. much further of course, but we just do that one when we are going to the beach there for the day, leave beach about 4:30, do our Costco thing, and still get home at a reasonable time... for seniors...LOL ! Another reason we use the Winter Park Costco so much is we LOVE to eat at Another Broken Egg (first discovered on a trip to Charleston 5-6 years ago) in Winter Park Village. Now we are going to have that great breakfast/brunch/lunch choice right here too soon !

[GoldenBoy]

Hoping they are back in time for the snow bird traffic.

[GoldenBoy]

Better question is why would you return the ring? Unless you also returned the wife/mistress/girlfriend.

[Stu from NYC]

Better question is why would you return the ring? Unless you also returned the wife/mistress/girlfriend.

Hmmm very interesting

[WingedFoot78]

Toll roads?

[BlueStarAirlines]

Otherwise, our favorite Costco location is Sarasota..

Thats my favorite as well. I visit family south of Tampa and then go to that Costco. Very nice!

[SusanStCatherine]

Do y'all realize Costco knows you are shopping with them despite the great distance? Why should they go to the trouble of building one here?

[Stu from NYC]

Do y'all realize Costco knows you are shopping with them despite the great distance? Why should they go to the trouble of building one here?

Ever since we all got smart phones big brother knows exactly where we are.