Clermont Costco Construction

[coffeebean]

Construction for Costco has started. I’m looking at it right now. Problem is there is also major construction on the Turnpike for a few miles with lanes being added north and southbound.

[retiredguy123]

The Costco website still doesn't list the Clermont store on their future store list, which shows stores opening through April 2023.

[Kenswing]

Construction for Costco has started. I’m looking at it right now. Problem is there is also major construction on the Turnpike for a few miles with lanes being added north and southbound.

Why is Turnpike construction a problem for Costco construction?

[asianthree]

Construction for Costco has started. I’m looking at it right now. Problem is there is also major construction on the Turnpike for a few miles with lanes being added north and southbound.

Turnpike construction has been ongoing for months, and it’s more than a few miles. Travel to Disney every 3 weeks, with zero issues.

Why would Turnpike construction be a major problem for any retail under construction, it not like Costco is building on the side of turnpike.

[coffeebean]

The Costco website still doesn't list the Clermont store on their future store list, which shows stores opening through April 2023.

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?

[coffeebean]

Why is Turnpike construction a problem for Costco construction?

It’s just going to be a PIA to get there via the Turnpike until construction is done. Maybe both projects will be done close to the same time but who knows.

[retiredguy123]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?
It depends. Where there is a will, there is a way.

I knew a carpet salesman who was asked by a lady customer how long will the carpet last? He told her that it will last forever, if you don't walk on it.

[retiredguy123]

It’s just going to be a PIA to get there via the Turnpike until construction is done. Maybe both projects will be done close to the same time but who knows.
No need to use the Turnpike. 441 to 27 to 50. Easy drive, and may even be shorter, depending on where you start from.

[Michael 61]

Costco coming to Clermont soon! How exciting!

[asianthree]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?

Costco building takes about 16 weeks. Then Stock still has to be delivered, and staff trained. So technically building could be completed by April 2023, 30-60 days to open so could be a June soft opening

[coffeebean]

No need to use the Turnpike. 441 to 27 to 50. Easy drive, and may even be shorter, depending on where you start from.

We have driven that way to Clermont so that will probably be an alternate route to Costco.

[coffeebean]

Costco building takes about 16 weeks. Then Stock still has to be delivered, and staff trained. So technically building could be completed by April 2023, 30-60 days to open so could be a June soft opening

Thanks for the info.

[Dilligas]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?
See, there is a Costco coming to The Villages………or……..The Villages is coming to Costco.
The way TV is spreading, it may be to Clermont before Costco finishes construction.

[Nucky]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

[NoMo50]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

This is welcome news for those of us who were accustomed to shopping at Costco "back home." Even though we don't stock up a large freezer with bulk purchases like when our kids lived at home, Costco is still our go-to for many things. My hearing aids came from Costco. My wife gets all of her prescription glasses there. The Kirkland brand coffee still comes in a 3 pound can, and it's good coffee. They generally offer good quality meats. Their return policy is second to none. Plus, with their loyalty programs we typically get $800 - $1,000 in cash back every year in February. Right now, we go to the Costco in Wesley Chapel, which is about a 50 minute drive. Clermont will be a little closer.

[toeser]

Might as well be on the moon. I would never save enough to drive 70 miles roundtrip for shopping, not to mention my time.

[Hardlyworking]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

Well yeah but wait until you see the size of that can!😂

[GizmoWhiskers]

Construction for Costco has started. I’m looking at it right now. Problem is there is also major construction on the Turnpike for a few miles with lanes being added north and southbound.
Cool! Pretty soon you will be able to reach it via golf cart too.

[Mrmean58]

It’s just going to be a PIA to get there via the Turnpike until construction is done. Maybe both projects will be done close to the same time but who knows.

The OP hasn't given an indication where this new Costco is in relation to the turnpike. I would think the approval process would also require a traffic study to see if mitigation of any negative impacts are required. If it's too big a PIA then villagers have BJs and Sam's as alternatives.

[GizmoWhiskers]

This is welcome news for those of us who were accustomed to shopping at Costco "back home." Even though we don't stock up a large freezer with bulk purchases like when our kids lived at home, Costco is still our go-to for many things. My hearing aids came from Costco. My wife gets all of her prescription glasses there. The Kirkland brand coffee still comes in a 3 pound can, and it's good coffee. They generally offer good quality meats. Their return policy is second to none. Plus, with their loyalty programs we typically get $800 - $1,000 in cash back every year in February. Right now, we go to the Costco in Wesley Chapel, which is about a 50 minute drive. Clermont will be a little closer.
Just an fyi Sam has hearing aids he'll sell ya too.

[retiredguy123]

The OP hasn't given an indication where this new Costco is in relation to the turnpike. I would think the approval process would also require a traffic study to see if mitigation of any negative impacts are required. If it's too big a PIA then villagers have BJs and Sam's as alternatives.
The new Costco will be located on Rt 50, about 9 miles east of Rt 27.

[mkjelenbaas]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?
Why not just call Costco?9

[asianthree]

The OP hasn't given an indication where this new Costco is in relation to the turnpike. I would think the approval process would also require a traffic study to see if mitigation of any negative impacts are required. If it's too big a PIA then villagers have BJs and Sam's as alternatives.

According to posters they were so in love with BJ’s they drove to Clermont to shop. So not a big deal for those who routinely shop out of the bubble.

Up north we had 4 Costco’s, 3 Sam’s, within 30 minutes of our house. We always went to Costco, as stated previous post their return policy is golden.

My 3yo dyson was giving me problems, I was buying a new one, cashier said bring the other one back. We did next visit, return excepted with a smile and sorry, and full refund. Printer died, replaced, kurig coffee pot, same thing.

All of our prescription glasses are bought there. Had an issue with glasses, after18 months and they replaced the lenses. Staff is always helpful and seems happy, or if they are having a bad day, it’s not reflected on you.

We drive to Wesley Chapel for Costco since the day it opened, great shopping area, restaurants, and if you love Indian food, there is a large Indian retirement community in Wesley Chapel with shopping and restaurants.

Clermont will be closer drive, for quick Costco shopping, but if we want to make a day of good food, shopping, we will still travel to WC.

You will always have those who will complain about driving, outside the bubble. That’s understandable, it’s out of their comfort zone, of driving distance. Until that happens to us, off we go to Multiple areas of Florida to enjoy. So shop Costco or don’t, the loyal diehards will still travel, for that frozen cappuccino,:coolsmiley:

[M2inOR]

The new Costco will be located on Rt 50, about 9 miles east of Rt 27.

Yes, it will be between hwy 27 and the turnpike on hwy 50.

When Costco opens, to avoid the turnpike construction, you can use the Minneola exit from the turnpike, the one before the construction and hwy 50.

Yes, Costco makes sense for some, but not all.

Math and planning are essential skills for shopping, to determine value and cost. For us, once a month to Costco is essential. We've visited Wesley Chapel, Altamonte Springs, Orlando, Augusta, and Tampa Costco stores in the past year.

We were spoiled - when we lived in Oregon, we were less than 30 minutes of 5 different Costco warehouses.

[JeepsterGlenn]

I enjoy going to Costco for the friendly staff, great return policy, and savings on many items we buy routinely. You can be well fed with their many free food and drink samples, $1.50 hot dog with Soda, complete broasted chicken for $4.99, and extra large pizza for under $10. They also have 90 day no-questions return policy on TV’s and other Electronics. Most other items have two year warranties.

On top of the above savings their gas prices are typically twenty cents below market and you save an additional 2 percent on gas if you use their credit card.

Costco is the only big box store I know of that is really customer focused and requires high quality items from their suppliers and will request design changes if they find something they do not like.

I have no connection to Costco other than shopping there but I believe in supporting businesses that price fairly and care more about their customers satisfaction than windfall profits!

[merrymini]

No need to use the Turnpike. 441 to 27 to 50. Easy drive, and may even be shorter, depending on where you start from.

NOT shorter than the turnpike going on local roads. It takes about 20 minutes longer. I have done both.

[ThirdOfFive]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.
Fascination or just hard common sense?

We were Costco members when we moved here so did our bulk shopping (and some electronics) at the Altamonte Springs Costco. However we joined Sam's Club mainly to avoid the long drive to Costco and back, though we did retain our Costco membership as well for major online purchases.

However of the two (Costco and Sam's) all things considered, we definitely prefer Costco, and for a variety of reasons. First, store brand. Kirkland seems to be at least one step up overall than Member's Mark. Second, customer service. We bought a TV from Costco in Altamonte Springs when we first moved here, but it lacked some features that I thought should have been included when we bought it. Costco has a 90-day no-questions-asked return policy but it was at least four months down the road from when I bought it. I called the manager; based on our history with Costco (15 year members in MN) he did take it back. Benefitted us both; I used the refund plus about $400 more to purchase a better TV from the same store, and we've been very happy with it.

Third, staff training. Costco staff overall seems a bit better trained as well as much more motivated. We've encountered more than a few lackadaisical responses from Sam's staff here in TV. Never encountered that Costco.

[retiredguy123]

NOT shorter than the turnpike going on local roads. It takes about 20 minutes longer. I have done both.
From the Fruitland Park section of The Villages, Google Maps says that Clermont is 48 minutes via Rt 27, and 51 minutes via the Turnpike.

[PurePeach]

And the quality of merchandise is at least 2 steps above Sam’s. Their wine prices can’t be beaten as they are the #1 wine seller in the US. Huge selection of organic, plant-based (vegan), and non-GMO foods. Furniture is top of the line. I could go on and on.

[Boston-Sean]

Their wine prices can’t be beaten as they are the #1 wine seller in the US.

Ex-Gf was from Sacramento and when visiting her family we did a Napa wine tour. At one of the vineyards she met the owner and he recommended a particular wine for her. She bought 4 bottles for about $100 total.

Back in Boston we're at our local Costco and I see the same wine selling for $9.99 a bottle. Strangely, she didn't find that as funny as I did.

[Sbcapach]

Where is the closest Costco to the villages?

[Nucky]

There has to be something to it. To many people speak highly of Costco for it to be a dud. We shall see very shortly.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Forget Costco how about an Armani or Hugo Boss store. The closest are in Orlando ,which doesn’t make for spur of the moment retail therapy.

[retiredguy123]

Where is the closest Costco to the villages?
The closest one is in Altamonte Springs. But, some people go to the one in Wesley Chapel because it is an easy drive on I-75. The distance depends on where you live in The Villages.

[lorilorilori]

It takes 72 hours to build a COSTO but
7 months to get a County :posting:building permit !!

[New Englander]

Can two people join together and each get a membership card on the same account?

[Lancer]

Found this on the web:
Construction of a Costco. As of November 15, 2022, construction has not started. Construction is likley to start in spring of 2023. This project hasn’t went out to bid yet for subs.

[Boston-Sean]

Can two people join together and each get a membership card on the same account?

Yes, if you have the same address. You pay for only one membership.

[Boston-Sean]

The closest one is in Altamonte Springs. But, some people go to the one in Wesley Chapel because it is an easy drive on I-75. The distance depends on where you live in The Villages.

I made the mistake of going to the Altamonte Springs location on a Saturday. It was chaos. Walked inside, saw the lines at the registers, turned around and left.

[hmaynard129]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?

Pretty sure it’s takes a whole lot longer than building an entirely new village in The Villages 😉

[coffeebean]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

1) PULLED rotisserie chicken - so delicious and does great in the freezer

2) Charmin toilet tissue that is 4" wide rather than 3 1/2 " wide. The ONLY place on earth that has this size. The toilet paper stays on the holder without moving left to right

3) Soft soap with lotion in it. I have not seen this in any store anywhere else around here

4) Frozen Phillips crab cakes (superior quality than the Phillips crab cakes at BJ's) more huge chunks of crab and firmer texture. Costco has higher standards for their products that they sell in their warehouse.

We have a long list of items we purchase at Costco.......Kirkland products are excellent!

[coffeebean]

Might as well be on the moon. I would never save enough to drive 70 miles roundtrip for shopping, not to mention my time.

For us, it is a fun day to take a ride. We go to Wesley Chapel Costco and make a good part of the day of it. We go to lunch at Cheddars. I surely wish Cheddars would come to The Villages. They would certainly be very successful here.

[coffeebean]

The closest one is in Altamonte Springs. But, some people go to the one in Wesley Chapel because it is an easy drive on I-75. The distance depends on where you live in The Villages.

According to hubby (he does all the driving to Costco)......
Altamonte Springs is not the easiest ride. Altemonte Springs, via 441 and lots of stop lights, is 1hour and 15 minutes; 45 miles

Wesley Chapel, via I75, 1 hour 8 minutes; 66 miles

Orlando near Mall of Millenia via Turnpike is 1 hour and 10 minutes; 56 miles

Clermont via Turnpike is 53 minutes; 42 miles

[coffeebean]

Have I told you............I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Costco.

[Gabi12]

Agree with your response! We were just at Wesley Chapel yesterday. Looking forward to the opening! Gas was $2.79

[laryb]

I bought 3 bottles of single malt scotch a couple of summers ago at the Altamonte Springs Costco while visiting our son in Longwood. Put them in the bin we have in the back of the SUV and made several other stops before returning home. At the last stop we discovered a strong smell. It seems the heat expanded the scotch and blew the tops off (luckily the bin stopped it from spilling onto the carpet). Returned to the liquor dept., and they called the manager. He looked at the bottles and apologized for the inconvenience, and replaced the 3 bottles at around $80 each. I also bought a watch for my wife with a jeweled bracelet. A year later one of the stones fell out, and they only had the display model left. They offered me the display watch or a full refund with no questions asked, and I didn't even have the receipt. Those are a couple of the many reasons we love going to Costco. Also love the hot dogs and pizza!

[Koapaka]

For us, it is a fun day to take a ride. We go to Wesley Chapel Costco and make a good part of the day of it. We go to lunch at Cheddars. I surely wish Cheddars would come to The Villages. They would certainly be very successful here.

And if you are REALLY smart, you order it all from Costco to be DELIVERED to you here at your house in TV with NO shopping, travel time. Do it all the time.

[cah177]

It is beyond me why Costco hasn't built a store close to The Villages. Seems like a no brainer.

[Stu from NYC]

It is beyond me why Costco hasn't built a store close to The Villages. Seems like a no brainer.

Blame it on Sams and BJ.

[Rwirish]

Last thing needed is a Costco.

[jimkerr]

Construction for Costco has started. I’m looking at it right now. Problem is there is also major construction on the Turnpike for a few miles with lanes being added north and southbound.

So what. One doesn’t have anything to do with the other.

[tvbound]

I'm no longer amazed at the number of people who dislike/criticize Costco, based primarily on the fact that their employees are paid so well (comparatively) and treated so decently. Even if a specific item might be found cheaper at a Sam's/BJ's/Etc., the difference in the average Costco employee's positive attitude and helpfulness, compared to its competition - is legendary.

Costco Jobs Come With a Number of Perks, According to Employees (https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-jobs-best-part-2018-4)

[NoMo50]

I'm no longer amazed at the number of people who dislike/criticize Costco, based primarily on the fact that their employees are paid so well (comparatively) and treated so decently. Even if a specific item might be found cheaper at a Sam's/BJ's/Etc., the difference in the average Costco employee's positive attitude and helpfulness, compared to its competition - is legendary.

Costco Jobs Come With a Number of Perks, According to Employees (https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-jobs-best-part-2018-4)

Very true. We have met many Costco employees over the years who have worked for the company for 15+ years, and are happy and helpful. Sam's Club? Typical disgruntled Wal-Mart staffers.

[Rolson08]

Skip the Turnpike. Alternate route would be CR470 to CR33 down to Marcotte and Highway 50. Easy drive.

[mtdjed]

[QUOTE=I enjoy going to Costco for the friendly staff, great return policy, and savings on many items we buy routinely. You can be well fed with their many free food and drink samples, $1.50 hot dog with Soda, complete broasted chicken for $4.99, and extra large pizza for under $10. They also have 90 day no-questions return policy on TV’s and other Electronics. Most other items have two year warranties.

On top of the above savings their gas prices are typically twenty cents below market and you save an additional 2 percent on gas if you use their credit card./QUOTE]

Yep, let's pay that $60 membership fee and drive 80 miles round trip so we will be able to get that finger licking good hot Broasted chicken for $4.99 and fill up the gas tank for 20 cents less than gas stations in The Villages (except Sam's and BJ's). Of course, we will have to reheat the chicken and freeze the leftovers when we get back.

Only about 3 hours of my time and about $20 for fuel, and car costs at $.26/mile.

But I got my 2 gallon can of green beans, 4 inch wide TP, and Softsoap with lotion.
Next week we get the $1.50 Hotdog and soda and another TV that we can take back. And more gas. Never thought I could save so much money.

[NoMo50]

I bought 3 bottles of single malt scotch a couple of summers ago at the Altamonte Springs Costco while visiting our son in Longwood. Put them in the bin we have in the back of the SUV and made several other stops before returning home. At the last stop we discovered a strong smell. It seems the heat expanded the scotch and blew the tops off (luckily the bin stopped it from spilling onto the carpet). Returned to the liquor dept., and they called the manager. He looked at the bottles and apologized for the inconvenience, and replaced the 3 bottles at around $80 each. I also bought a watch for my wife with a jeweled bracelet. A year later one of the stones fell out, and they only had the display model left. They offered me the display watch or a full refund with no questions asked, and I didn't even have the receipt. Those are a couple of the many reasons we love going to Costco. Also love the hot dogs and pizza!

You don't even need a receipt for a return at Costco. All purchases are tracked via your member ID, and they can pull it up instantly. Also, if you need a copy of a receipt you no longer have, like for a rebate, they can print a duplicate long after the time of purchase.

[kbogli]

Can two people join together and each get a membership card on the same account?

If you live in the same household.

[chappy]

It looks like this warehouse won’t be opening before April. How long does it take to build a Costco? Anyone know?
Costco advertised they were coming to The Villages back in 2012, when we moved to The Villages. Are they FINALLy moving here because we now have two membership stores and we proved they should have keep their original word.

[JSR22]

Costco advertised they were coming to The Villages back in 2012, when we moved to The Villages. Are they FINALLy moving here because we now have two membership stores and we proved they should have keep their original word.

They are not coming to TV, they are building in Clermont.

[jump4]

Skip the Turnpike. Alternate route would be CR470 to CR33 down to Marcotte and Highway 50. Easy drive.

Why take CR33 instead of Rt. 27?

[JoMar]

Costco advertised they were coming to The Villages back in 2012, when we moved to The Villages. Are they FINALLy moving here because we now have two membership stores and we proved they should have keep their original word.

Their business plan and operating model are different from Sam's and BJ's so all that was proved is that Sam's and BJ's models fit The Villages.

[chappy]

We don’t need a Costco now.

[LuckyS]

Lake Sumter to Costco via 27 no turnpike = 54 min (42.3 miles)

[coffeebean]

And if you are REALLY smart, you order it all from Costco to be DELIVERED to you here at your house in TV with NO shopping, travel time. Do it all the time.

As far as I know....Coscto will not deliver perishables to The Villages.

[JwizChick]

Costco - Clermont, FL (NEW Store) - Hours & Weekly Ad (https://www.storeopeninghours.com/costco-clermont-fl)

You can find the Clermont Costco info… just search for “Costco Clermont Florida”. You can watch for updates there.

[Marywhite630]

took ours up north about 10 months

[Northerner52]

Clermont Living - Costco Opening a New Location in Clermont, Fl.https://youtu.be/hoD5dPlFtBg

[Koapaka]

As far as I know....Coscto will not deliver perishables to The Villages.

WRONG! I order meat from them all the time.

[Chi-Town]

About 45 minutes and $3.00 in tolls. Not as close as I had hoped for when wishing for a Villages Costco.

[markusmom]

As far as I know....Coscto will not deliver perishables to The Villages.

We order from Costco every 4-5 weeks. If you have enough frozen, perishable items they will deliver them for FREE. We buy meat, butter etc. It comes in a box with heavy insulation and bottles of frozen water. We noticed our last order after removing our items we put the box in the garage. Three days later the bottles of water were still frozen! So don't worry about them delivering and you are not home at the time. Also, can I say BJ's has been a BIG disappointment!!! Waste of membership money. Any sale item is for ONE ITEM ONLY. The second item is regular price. If sale items are depleted they don't restock until the sale is over.
Costco member for 35 years.

[Northerner52]

Can't wait! 20-25 min to Sams from St Catherine 40 min to Claremont ---- worth the extra 15-20 min ride especially for the cheap Top Tier Gasoline plus the unique and Kirkland brand items

[ElDiabloJoe]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

Wait! What? You've *NEVER* been to a Costco? Luddite? There are very good deals and bulk packaging. I can get a gallon of milk for what a half-gallon costs at the local grocery, and a two-pack of bread loaves for the price of one at the local grocery. Windshield wipers were only $8 each on sale as opposed to $30 at the auto store. The pizza / food court is really inexpensive but limited. Tires are a good deal, gasoline is an excellent deal - usually 20 cents to 30 cents less a gallon than the local gas station. It is very difficult to leave there without spending over $100 and closer to $200. The rotisserie chickens are very big and $4.99 while a scrawny one at the local grocery chain is $6.99. A 24 roll pack of Charmin is about $24, but that is the cost of a 12 roll pack at my local grocery. A flat of water bottles is $2.99.

Those are just examples. While you may not be over impressed the first time you go, once you go regularly you will see the patterns of seasonal offerings and the deals they represent, as well as get used to the products you like and where to find them in the store.

I really like the ones (rare!) that have the $6.99 drive thru car wash attached. Oh, and alcohol prices are unbeatable. Even their name brands, if you do research or read some labels very closely, are the premier name brands you would normally buy only relabeled.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Their business plan and operating model are different from Sam's and BJ's so all that was proved is that Sam's and BJ's models fit The Villages.

I saw a business insider show/documentary/expose one time on Costco. Ya know the secret to their very low prices? They essentially sell everything at their operating and procurement costs.

Their business model is memberships. They make their money not on the products they sell, but on the memberships they sell. They will always be able to sell for less than everyone else with that model because they are essentially selling at cost - and with their volume and market control and distribution network, that cost will always be lower than anyone else's. Their ownership of the trucks, the warehouses, the stores, the land, etc. insures them maximum control over costs, operating procedures, and quality.

Nope, they make their profit on the annual membership fee, and use their product pricing to fuel people buying and keeping memberships.

Fairly unique, I would say, and explains why they can do what Sam's and BJ's just cannot.

[Stu from NYC]

I saw a business insider show/documentary/expose one time on Costco. Ya know the secret to their very low prices? They essentially sell everything at their operating and procurement costs.

Their business model is memberships. They make their money not on the products they sell, but on the memberships they sell. They will always be able to sell for less than everyone else with that model because they are essentially selling at cost - and with their volume and market control and distribution network, that cost will always be lower than anyone else's. Their ownership of the trucks, the warehouses, the stores, the land, etc. insures them maximum control over costs, operating procedures, and quality.

Nope, they make their profit on the annual membership fee, and use their product pricing to fuel people buying and keeping memberships.

Fairly unique, I would say, and explains why they can do what Sam's and BJ's just cannot.

Do not know if this is true but years ago someone who worked for a company that was a big supplier to Sam's said they do the same thing.

[Boston-Sean]

I saw a business insider show/documentary/expose one time on Costco. Ya know the secret to their very low prices? They essentially sell everything at their operating and procurement costs.



They cap their prices at 14% above cost. And they obviously buy in huge volumes so you can be pretty sure that you are getting a good price no matter what you buy.

[coffeebean]

WRONG! I order meat from them all the time.

I guess I was incorrect. Hubby told me he looked at ordering perishables and the site said we lived too far for that delivery. Which Costo location delivers perishables to you in The Villages?

[coffeebean]

We order from Costco every 4-5 weeks. If you have enough frozen, perishable items they will deliver them for FREE. We buy meat, butter etc. It comes in a box with heavy insulation and bottles of frozen water. We noticed our last order after removing our items we put the box in the garage. Three days later the bottles of water were still frozen! So don't worry about them delivering and you are not home at the time. Also, can I say BJ's has been a BIG disappointment!!! Waste of membership money. Any sale item is for ONE ITEM ONLY. The second item is regular price. If sale items are depleted they don't restock until the sale is over.
Costco member for 35 years.
Many thanks for this reply. That is wonderful to know.

[Koapaka]

I guess I was incorrect. Hubby told me he looked at ordering perishables and the site said we lived too far for that delivery. Which Costo location delivers perishables to you in The Villages?

Altamonte Springs delivers to 32162. I just received a box of meats this Tuesday morning. It is sent 2 day Fed Ex and depending on how big your box is, you get between 1/2 and almost a case of "16oz frozen H20 bottles that keep it fresh. I figure they are a bonus since I just stick them in the back fridge for delivery/yard people, especially when hot out.

[TimeForChange]

See, there is a Costco coming to The Villages………or……..The Villages is coming to Costco.
The way TV is spreading, it may be to Clermont before Costco finishes construction.

You will not see a Costco in TV. We do not fit their marketing dynamics plan. They want large families. I realize Sams is here but Costco puts them in the dirt with quality and service.

[TimeForChange]

If the Villages was building the Costco it would take about 72 hours to build.
I can’t wait to see what all the hub bub is about with Costco. It better be really great. I’m going to be pizzed if I drive all that way and all I get is 50 cents off on a can of green beans!

It must be good because so many people have a Costco fascination.

Been shopping at Costco for thirty five years. They put Sams and BJ's in the dirt. Their quality and assortment of items is far better. Also their checkout is so fast it is hard to believe. It is a result of employee training, their pay scales and requirements for being an employee. The employees at Costco actually enjoy working there.