If you want COSTCO

[quill]

Was in Orlando COSTCO recently and was told by one of the senior employees that COSTCO owns land around here to build. Do not know about the validity of the statement, but was also told that if we want one around us that we should go to COSTCO.com weekly and put in a request/remark that they need to build by us. Here is a chance for those that want one to possibly make an impact.

[ceejay]

DONE:coolsmiley:

[Endless Summer]

Done!! Ended my plea with "I read TOTV, do you?" :spoken:

[Pturner]

Done. Thanks for posting.

[homeball]

Spoke with Costco staff when I was down there not too long ago and the story goes something like this. Costco had plans to build up here but Sams Club beat them to it. Since Sams Club now has a good hold up here, then to build a competitive Costco with a Costco already situated 45 minutes away in the northern burbs of Orlando would not be financially agreeable, particularly in the financial times we live in. That was the explanation given to me. But who knows. Add another 30,000 folks to the 80,000 plus already here, and Costco may give it another look.

[NotGolfer]

Moved here from a midwestern state...medium sized city a bit larger than T.V. They have a Sam's Club and maybe 2 or 3 miles away....is a Costco!! Both do very well so I think that the statement made that Costco wouldn't come here could be bogus! Keep your fingers crossed and let your fingers do the walking and keep contacting their corporate offices!!

[quill]

I know of places across the country that have SAMS and COSTCO are almost co-located, so I do not think that SAMS would stop them if they think the demand is here. And it would probably take a great many of us writing each week, but if comes down to here versus somewhere else, our having written thousands of email might make a difference. COSTCO also sometimes sets up in an existing older structure to determine if it is cost effective to build. I would like to see them here and it took us 1+15 from Orlando last time we went. Decide for yourselves, if you have the time and energy to email, what can it hurt.

[HMLRHT1]

Write the e-mails.......we live in the Phoenix metro area and in a 6 mile radius of our house there are 3 Costco stores and at least 5-6 SAMs clubs. We belong to both but rarely go to SAMs Club. We only go to the one on 441 when we r there in TV. But we make at least one trip to Costco in Orlando. ( we have CYV and will be there full time later this year )Different people go to Costco and prefer Costco over Sams Club. My wife and I are going to write the e-mails and would like as much help as possible. TV deserves and needs a Costco. Any ideas on how to spread the word even out side of TOTV? :MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

[kentucky blue]

Spoke with Costco staff when I was down there not too long ago and the story goes something like this. Costco had plans to build up here but Sams Club beat them to it. Since Sams Club now has a good hold up here, then to build a competitive Costco with a Costco already situated 45 minutes away in the northern burbs of Orlando would not be financially agreeable, particularly in the financial times we live in. That was the explanation given to me. But who knows. Add another 30,000 folks to the 80,000 plus already here, and Costco may give it another look.

Costco will not come to TV,demographics don't work.What they are REALLY saying is financially TV cannot support a Costco and never will.Add another 30,000 and it still doesn't make any sense financially for them to come here.Make your trips to Orlando and enjoy one of the best run and smartest corporations in this country.

[skyking]

After reading this post we sent a letter to Costco headquarters in Washington. We just received a reply from "Northwest Atlantic" in Connecticut. It reads:

"Thank you for reaching out to us, and for being such devoted Costco members! We value your trust and take your letter seriously.

As you can imagine, there are many factors to be considered when deciding on new warehouse locations, and unfortunately at this time it would not be feasible to locate at The Villages. That said, we constantly monitor all potential markets throughout Florida, and it is certainly possible things could change in the near future.

Meanwhile, thank you again for your letter and we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Ernie Annibale"

It looks like we are not likely to see them around here in the near future. I searched "Northwest Atlantic" and they are a realestate consulting firm (who I assume advises Costco on new locations).

[rubicon]

After reading this post we sent a letter to Costco headquarters in Washington. We just received a reply from "Northwest Atlantic" in Connecticut. It reads:

"Thank you for reaching out to us, and for being such devoted Costco members! We value your trust and take your letter seriously.

As you can imagine, there are many factors to be considered when deciding on new warehouse locations, and unfortunately at this time it would not be feasible to locate at The Villages. That said, we constantly monitor all potential markets throughout Florida, and it is certainly possible things could change in the near future.

Meanwhile, thank you again for your letter and we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Ernie Annibale"

It looks like we are not likely to see them around here in the near future. I searched "Northwest Atlantic" and they are a realestate consulting firm (who I assume advises Costco on new locations).

One can make a number of assumption concerning Costco decision. The economy is down, prices up and the main demographic are retirees. Add to that Sam's club is established and one can see whythey would not want to compete. i am satisified with Sam's

[villages07]

I had kept my membership alive for 5 years, trying to visit the Costco not too far from the airport when making airport trips. But, just couldn't justify it any longer and let it lapse Feb 1. I think both Costco and SAMs could thrive here. But, happy that we at least have SAMs.

[keithwand]

We are moving from Orlando (Winter ParK) and love Costco.
I just wrote them to please come to TV.
We have been members since the beginning and may have to switch to Sams.
Don't know anything about Sams but hard to shop Costco 65 miles away.

[Cynbod]

I also have been a Costco member for many years. I am not familiar with Sam's Club. Sounds like I will have to become a Sam's member; at least for now. :ohdear::ohdear:

[quill]

I found it interesting that when Trader Joe's was brought up everyone seemed to jump on the band wagon believing that giving feedback to the company would actually help. But when I suggested the same thing here I had people tell me how they knew that this campaign would not work, citing examples that made at best no sense. I will restate again I would like to see a Costco here. Even if the Costco has no intention at this time to build a store here they might in the future, so what would it hurt to log on to their site and comment that you would like a store here. If 100 or 1000 people did that once a week, it might make a difference. And for all those who want to chime in with the negatives, I am not interested in your opinion. If you are so smart about the future you probably have more money than you need and do not need to or want to shop at Costco. I however would love to see one here, and if you feel the same it would be great to get your help. Thanks

[graciegirl]

I found it interesting that when Trader Joe's was brought up everyone seemed to jump on the band wagon believing that giving feedback to the company would actually help. But when I suggested the same thing here I had people tell me how they knew that this campaign would not work, citing examples that made at best no sense. I will restate again I would like to see a Costco here. Even if the Costco has no intention at this time to build a store here they might in the future, so what would it hurt to log on to their site and comment that you would like a store here. If 100 or 1000 people did that once a week, it might make a difference. And for all those who want to chime in with the negatives, I am not interested in your opinion. If you are so smart about the future you probably have more money than you need and do not need to or want to shop at Costco. I however would love to see one here, and if you feel the same it would be great to get your help. Thanks

The bottom line is not wishing they were here. The bottom line is if it is financially feasible to be here and for them to make a profit in the numbers that they think is worth it.. I was all ready to make that request and will do so, but it isn't likely they will build in the immediate future after having read the letter from the person in charge.. Maybe a fast increase in population will sway them, and a fast increase in population is assuredly going to happen here.

We had memberships to both in Cincinnati, but in the last few years dropped Costco. I don't think there is a HUGE difference between the two. I must say that Sam's Club has good meats. And great one at a time offerings on items for the yard or for holidays. They have huge buying power and can get excellent items at a very reasonable price. And you can bet those suppliers are going to stand behind the items if you run into an issue of quality. We bought gorgeous outdoor wrought iron panels that we had embedded into a wall in Cincy for an excellent price. They had them one season and that was it. They don't restock on items like that. That is how they do things.

Costco fans? What do you like BETTER about Costco????? I may just rejoin Costco and drive to Orlando.

[quill]

Gracie this is exactly what I was talking about, I am not interested in debating the pros and cons of either, I shopped at both when they were available. I am interested in seeing one here. How does Trader Joe determine whether it would be profitable? If they are using customer feedback for a store as a gauge then why would that not work for Costco. To answer your question though I have always felt that Costco has higher quality products. But that is neither here nor there, I am just trying to get people to take a minute to sign onto Costco.com and give them feedback. All I get is why this will not work. I say again why would it work for Trader Joes or any other restaurant that I have seem people backing on this site in the last few years. Do all of you own stock in Sams and do not want the competition. Did you think that having a Costco in the area might bring down Sams prices?

[graciegirl]

Gracie this is exactly what I was talking about, I am not interested in debating the pros and cons of either, I shopped at both when they were available. I am interested in seeing one here. How does Trader Joe determine whether it would be profitable? If they are using customer feedback for a store as a gauge then why would that not work for Costco. To answer your question though I have always felt that Costco has higher quality products. But that is neither here nor there, I am just trying to get people to take a minute to sign onto Costco.com and give them feedback. All I get is why this will not work. I say again why would it work for Trader Joes or any other restaurant that I have seem people backing on this site in the last few years. Do all of you own stock in Sams and do not want the competition. Did you think that having a Costco in the area might bring down Sams prices?

Nope. Neither one. I just have a bit of marketing experience in my background and know that the pie can't be split too many ways. They base their decision on the demographics of the place. You watch, Quill, when we get a little bigger we will have Costco too.

[Carol Majestic]

good idea - thanks for info!

[sands]

To answer your question though I have always felt that Costco has higher quality products.

I completely agree. In my experience, Costco has seemed to offer higher quality products. I've also noticed better prices than Sam's. By the way, I'm also formerly from an area that had not only Costco, but also Sam's and even BJ's in relatively close proximity.

As for demographics, it seems to me that, relative to other areas with similar population, this is an area densely populated with people with a relatively good amount of disposible income, probably more stable sources of income and are beyond a point where they're spending it all on their children. I know a Costco would thrive here.

To answer your request, Quill, I've done it before and I'll do it again; I'll make another request on the Costco website.

[Mikeod]

I would suspect Costco may be more interested in locating in this area once we approach buildout. I think a site along SR44 near to the extension of Morse would locate them near enough to Leesburg to take advantage of that population yet be close enough to be convenient to TV. Despite the anticipated population of more than 100K villagers, I think Costco wants an industrial/commercial base upon which to draw as well. Also, the connection of Morse to the Turnpike may facilitate supplying a new location along with the Orlando locations.

Maybe a little bit of wishful thinking on my part.

[keithwand]

I did write and heard back. Basically thanked me for my business and told were passing my email on to their real estate division.
Guess they'll miss the 21K purchased on their American Express card every year.
Sams uses Discover, yecch.

[frannieb]

Does anyone know the quickest way to Costco in Altamonte Springs.
Thanks.

[3puttharry]

One can make a number of assumption concerning Costco decision. The economy is down, prices up and the main demographic are retirees. Add to that Sam's club is established and one can see whythey would not want to compete. i am satisified with Sam's

Sams Club?? NO Way they compete with Costco. Maybe they compete with BJs or Walmart but not Costco. Consumer Reports just said Costco is the number one retail store in the USA. We hv to join Sams for now but can not wait til Costco comes here. We still drive to Orlando just to go to Costco.

[Mikeod]

Does anyone know the quickest way to Costco in Altamonte Springs.
Thanks.
I don't know if it's the quickest, but we take 441 to 436 to Altamonte Springs. I think Costco is off 434 south of 436 at the corner of Orange Ave.

[Eve2278]

I use my GPS and go up the Turnpike to Orlando. It's right off the turnpike.
It would be great if they did have one by the new town square off 44

[Mikeod]

I use my GPS and go up the Turnpike to Orlando. It's right off the turnpike.
It would be great if they did have one by the new town square off 44
Is that the Costco in Altamonte Springs or the one in South Orlando near the airport? Or do you connect to I-4 and go north to 436?