[Chi-Town]

I used to drive past Sam's to get to Costco. I knew that as just a couple I wasn't their target market. And that pretty much sums up The Villages. It would be great to have one here, but I wouldn't bet on it.

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[Boomer]

Originally Posted by stujake

Boomer: Every negative you mention is, in my opinion, is not valid. If Sam's can make it here, Costco will also make it here. The quality of Costco's merchandise and quality of service far surpasses that of Sam's and because of that, there will be many converts. I have lived in areas where Costco and Sam's Club are only a few miles apart. While Sam's Club was occasionally busy, Costco was always busy. All of our friends here in The Villages would go to Costco before they would go to Sam's if there was a Costco here. At the present time, each time we or one of our friends goes to Costco in Wesley Chapel/Lutz FL, we ask each other if we can get anything for them. There are many things that Costco carries that Sam's Club does not carry.

I understand what you are saying about preferring Costco to Sam’s. That is true for me, also.

But wait! I think you actually might have just validated some of the “negatives” I stated in post #103 in this continuing saga of “Costco in TV for Me, Me, Me.”

It’s a point of view thing. A big picture.

We have seen a lot of posts where people say they would go to Costco and give up totally on Sam’s; therefore, the fact remains that there is only so much business to go around. And a big percentage of that business falls into a narrow demographic.

Also, my guess is the developer owns the land under Sam’s and gets a nice piece of the action on a predictable basis. Sam’s is “the bird in the hand.” It seems like Costco in TV would do not much more for the numbers than split the spoils. Although — it could be that Costco rakes in more. Whatever — the narrow buying-in-bulk market in TV is cornered and I think it will stay that way.

Please do not take this personally. I know I am saying things that a lot of Villagers do not want to hear. I don’t really know if I am right or wrong. Today is just one of those days where I feel like I want to debate — aka, argue. Maybe I should take up needlepoint.

I’ll tell you though that if Costco comes to town, and if you can find me then, I will buy you one Kirkland product of your choice.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by laryb

Hey, don't shoot the messenger! We were at Costco this morning and had to talk to the manager about a return (2 bottles of single malt scotch blew their corks and emptied in our car). We told him we were from The Villages, and, we, along with a bunch of other people, wanted a Costco here. He said that they had looked at land here, and it's in the plans. He can't say when, but it's coming. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I've also read on Facebook that someone else had heard the same thing. By the way, he replaced the 2 bottles for free. That's customer service!

This has been a rumor for seven years. We do not fit the Costco marketing scheme or their level of sales volume in order to support a store. We are made up of two person families and they want large families who purchase a lot more volume than TV would do. In the Summer months it would be even less. The only way Costco ever gets to TV is if they go to the small satellite store concept or one is built in Ocala.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

I used to drive past Sam's to get to Costco. I knew that as just a couple I wasn't their target market. And that pretty much sums up The Villages. It would be great to have one here, but I wouldn't bet on it.

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Costco has a different marketing scheme than Sam's based on the number of cars in the parking lot at different times of the day and the amount of purchase per customer . If you compared the Costco stores in Orlando, Winter Park to the Sam's here the sales volume of Sam's would not even be close to what Costco does and requires to fit their logistical plan and marketing plans. Even in the middle of the Winter the sales of Sam's in TV would be peanuts compared to Costco in larger cities. Only way Costco comes close is perhaps Ocala but I seriously doubt that.

[TimeForChange]

It is not going to happen. We do not fit the Costco marketing scheme. Even in the Winter months we are two person families. They want larger multi individual families who purchase a lot more per family. They require a certain number of cars in the parking lot at certain times of the day. I agree that if they ever came they would dominate but based on my experience in selling big box stores they Costco has a very well calculated and very demanding marketing plan and they stick by it. Only was it would ever happen is if they decided to go to a smaller satellite store concept or they decided to open in Ocala which I doubt.

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

It is not going to happen. We do not fit the Costco marketing scheme. Even in the Winter months we are two person families. They want larger multi individual families who purchase a lot more per family. They require a certain number of cars in the parking lot at certain times of the day. I agree that if they ever came they would dominate but based on my experience in selling big box stores they Costco has a very well calculated and very demanding marketing plan and they stick by it. Only was it would ever happen is if they decided to go to a smaller satellite store concept or they decided to open in Ocala which I doubt.

I believe that these warehouse stores also cater to small businesses. One small store we used to go to up north bought a lot of his stuff at Sams for resale. He said it was cheaper than some of his wholesalers.

It looks like so far the winners here in The Villages are toilet paper and golf balls.

[billethkid]

Hot topic.!.!.!
Takes two threads to cover it!!

[billethkid]

Now two threads going.
One with 113 posts and 15,775 views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The other..27 posts and 1,593 views!
17,368 views (with very many multiple/repeat views)....

[Aloha1]

I can get to Costco at Millenia in Orlando in 50 minutes via the Turnpike. Extra plus is Total Wine is right there also. When we lived on Maui, it took a solid hour to an hour ten to get to Costco and the only decent shopping on the island. Throw an igloo cooler in the car and we're good to go. I'd love one closer but it's also good to get "off campus" and see what's happening in the rest of the world.

[Love2Swim]

Originally Posted by Aloha1

I can get to Costco at Millenia in Orlando in 50 minutes via the Turnpike. Extra plus is Total Wine is right there also. When we lived on Maui, it took a solid hour to an hour ten to get to Costco and the only decent shopping on the island. Throw an igloo cooler in the car and we're good to go. I'd love one closer but it's also good to get "off campus" and see what's happening in the rest of the world.

I agree. Its nice to get out of the bubble periodically

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Now two threads going.
One with 113 posts and 15,775 views!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The other..27 posts and 1,593 views!
17,368 views (with very many multiple/repeat views)....

Make that...THREE.


POLL - Costco versus Sam's Club versus BJ's (Click Here)

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Hot topic.!.!.!
Takes two threads to cover it!!

Make that...THREE.


POLL - Costco versus Sam's Club versus BJ's (Click Here)

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by ricthemic

Sams club is Walmart with better meat.

If you think that is the case you do not know Costco. Their inventory is 50% greater and so is their selection. Their employees are professional and well paid. They are 10 time better than Sams.

[mgcsooner]

For things of this nature, the Tri county area chambers of commerce ought to combine resources to recruit opportunities that atttract commercial business opportunities that combines the populations of both TV& surrounding areas. I’d think that would be upwards of 250k population, and represent a more normal purchasing demographic.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

If you think that is the case you do not know Costco. Their inventory is 50% greater and so is their selection. Their employees are professional and well paid. They are 10 time better than Sams.

Strictly a matter of opinion. As someone who now lives in Florida (but was a Costco member in Va for years) I'm completely happy with Sams. I don't find not having a Costco to be life-changing.