Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   New Costco, Come on Down! (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/new-costco-come-down-360479/)

Charles K 08-06-2025 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polirudb (Post 2451170)
My wife and I just set up our Kirkland folding chairs (purchased at Costco Clermont) and are number 1 and 2 in line, ready for the big grand opening tomorrow. We have Costco snacks, Kirkland water, and everything we need to keep us comfortable through the night. Come join us. Rumor has it the first ten customers through the doors get a free hot dog, not sure if it includes the drink. :pepper2:

Did you wear extra strength Depends?

Aces4 08-06-2025 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polirudb (Post 2451470)
Good question, shows you are paying attention. The reason we had to get rid of the toilet paper is a follows... When we realized we didn't have room for everything, we decided to buy a set of four Firestone tires. We really didn't need the tires, our brand new car has less than 6,000 miles on it, but they had a $60.00 rebate so we decided what the heck! If you see someone driving a white golf cart with four Firestone tires strapped to the back, that's me. Stop me if you see us, we just bought a tray of 60 Kirkland Signature Cookies ($26.09) and will be happy to share some with you; it will take us a year to go through them but the price was right! By the way, I am still trying to get back to pick her up. Even the multi modal paths leading to Costco are backed up! There is a twenty minute wait for hotdogs and over an hour for pizza. According to my wife, it is almost impossible to get a free sample/tasting of anything. Several of the employees working the sample carts have already quit. I will keep you posted, have a nice day.

You are funny and should write for Hollywood, they could use some new material even if it's TP!:1rotfl:

bopat 08-06-2025 03:06 PM

Hours are mostly 9am-7pm? Wow, it’s always gonna be packed.

Miboater 08-06-2025 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bopat (Post 2451504)
Hours are mostly 9am-7pm? Wow, it’s always gonna be packed.

They are open to 8:30pm Monday thru Friday, 7pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. They also open at 10am unless you are a Executive member where you can get in at 9am.

midiwiz 08-07-2025 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polirudb (Post 2451170)
My wife and I just set up our Kirkland folding chairs (purchased at Costco Clermont) and are number 1 and 2 in line, ready for the big grand opening tomorrow. We have Costco snacks, Kirkland water, and everything we need to keep us comfortable through the night. Come join us. Rumor has it the first ten customers through the doors get a free hot dog, not sure if it includes the drink. :pepper2:

I don't get it, are people that much in a fog? First off I have BJs and Costco memberships. I will readily admit the local BJs is among the worst in the chain. It's poorly managed and too small. So time to lump the travel to Clermont or something larger. Secondly Costco "home brand" products are as flat in taste as Publix, Bjs WF brand has far better quality and flavor.

With that said, I've been doing some local price compares.... 1) my BJs membership is less for more 2) identical products compare to be less at BJs than Costco.

Probably the only other point is only TV based, these houses are pretty small and have little storage for massive bulk buys. Lord knows we have had to get pretty creative just for basics that would be in the 'have to' list. So if you want to get in line at 4am to wait for a hot dog .......


"Here's your sign"

ElDiabloJoe 08-07-2025 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiwiz (Post 2451642)
I don't get it, are people that much in a fog? First off I have BJs and Costco memberships. I will readily admit the local BJs is among the worst in the chain. It's poorly managed and too small. So time to lump the travel to Clermont or something larger. Secondly Costco "home brand" products are as flat in taste as Publix, Bjs WF brand has far better quality and flavor.

With that said, I've been doing some local price compares.... 1) my BJs membership is less for more 2) identical products compare to be less at BJs than Costco.

Probably the only other point is only TV based, these houses are pretty small and have little storage for massive bulk buys. Lord knows we have had to get pretty creative just for basics that would be in the 'have to' list. So if you want to get in line at 4am to wait for a hot dog .......


"Here's your sign"

Disagree entirely. Have some favorites that cannot be found other than Costco. Seriously, where else can you get Kim Crawford quality blanc for $6.99/bottle. Don't start me on the quality of their steaks. Or their gasoline. Or their paper products.

You're telling me that BJs has an in-house bakery? What about an in-house butcher? In-house optical? In-house pharmacy? In-house pizzeria? In-house tire shop? In-house gas station? Yeah- apples to apples there.

But my takeaway from your missive is that now there is one less person to be in my way when I go. So, thank you. You keep on keeping on, someone's gotta provide the competition that keeps Costco honest.

callalily 08-07-2025 07:58 AM

So, I actually went to the new store on opening day yesterday. I waited until about 5 pm, but it was still a zoo. There were about 40 people in line waiting to sign up for memberships. The membership sign up area had been open for at least a week, but nooo, they waited until opening day.

There were quite a lot of people who had never seemed to have been in a Costco, including the workers. Lots of traffic jams, including the worker with a huge garbage bin, who parked it next to the food court, blocking half the lane for the exit while he was talking to another worker who was moving a handicapped cart and blocking the other half of the exit lane.

They did have some sales that are for a limited time only, including Wagyu ribeye for about $60/pound. They also had a ton of Switch 2's near the front.

Parking was OK. I found a spot easily. But if yesterday was any indication, Costco could build another location a mile away and they both would be crazy busy.

chorndawg 08-07-2025 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polirudb (Post 2451170)
My wife and I just set up our Kirkland folding chairs (purchased at Costco Clermont) and are number 1 and 2 in line, ready for the big grand opening tomorrow. We have Costco snacks, Kirkland water, and everything we need to keep us comfortable through the night. Come join us. Rumor has it the first ten customers through the doors get a free hot dog, not sure if it includes the drink. :pepper2:

Time to get a new hobby…

Nana2Teddy 08-07-2025 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe (Post 2451426)
I camped out overnight at the Rose Parade one year. If you haven't experienced that at least once in your life, you do not have a life.

Me too! As a teenager though. We were so tired by the time the parade started we couldn’t stay awake to enjoy it. Never again, lol.

Nana2Teddy 08-07-2025 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callalily (Post 2451694)
So, I actually went to the new store on opening day yesterday. I waited until about 5 pm, but it was still a zoo. There were about 40 people in line waiting to sign up for memberships. The membership sign up area had been open for at least a week, but nooo, they waited until opening day.

There were quite a lot of people who had never seemed to have been in a Costco, including the workers. Lots of traffic jams, including the worker with a huge garbage bin, who parked it next to the food court, blocking half the lane for the exit while he was talking to another worker who was moving a handicapped cart and blocking the other half of the exit lane.

They did have some sales that are for a limited time only, including Wagyu ribeye for about $60/pound. They also had a ton of Switch 2's near the front.

Parking was OK. I found a spot easily. But if yesterday was any indication, Costco could build another location a mile away and they both would be crazy busy.

We went at 2 with the agreement that if we couldn’t find parking right away we’d leave, but even though cars were circling the lot there was a steady stream of cars backing out too, so we had no trouble parking. We got in there in the nick of time because a thunderstorm hit that we could hear rumbling from inside for quite awhile. It was crowded but bearable for the little bit of shopping we wanted to do (our usual Costco haul). We saw plenty of employees everywhere, and when we were ready to check out about 4 we walked up to a register with only one person in front of us. There was also plenty of stock of everything, even at the food court. Even though the line outside to get a membership was very long (all under tents) it appeared to be moving quickly, and when we left the store there was hardly any line at all. We were honestly very impressed overall considering we’ve never gone to any kind of store on grand opening day before. It was a very well oiled machine. Kudos to Costco!

Aces4 08-07-2025 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy (Post 2451764)
We went at 2 with the agreement that if we couldn’t find parking right away we’d leave, but even though cars were circling the lot there was a steady stream of cars backing out too, so we had no trouble parking. We got in there in the nick of time because a thunderstorm hit that we could hear rumbling from inside for quite awhile. It was crowded but bearable for the little bit of shopping we wanted to do (our usual Costco haul). We saw plenty of employees everywhere, and when we were ready to check out about 4 we walked up to a register with only one person in front of us. There was also plenty of stock of everything, even at the food court. Even though the line outside to get a membership was very long (all under tents) it appeared to be moving quickly, and when we left the store there was hardly any line at all. We were honestly very impressed overall considering we’ve never gone to any kind of store on grand opening day before. It was a very well oiled machine. Kudos to Costco!

The reason being most Villagers don't want to be in Costco during cocktail hours. :beer3:

asianthree 08-07-2025 01:34 PM

Walked in at 9am in 19 minutes ordered and paid $100 for new transition lenses for my titanium frames. Ready for pickup Tuesday.

Picked up chicken and ribs for dinner. Plus a pair of Hoka’s, and some miscellaneous items. Self checkout. Two frozen Mocha’s. Out the door under 55 minutes. Just as the swam of star members could enter.

Bodrum 08-07-2025 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aces4 (Post 2451197)
No thanks, we have a life! :pepper2:

Stupid is as stupid does
Forest Gump

Aces4 08-07-2025 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodrum (Post 2451887)
Stupid is as stupid does
Forest Gump

I hear ya, but if sitting all night for of all things.. a Costco opening floats their boat, they should go for it. :loco:

Nana2Teddy 08-08-2025 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aces4 (Post 2451774)
The reason being most Villagers don't want to be in Costco during cocktail hours. :beer3:

Not a drinker so I’m clueless about cocktail hours. :)

Babubhat 08-08-2025 05:13 AM

New membership deal with $45 gift card
 
New Costco Members: 1-Yr Costco Gold Star Membership + $45 Digital Costco Shop Card - 2025-08-06

margaretmattson 08-09-2025 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bodrum (Post 2451887)
Stupid is as stupid does
Forest Gump

OP, you forgot to buy a golf shirt in every color. Wear each 3 or 4 times. As you know, Costco has the best returns policy. Insist you get your money back! Buy the newest stock of golf shirts, rinse and repeat.

It was extremely difficult transporting 4 new tires and boxes of over-sized groceries in a golf cart while eating a free hot dog. Prreventing the free coke, which was actually a Mt Dew, from spilling was most challenging. Let's not forget the neighbors who drove by and demanded some of your cookies, while the wife stood back and did absolutely nothing. Half way home, there was a torrential storm. Nearly overturned your cart when it was struck by lightening. Thank heavens! The metal cart and rubber on the tires you were hauling saved your life. However, the rotisserie chickens flew out of the cart. (There goes dinner!) When you finally got home, you had no toilet paper to clean yourself. The two new rolls you kept for yourself were soaked. Yet, you remained calm. It was a great decision to open the package and give rolls to strangers in order to load the tires. Afterall, the toilet paper would not have saved your life. You returned to Costco to retrieve your wife. She was upset. "What the bleep took you so long?" I think Costco would agree. You deserve free shirts for life.

Howdy 08-09-2025 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polirudb (Post 2451170)
My wife and I just set up our Kirkland folding chairs (purchased at Costco Clermont) and are number 1 and 2 in line, ready for the big grand opening tomorrow. We have Costco snacks, Kirkland water, and everything we need to keep us comfortable through the night. Come join us. Rumor has it the first ten customers through the doors get a free hot dog, not sure if it includes the drink. :pepper2:

Where is " The Old Costco " ???

Tustin714 08-29-2025 02:24 PM

Between Costco and its predecessor Price Club, I've been a customer for nearly 40 years, and being a part-timer here was happy to see the new one arrive. I went for the first time today (just got back) and my wife and I noticed how slowly people are walking through the aisles, and bunching up. There was just a moment of irritation and then we had to think back decades to our first visits, how we had to look at every available. :-) Being long-time veterans, we know what we want, where it is, and we get-in and get-out. :-) I hope people in general are enjoying the new Costco.

Taltarzac725 08-29-2025 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tustin714 (Post 2457561)
Between Costco and its predecessor Price Club, I've been a customer for nearly 40 years, and being a part-timer here was happy to see the new one arrive. I went for the first time today (just got back) and my wife and I noticed how slowly people are walking through the aisles, and bunching up. There was just a moment of irritation and then we had to think back decades to our first visits, how we had to look at every available. :-) Being long-time veterans, we know what we want, where it is, and we get-in and get-out. :-) I hope people in general are enjoying the new Costco.

I will be checking it out soon. Still have to get the membership card even though I bought a membership about a month ago. My computer died and my tablet would not take the Costco app and I only have a cheap throw away phone. It does not do apps.

Bilyclub 08-30-2025 09:28 PM

It’s a shame that they don’t have Group 24 auto batteries in stock, considering that’s what the gas Yamahas take.

tophcfa 08-30-2025 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilyclub (Post 2457862)
It’s a shame that they don’t have Group 24 auto batteries in stock, considering that’s what the gas Yamahas take.

They had a few when they first opened. Must have underestimated the demand, but they’ll figure it out and adjust.

Risuli 08-31-2025 10:20 AM

Been gone for the month of August, but I see Costco has opened and yet the Villages does not appear to have become a Mad Max wasteland due to all the horrendous traffic that was repeatedly predicted by some. Guess we missed that bullet.

Taltarzac725 09-16-2025 05:22 PM

All ready to shop at Costco but will have to research about what will be practical for our situation. Some of the stuff made be have an urge to feed a horse some beefaroni. The Rye - Wikipedia


I did look around the store quickly but it will take me a while to get my bearings. Do these stores have maps?

Stu from NYC 09-16-2025 06:24 PM

Joined yesterday. Very impressive store. First time as member.

Disappointed in the rotisserie chicken. Overcooked with a kind of strange taste. Packaging in Sams but better than the plastic bag costco uses.

Also surprised did not have different flavors of coffee flavorings.

Will be back and expect to be a regular customer.

UpNorth 09-17-2025 07:45 AM

I did look around the store quickly but it will take me a while to get my bearings. Do these stores have maps?[/QUOTE]

No maps or aisle listings. Part of the store strategy is to keep you walking around looking for something. Chances are you will see something and do an impulse buy. They also switch stuff from aisle to aisle on a regular basis.

Taltarzac725 09-22-2025 04:30 PM

Is there a public restroom in the Oxford, Florida Costco?


I did look around quite a bit more today but could not find the public toilets.


I bought a few things, too.

Bogie Shooter 09-22-2025 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 2462624)
Is there a public restroom in the Oxford, Florida Costco?


I did look around quite a bit more today but could not find the public toilets.


I bought a few things, too.

Did you ask anyone working at the store?🤦*♂️

Taltarzac725 09-22-2025 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 2462636)
Did you ask anyone working at the store?������*♂️

No. I did not. I am still getting my bearings inside that store.


It looks like they may be near the exit. That would make sense with respect to how the handle check-outs.

JMintzer 09-22-2025 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 2462638)
No. I did not. I am still getting my bearings inside that store.


It looks like they may be near the exit. That would make sense with respect to how the handle check-outs.

They are alway near the front of the store...

Miboater 09-22-2025 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 2462624)
Is there a public restroom in the Oxford, Florida Costco?


I did look around quite a bit more today but could not find the public toilets.


I bought a few things, too.

I was just there a few hours ago. They are past the registers on the left side.

Taltarzac725 09-22-2025 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miboater (Post 2462652)
I was just there a few hours ago. They are past the registers on the left side.

Thanks. I had been looking all over the store for the restrooms as well as towards what kind of good things we could use.

My loudest thought was-- "You need a bigger freezer!". Most of these items will not fit anywhere.

Nana2Teddy 09-23-2025 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725 (Post 2462624)
Is there a public restroom in the Oxford, Florida Costco?


I did look around quite a bit more today but could not find the public toilets.


I bought a few things, too.

The restrooms are almost always past the registers and food pickup counter, down a hall near where the staff offices and locker room, etc., are located.

ElDiabloJoe 09-23-2025 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy (Post 2462772)
The restrooms are almost always past the registers and food pickup counter, down a hall near where the staff offices and locker room, etc., is located.

And they're usually pretty darn clean with quick hot water to the sinks and plenty of soap. Maybe not Buc-ee's clean, but a solid distant second place.

Taltarzac725 09-23-2025 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe (Post 2462800)
And they're usually pretty darn clean with quick hot water to the sinks and plenty of soap. Maybe not Buc-ee's clean, but a solid distant second place.

Good to hear. I have had to do some very fancy foot work in Walmarts.

charles_2000 09-23-2025 09:03 AM

So far this is least busy COSTCO, I have ever seen. The Dallas area COSTCO are MAD HOUSES year round. Maybe when the snowbird get back it picks up...

ElDiabloJoe 09-23-2025 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_2000 (Post 2462811)
So far this is least busy COSTCO, I have ever seen. The Dallas area COSTCO are MAD HOUSES year round. Maybe when the snowbird get back it picks up...

So much for all the North Villages traffic debacle doom-n-gloomers. Kinda same as those acid rain, greenhouse gas, ozone layer, etc. etc. folks.

Aces4 09-23-2025 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe (Post 2462876)
So much for all the North Villages traffic debacle doom-n-gloomers. Kinda same as those acid rain, greenhouse gas, ozone layer, etc. etc. folks.

Costco must have known what they were doing by not putting a store in The Villages area. Sounds like the business just isn't there.

coffeebean 09-23-2025 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aces4 (Post 2462941)
Costco must have known what they were doing by not putting a store in The Villages area. Sounds like the business just isn't there.

Your post is confusing. The new Costco is in The Villages.

Aces4 09-23-2025 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 2462976)
Your post is confusing. The new Costco is in The Villages.

Sorry you're confused. The new Costco is in The Villages area and people begged for it forever and Costco dragged their feet for a long time to build a store here. Maybe now we're seeing the reason why.


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