[livsea2]

I know where the Sam's, BJs, and Costco is nearest the villages. I belong to Sam's and Bj's now but the closest Costco is 100 miles so I don't belong. I think once I move to the Villages in Sept I will let my Sam's membership expire. I know it is the closest to the Villages but I prefer what BJ's offers especially their meats and 1/2 price lunch meat. So here's my question... despite the distance, is Costco worth joining, or should I just stick with BJs? What's so special (or not) about Costco? Anyone belong to both and can compare for me? Just one more thing I am thinking about....

[asianthree]

i will keep membership open to sams and costco..when in the area i stop

[GatorFan]

I don't find Sams prices that bad. Now I do that a Sat or Sunday ride every month to Gainesville and just happen to stop by Trader Joes.

[sunglow]

I love Costco! The quality of their products is great and their prices are good. Also, I like the way they treat their employees - good pay and benefits. I haven't experienced BJ's.

[DianeM]

I'm only so - so about Sam's. I prefer BJ 's most of the time.

[pooh]

I belong to all three and if I had to pick only one, it would be Costco. BJ's would come in second. Sam's has it's good points, too....maybe that's why I have memberships to all three.

There is a Costco in Altamonte Springs, which is less than 100 miles away. Just went to BJ's a bit ago. They have some foods I can't get at Costco or Sam's. Kind of nice having all the memberships if you travel....good gasoline prices as well as an inexpensive quick lunch...

[Gulfhills]

I LOVE Costco!! Their meats are the best. I love their coffee. I live on Grand Island, so it is 34 miles to Altamonte Springs. We take a cooler. I have ordered furniture and appliances from them, and was very satisfied. Their return policy is fantastic. Hopefully they will build one near us in the near future. Also, at the end of the year we get a refund check on total purchases, which we usually use to buy another membership and then some.

[BobnBev]

How far is the closest Costco to the villages....in what direction?

[pooh]

The one in Altamonte Springs is about 50 miles from The Villages. Driving directions are from Costco website.

[borjo]

We frequently get gas at Sam's Club. According to my app, "Gas Buddy", it's often the cheapest around. You may find you want a quick rotisserie chicken or a great Nathan's hotdog...... Better keep your Sam's card.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by borjo

We frequently get gas at Sam's Club. According to my app, "Gas Buddy", it's often the cheapest around. You may find you want a quick rotisserie chicken or a great Nathan's hotdog...... Better keep your Sam's card.

Agreed and I'll give a shout out for their fresh fruit and produce. Quality is always outstanding and prices very competitive. I also like their beef - not quite as good as Costco, but pretty close.

[bestmickey]

Where's the closest BJ's Warehouse located?

[rockyisle]

I shop Sam's only for convenience. I take the time to drive to Costco to get out of the bubble. I plan a full day of shopping at Home Goods, Marshalls and TJ Maxx in Altamonte Springs with Costco as my last stop. Bring a cooler and shop till I drop. There is also a Christmas Tree Shop over there. Makes me feel like I'm back in New England for a day. A great get away.

[travelguy]

Sometimes I wonder why we have a Sam's membership. Their gasoline is not always the best price around. I buy a case of canned cat food about every 3-4 months; we do not buy bags of cat food as our feline gets bored with the same old dry stuff, so small bags purchased as BOGO at Publix are better for us. Paper towels and toilet tissue are purchased every 3 months, and trash bags about once a year or less. The meats are packaged in too large a quantity, and repackaging is not worth the effort. The produce is packed in too large quantities, and not as well priced as Aldi or the Market at Marion. The wine and beer is no better priced than SweetBay. And how many TV's will I purchase in a lifetime?
But I still enjoy going to Sam's.