Costco or grocery store/Target?

[AnnE-girl]

We're finally getting a Costco membership through DH's work. We're planning to go tomorrow on his last day off for our move to avoid a busy weekend day. I need to do some basic grocery shopping for our family staples like Kerrygold butter, organic romaine hearts and baby spinach, and organic eggs. Our local Meijer store has those for fairly good prices, but am I right in assuming that Costco would be better? I also need to figure out a few easy-ish healthy meals for this week after way too much takeout during moving week. I don't necessarily want to buy humongous quantities of stuff though because we're still getting settled and I'm figuring out how to use my storage space in my new kitchen.

 

We are also planning a trip to Home Depot for things like a new outside garbage can, a shower curtain rod, and waste baskets. Does is make sense to try to get these at Costco too? I don't want to do a ton of wandering around the store with three kids, as much as I'd like to at some point.

 

And lastly, would Costco carry audio-only baby monitors? Buy Buy Baby had one non-video monitor that I didn't like, and I forgot to check Target today. Call me old-fashioned, but I really prefer the audio over video.

 

Anything else I absolutely need to buy there just because it's awesome?

 

Thanks in advance for the help, all-knowing Hive!

[Garga]

(We use BJs, but some of the prinicples are the same for all those big warehouse places.)

 

I haven't had a membership to BJs in a year, because I pre-bought a year's worth of stuff so I could drop the membership fee for a time.

 

Here's what I used to do:

 

WITHOUT KIDS or dh in tow, I'd plan on spending a few hours at BJs. I'd walk up and down the aisles and write down everything that they had that I would routinely buy. This takes time. I wrote down the cost per unit (sometimes it's on the stickers, sometimes I'd have to calculate it. Bring a calculator/phone.).

 

I wouldn't buy anything that day.

 

Then another day, WITHOUT KIDS, I'd go to my regular store and next ot the BJs prices, I'd put their prices and compare.

 

Then I knew clearly what things were cheaper where. The snag came with the coupons. Oh, the coupons! BJs has some lovely coupons! The coupons would often make the BJs prices lower than the store.

 

I'd wait for the coupons and then buy those things at BJs. I found that it was mostly things like TP and laundry detergent and staples like that that I was able to buy for the best price.

 

Be careful when you go. You will want to buy lots and lots of things. I still remember wanting a Mounds Bar, and I ended up with a box of 30 Mounds Bars. That was a glorious 30 days in my life, where I ate a full Mounds Bar every day for a month! Ah, to be in my 20's again and able to get away with that without gaining a pound. It was pretty awesome.

 

 

Over a year ago, I pre-bought a ton of staples (with coupons). It's been a year and 5 months, and I still have plenty of puff's plus, laundry detergent, bouillon, vanilla, and Chlorox wipes. I think I can get all the way to next January with what I bought. I thought I was buying a year's supply, but I bought two. I haven't bought any of those things in a year and a half.

 

Our BJs is too far away for anything other than staples like that. It's a 25 minute ride in the opposite direction of any other store we'd use. If it was closer, then the deals on milk and meat might be worth getting the membership. We use BJs for non-perishable items.

Edited May 23, 2016 by Garga

[zoobie]

Yes to great prices on organic stuff. 2 dozen organic eggs are $5.99. They have the best price on organic chicken breasts too, and they are good. They do carry Kerrygold. I want to say the 3 or 4 pack is around $10, but I'm not sure.

 

The trash cans, etc. you probably will not find. That kind of stuff is randomly on the home goods aisles, but not all of it and not with a selection.

 

I haven't seen baby monitors there.

 

Some things we buy frequently:

Kirkland Vanilla

Salt grinder and bulk

Kirkland BBQ rub

Kirkland Chocolate chips

Ghirardeli triple chocolate brownie mix

Kirkland applesauce pouches

Romaine lettuce

Baby portobello mushrooms

Kale salad mix (I don't prefer the dressing)

Berries

Campari tomatoes

Baby bell peppers

Cute Cucumbers

Chicken breasts

Stew beef (it's very nicely trimmed pieces at ours, but YMMV)

Prime sirloin steaks that are fantastic

Babybel cheese

Dubliner cheese

Boursin

Eggs

Butter

Trash bags

Cascade

Vitamins and OTC meds

Prescription meds

Kirkland brand of Claritin-D 24 hr is ~$6/15

Cerave face wash and lotions (behind counter at pharmacy)

Epsom salts

Macadamia nuts

Mixed nuts

Batteries

 

Their cheesecake and triple chocolate cakes are evil. Way better quality than you might expect. Caramel apple and pumpkin pies in fall are great. My kids sampled the key lime last week and liked it. The sheet cakes are good for store sheet cakes.

 

The Kirkland Miracle Suits swimsuits are fantastic for the price. I bought one two years ago, and it still looks nice. (We do have salt water, but it got washed and worn a ton.) Their girls' Speedo suits are great for the price.

 

Tires and batteries

 

I have broken down and fed kids dinner/lunch there with their pizza. Kids like it. It's not bad, and it's a good deal. Occasionally bribed them with the frozen yogurt up front too. My 3 yo loves going for the samples. They usually behave pretty well there.

[gardenmom5]

I think you're going to be surprised by costco. you are buying in bulk.

 

they probably have a *single* outdoor garbage can - I have no memory of shower curtain rods.

 

grocery prices may or may not be better.  we do as much produce at cash and carry. (restaurant supply.)  (Costco business centers cater more to restaurant supply - any Costco member can go there.)

 

they do have a number of ready to cook meals.  (some are quite good.)

 

they have mostly their own brands - it's cheaper than a name brand and they are usually high quality.

 

I'd look at Costco online for baby monitors.

 

things may or may not be in stock - some things are generally there every time.  others are one-off and you'd better buy it before it's gone or you snooze you loose.

[Ali in OR]

I really love Costco, but for what you're describing I think you'll do better at the grocery store/Target around move time. Save Costco for when you're all moved in and really want to fit the shelves! And even then, some things I prefer to get at the grocery store. I like Costco for

 

shampoo/conditioner

body lotion

generic zyrtec

contact lens cleaner

most vitamins

meat

string cheese

naan

individual packs of guacamole

frozen treats in summer (push up frozen juice, fudgsicles)

 

and then lots of wandering around to see what strikes my fancy!

 

[TechWife]

I'm new to the Costco scene, ours just opened in March. I've been actively shopping sales and working coupons at my local stores for about nine months. When Costco first opened I did some cost comparisons. You really have to know prices at the stores you regularly visit when you walk through Costco. For many items, I noticed the per item cost at Costco was the same as the sale per item cost when combined with coupons at the regular store. The quantities at the regular stores are friendlier to our lifestyle (there are only two of us at home). I don't buy food in bulk, so I didn't do a lot of cost comparing there. 

 

Here are some of the notes I wrote down: 

Same price as Target/Lowes/CVS (shopping sales & using coupons):

Charmin toilet paper

Bounty 

Tide Pods

 

More expensive at Costco: 

Head & Shoulders

Disposable Hydro 5 Razors

Vitamins

Advil

Prilosec

Oreos

 

Cheaper at Costco (large quantity purchases required): 

100% Whole Wheat Bread (purchase two loaves)

Cookie trays (I think there were four dozen cookies on the tray)

Lemons (two pound bags)

English Cucumbers (four to a package)

Rotisserie Chicken (I can't remember how these were packaged)

Specialty cheeses (two or three pound packages)

Gift certificates (sold in multipacks below face value, Honey Baked Ham and Nutrisystem are two I remember, there were several more) 

I didn't shop for any baby items. They did have some household items like dishes, sheets & towels, but I don't specifically remember shower curtain rods. I wouldn't make a special trip for just that item, though. 

 

Their gasoline is about 10-15 cents per gallon lower than the other stations in the area. I do try to plan my errand schedule and driving routes to make sure I can fill up there.

 

I agree with the person above who said to wait until you are settled in your home to do your bulk shopping. I think you'll want to take time to plan in order to save money. 

 

[KungFuPanda]

I use costco more for shelf-stable groceries, freezer foods, and stuff like toilet paper and dishwasher pods.  We are just a family of four with two teenagers that aren't monster eaters. Often the quantities of the fresh food are just too much for us.  In busy situations like you described, I'd be more likely to grab dinner from their prepared foods than to try to shop with little kids.  The pizza is good and super cheap.  You might be able to buy some peace if you feed them there, do some of your shopping, and pick up an oven-ready enchilada casserole or a rotisserie chicken for another night.  I don't think I could cope with breaking down giant packages of meat while moving house.

[mamiof5]

I don't have a Costco membership, but have been to their store several times. Depending on the item, I don't necessarily find their prices much cheaper. Yes, there's some items I'd like to get there, but overall the regular grocery store works best for us.

[cjzimmer1]

We don't have a Meijer but we have a lot of grocery stores so they have to be competetive on price.  Some things are cheaper at Costco and many things are not.  Aldi's butter is ALWAYS cheaper than Costco, Another local grocery store is ALWAYS cheaper on 3 pound bags of lettuce (which we eat in one meal, I buy 2-3 bags a week).  On the Other hand Annie's Mac and Cheese is an absolute deal at Costco and then when they put $3.00 off coupons, it cheaper than Kraft. Toilet paper, Kleenex and dishwasher tabs are other things I really like to stock up on when they are in the coupon book.  I buy frozen broccoli at costco (a couple of bags a week).  The price is about the same as the grocery stores but the quality is so much better.  SO you really have to know your prices and don't assume you will always get a good deal.

[EndOfOrdinary]

We get a lot of our organic produce at Costco. Right now frozen veggies from anywhere are suspect, but pre-Listeria all our frozen organics came from Costco. Other things we purchase:

 

Kirkland olive oil

Kirkland balsamic vinegar

Sabre Organic Hummus

Organic Pesto

Premade Organic ravioli

Tortillas

Tillamook Cheese

Bandon Cheddar Cheese

Eggs

Progresso Soup

Pacific foods soup

Almonds

Organic maple syrup

Peanut butter

Salsa

 

Ds' white undershirts and undies

 

Our family's iPads and cameras

 

They give free eye exams and take most insurance.

 

Packages of their giant muffin cakes are fabulous for office parties or home get togethers. Cut them in half, heat them up a bit in the oven - delicious! They also freeze really well!

 

We used to get SkipJack Tuna, but have since become vegetarian. Same with other meats.

 

My father swears by their toilet paper prices. However, he does this like a crotchety old man, so I do not know how accurate he is. More than likely, way too much research has gone into toilet paper.

 

What I have found is that somewhere along the line we got into a rotation where we would purchase a rather pricey item (olive oil, maple syrup, etc) each time. We would not use it all in the month, so next month we would buy a different one. Somehow this has meant that we can keep them all stocked up, but not break the bank every four months needing them all.

 

We routinely cannot go through their lettuce/greens fast enough. As a result, I just buy it at the local Safeway when we need it.

[AnnE-girl]

Thanks, everyone! I've heard so many people say how much they love Costco for everything, so I wasn't sure just how much "everything" meant. I have to go with DH (and the kids, since we don't have a babysitter) today because he needs to set up our membership with information from work. Costco is only about five minutes from our new house, so I can easily go back often, and Meijer is just a bit further down the road.

[marbel]

We love Costco but we don't buy everything there.  Eggs, butter, and half and half are cheaper at Aldi and just as good.  You really do have to know the prices in your area.  I do buy their chicken and sometimes beef.  The huge sirloin tip roast (I'm pretty sure that's what it's called) is cheap compared to any other similar meat, and can be cut up into steaks, smaller roasts, and stew meat.  Or ground, I guess (I don't have a way to grind meat).   Shelled nuts are always cheaper there.  Bag of frozen mixed berries is a staple for us too. 

 

Someone mentioned pesto - it is good and way cheaper than any other commercial pesto.  It freezes well too, and it's easy to cut off a chunk from the frozen mass.

 

I used to always buy the giant Charmin when there was a coupon for it.  Now I'm not convinced that it's such a great deal compared to a grocery store sale or coupon.  It's really hard, though, to comparison shop tp.  Rolls sizes and quality differ greatly. 

 

I buy all my son's white athletic socks there; my husband buys his dress shirts there too. 

 

Have fun but don't get carried away thinking it's cheaper because it's Costco! 

[TechWife]

The huge sirloin tip roast (I'm pretty sure that's what it's called) is cheap compared to any other similar meat, and can be cut up into steaks, smaller roasts, and stew meat. Or ground, I guess (I don't have a way to grind meat). Shelled nuts are always cheaper there. Bag of frozen mixed berries is a staple for us too.

Does Costco have a butcher on site that will do this?

[kewb]

I love costco but you do need to know your prices going in.  Sometimes you are paying for the convenience of buying a lot of something at once.  Which is ok as long as you know that is what you are doing.

 

Staples for me at Costco are freezer items-organic veggies and fruit. Milk, chicken, baking soda,  Followed by whatever catches my eye and is in the budget.

[marbel]

Does Costco have a butcher on site that will do this?

 

Not that I know of. I do it at home.  I've never thought to ask, just assume they would not.

 

[gardenmom5]

Does Costco have a butcher on site that will do this?

 

no. your discount on the per pound price is because the butchers there are NOT spending their time cutting up meat into smaller packages.   dh cuts it up himself. 

[LucyStoner]

Does Costco have a butcher on site that will do this?

I don't think so. The only time they have handled or wrapped an animal protein for me is during their little window where they set up a fresh fish window and then they do filet and wrap etc my purchases. If it's in their meat section, any further cutting or processing is done by me. I'm guessing they don't even have a seasonal fish set up everywhere because fish is always cheapest closest to the docks where it comes in.

Edited May 23, 2016 by LucyStoner

[Lady Marmalade]

I was SO excited when our Costco finally opened last fall.  I've been a big Sam's Club shopper over the years, and was excited to see how Costco was better.

 

The biggest perk for me about Costco is that it is literally next door to our dance studio.  Very, very convenient for me to pop in when picking up or dropping kids off to dance.  It's a fabulous perk, and I am very appreciative that it is now there.  I often pop in for just one item because it is so convenient for me!

 

The organic eggs, butter, milk and cheese are cheaper than anywhere else.

 

The organic frozen fruits and vegetables are a good price, and I think the quality is good.

 

The meat seems to be of a good quality, though I haven't bought much beyond ground beef and salmon fillets.  The prices seem fair and they have cuts that no one else carries around here (pork belly and brisket come to mind).

 

The produce is very hit or miss.  That's the area of the store I am most disappointed about.  The quality of the produce is seriously lacking.  The romaine hearts always look like they are ready for the compost bin, despite having a sale date a few weeks out.  I've bought their large packages of apples only to have them be quite mushy when I get them home.  I bought a package of golden potatoes, and when I got home and started going through the package, over half the potatoes were bright green and unusable.  I understand Costco has a very generous return policy, and I could have taken them back, but it just seems to me that they are not storing their produce correctly in the first place.  The only thing I have consistent good luck with is the bagged pre-made salads- they have a kale salad that my kids LOVE. 

 

I also think it's very strange that their bakery does not make normal everyday bread products in house.  They make gorgeous looking pastries, bagels, muffins and dinner rolls.  But no burger or hot dog buns, no fresh rolls that one could use to make sandwiches, that kind of thing.  If you want those, you have to make your way to a completely different part of the store and buy the manufactured bread products. It's odd to me. 

 

They have a massive wine selection, and I've brought home a bottle or two and been happy with them. 

 

One warning about shopping there is that you don't want to really fall in love with a new product, because it might be only there temporarily.  My family loves a few of their dried fruit and nut blends that we've tried, but we've never been able to get more than a package or two because they are constantly changing.   

 

Oh, ETA:  The prepared foods are pretty good!  We like their take-n-bake pizzas, though my meat-loving kids think they put too much meat on them, so we buy a meat and a cheese pizza, and then re-distribute the meat over both pizzas.  The topped flatbreads they carry are amazeballs. Pizza like, but with grown up tastes.  I love the one with blue cheese on it!  The rotisserie chickens are the biggest I've ever seen, but I've had bad luck with all the ones I've brought home, as they trend toward the dry side.  They work fine if you want to re-purpose the meat for something else, but they are not my choice for a chicken dinner.   The kids LOVE getting a churro at the snack stand before we leave.  They are only a dollar and are delicious!  They also love the frozen yogurt for a few cents more than the churro, but it's a BIG cup of fro-yo, and my ice cream fiends have a hard time finishing a cup and don't like to be wasteful. 

Edited May 23, 2016 by Lady Marmalade

[wapiti]

I buy Kerrygold at Costco - they only have the salted at ours - I think it's about $7.50 for a box of three half-pound sticks.  That's much cheaper than our grocery, where I pay $4.50 for a half-pound stick of the unsalted.  At ours, it's near the specialty cheeses.  There are also two-pound packages of organic butter - Kirkland brand I think - but it's in a different dairy section, near the regular butter.

 

It may take time to get to know what is best for you to buy at Costco.  You will make mistakes on occasion, buying too much of something.  It helps to know how much freezer room you have.  I like to have a number of frozen meals (e.g. little pizzas, the burgers on a bun, large pizzas, etc) for times when someone is starving or I need an "emergency" dinner.

 

I sometimes shop at Target, Costco and the grocery all in one trip.  I make three sections on my list.  I would do Target for the shower rod and waste baskets.

[Ali in OR]

 They also love the frozen yogurt for a few cents more than the churro, but it's a BIG cup of fro-yo, and my ice cream fiends have a hard time finishing a cup and don't like to be wasteful. 

 

We get a chocolate frozen yogurt and split it 3 ways--that's the perfect amount! But it only works when we're eating there--if I bought it before driving home, I wouldn't get any!

[livetoread]

I am a regular Costco shopper, and I too have been disappointed by their produce. I like their packaged cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and asparagus along with their packaged salads, but half the time I can't find some that aren't already moldy long before their sell by date. Sometimes they are great, but it is so hit or miss. I finally wrote a comment card about it to them. I can't imagine why they would have boxes of vegetables displayed and every single package is moldy. Repeatedly. Aren't they embarrassed?

[Lady Marmalade]

I am a regular Costco shopper, and I too have been disappointed by their produce. I like their packaged cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and asparagus along with their packaged salads, but half the time I can't find some that aren't already moldy long before their sell by date. Sometimes they are great, but it is so hit or miss. I finally wrote a comment card about it to them. I can't imagine why they would have boxes of vegetables displayed and every single package is moldy. Repeatedly. Aren't they embarrassed?

 

That's a bummer to hear. I was hoping that it was still because our location is relatively new- that they were still working out any kinks in the system and educating employees.

[Peach]

It is hit and miss regarding prices and how much storage room you have. Some things I can't buy in bulk as it won't keep long enough to use it. There are some 'always buys' though. If you like pot stickers (dumplings) this is the place. Their bag has about 3 times as many dumplings ad the small bags at the grocery store and much cheaper. The dried mangos are another. Big bag! the produce at ours is usually really good. Avocados are really cheap there.  One specific thing I noticed after this last trip. Beef brisket was almost $3 cheaper per pound that it was at our Albertson's which on something that size is pretty significant. Butter is also cheaper at Costco here. Non-food stuff varies by trip so yes, if you see something there you want/need, get it. It likely won't be there next time.

[BrittanyM]

I buy a lot of our groceries at Costco. Mainly because I live pretty far from the stores and so I can't stop at multiple places to shop due to time constraints. Costco is the best all around price wise so I stick to mostly there but it is easy to buy things you didn't "need" before you saw them if you aren't careful. ;)

 

I have been very happy with the produce at ours, I always buy my lettuce there and it lasts a long time. I also do fresh broccoli too, although that can be more hit and miss but I buy it depending on how it looks. I get all our paper goods for parties, dishwasher tabs, frozen fruit, baby wipes, tortillas (the ones in the cold section that you have to finish cooking, they are SO yummy), tillamook cheese, organic butter (not Kerrygold), peanut butter, nuts, vanilla, diced tomatoes & tomato paste, cat food, socks, tortilla chips, avocados and bananas.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BlsdMama]

Thanks, everyone! I've heard so many people say how much they love Costco for everything, so I wasn't sure just how much "everything" meant. I have to go with DH (and the kids, since we don't have a babysitter) today because he needs to set up our membership with information from work. Costco is only about five minutes from our new house, so I can easily go back often, and Meijer is just a bit further down the road.

 

I adore Costco. However I think you hit a rhythm after the first year. You get a feel for what they carry in season and you grab it as it comes in the door. They don't carry the least expensive item, but they carry great items at a low price. The Speedo swimsuits are the perfect example. They will have them before you need them, before most stores, and they'll be the best price, so get them while you can. And this will happen on various items through the year. So, for example, IF they get in a garbage can, it will be one kind but you can bet it's sturdy and we'll reviewed and probably lower than you can find that particular kind anywhere else. ;)

 

We generally get most of our meat at Costco, except what is family raised or gotten at our local store that has an old fashioned meat counter. I generally don't buy fruit there except lemons and oranges. I always buy vegetables, spots, and dairy. Their prices on frozen veggies are excellent. My cleaning stuff like Tide, Finish tablets, blue sponges, etc. I always buy at Costco. But, obviously, Costco's bulk packaging fits our life.

 

I like buying shoes and jeans at Costco too. Ooh, and coconut oil, nuts, and supplements. I almost forgot bird seed, cat food, dog food, and litter.

[gardenmom5]

I found produce varies. we have several near us, so we get to different ones.  one has some iffy produce, sometimes it's good, other's not so much.  the one I prefer to go to has generally been more reliable.

 

the croissants are very good, and a great deal.  we did rolls for a function.   the potato rolls come in 3doz to a bag, for the same price as you'll pay for 1 doz at a grocery store.  and they taste better.  I also like their baguettes, and much cheaper.

 

different costcos will also have some different stock depending upon demand.  I loved the one we went to in vancouver - there is a very large indian population, so there was LOTS of yummy indian food to choose from.  I'm now seeing more indian food in my local costcos. 

 

they do seafood 'roadshow's', where they have seafood they dont' normally stock.  I'm so looking forward to copper river sockeye coming in, just about any day now.

 

 

eta: speaking of season - in the fall,  they get real sheepskin boots.  last fall they were $30.  I've replaced the insoles, and had multiple  seasons from one pair. and they are warm.  they also have merino wool long underwear, for around $20 per piece.  they really do get some fabulous deals.

also check out online.

 

Edited May 24, 2016 by gardenmom5