You may have noticed that I haven’t posted in just over a week. I was in California on vacation and I really thought that I was going to post at least a couple of times. However, it was hard for me to tear myself away from all the lounging by the pool to break out my computer. We were hanging out in Pasadena at The Langham (very nice hotel, in case you’re looking for someplace around there to stay) for a little birthday relaxation.
So, while we were there we of course had to stop by at least one Costco. We chose the Costco in Alhambra ( 2207 West Commonwealth Avenue, Alhambra, California 91803) because it was closest. It’s interesting to check out the Costco’s in different areas to see what kind of cool stuff they have that we don’t and the different store layouts and if it seems more efficient or not. The layout of the Alhambra Costco was kind of the flip version of our local Austin Costco. It always seems strange to me to walk in to the Costco’s like that. I’m just too used to the continuous sameness of my Costco’s floor plan, I guess. But in general, it’s the same layout just the mirror image, so it’s not all that different.
They had some interesting stuff that we don’t have at our local Costco; more furniture (though, they did have the best bookcase bargain ever, too) and appliances, for sure. Of course, there were lots of similarities too; about the same amount of clothing, books, CDs and DVDs. There were quite a few food products that were different, I think it’s because they have more of an Asian population that shops there because that was the big difference. They had things like, kimchi in the fridge cases and dim sum platters from the deli, neither of which are available at my Costco for sure. I also noticed that they had the Margaritaville Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi. Their cheese selection was comprable, as were the bakery and deli items. Of course, they did have the rotisserie chicken enchiladas that our Costco no longer carries, sadly. Dave really liked these Clif bar Twisted Fruit things that they were demoing at the Alhambra store; kind of like licorice with fruity flavors and of course healthier. However, we don’t seem to have the same ones in Austin. I also don’t have the heart to tell him that these are made for kids.
In any case, we enjoyed our little break in Pasadena and our visit to the Alhambra Costco. Why is it that I always feel like I need a vacation after I get back from vacation?
1
Dave //
2008.09.02 at 4:51 pm
Made for kids or not, those things are good! Who doesn’t like “made from fruit, no added sugar”!!!. Personally I did think that had a skimpier section of books but way more clothes, DVDs, and CDs. They also clearly had more “seasonal” merchandise than our local Austin store. I wanted the inflatible pumpkin coach pulled by Mr. Death, but I didn’t want to carry it on the plane and our Austin store doesn’t have it.
2
Clue //
2008.09.06 at 2:26 am
I had to laugh about the flipped stores! Here in my area, we have two Costco locations and each is about same the distance from my home, one to the northwest and the other to the southeast. We go to whichever one is on our errand route each weekend.
Of course, their layouts are “flipped” from each other and my mind always reels trying to get my bearings and determine where I am in relation to what I need. Even though I try to visualize the particular store’s layout on our way there, every week’s Costco trip is still always a mind-bender.
3
Justin //
2008.09.10 at 10:58 am
I have to say that the Delaware Costco, although stocked with tax free cheap alcohol, (especially cheap imported beer!), was dirty and felt a little like, dare I say, a trashy Walmart.
I vowed never to go back again.
I thought the employees were unfriendly and the number of kids running around the store without a leash grabbing samples was just irresponsible. In fact, the kids and the parents of those kids were probably the root of the problem. Sorry Costco!
It was nice to go back to my Harrisburg, PA Costco where everyone has a smile and people are civil and respectful. Kids stay close to their parents and “everybody knows your name”. Ok, not really.
4
Samantha Ortmeier //
2010.11.19 at 9:41 am
YEAH!! I definitely LOVE shopping and finding coupons!! The great thing regarding to this part of the year is that shopping centers are thoroughly stocked up and I do not really need an occasion to shop!