About Me & My Love of Costco

1 Dave // 2007.11.08 at 10:33 pm

I used to think your “addiction” was cute. After reading this, now I know you’re just CRAZY! and I’m scared.

Love ya!

2 Addicted to // 2007.11.29 at 1:15 am

Go to you tube and type in addicted to costco. There is a really funny PSA.

3 Mel // 2008.02.24 at 6:40 am

You are so lucky to have a Costco near your home. I went to so many during my last trip to the US. I can’t wait until the Melbourne store opens!

4 Kimberly // 2008.02.28 at 10:58 am

I’m going to try to keep the site updated on new locations that are opening around the world. Keep checking back. I might make location information it’s own page even since so many people seem interested in that.

5 jenn22 // 2008.02.29 at 2:52 pm

Hi! I stumbled across your site during my lunch break and have a question that I hope someone can answer! My nearest Costco is in Northwest Indianapolis and when I went there in October 2007, they were introducing the new Macaroon Fudge Torte (made by the bakery). It was so delicious! When I went back there in January 2008, they no longer had it? However, I noticed that they are carrying it in at least one (Washington state) if not more Costcos in the United States. Will it be making its return to other Costcos? Hopefully, the answer is yes, because I rank this dessert right up there with their to-die-for sheet cakes!

6 Kimberly // 2008.03.05 at 9:38 am

We don’t have the Macaroon Fudge Torte here in Austin either, sadly, because it sounds like it is probably really good. When I asked the Costco people they said that sometimes they discontinue items on a seasonal basis but didn’t know anything specifically about the torte. I’m going to try asking the folks at headquarters though & I’ll let you know what they say.

7 Kimberly // 2008.03.06 at 5:09 pm

Well, here’s what the folks at Costco have told me when I asked them where the Macaroon Fudge Torte was & if it would be coming back:

“I am sorry, but this item has been deleted from our inventory within all of our stores. Your suggestion to carry it again has been forwarded to our Buying Office for their review.”

So, I guess we can hope that they decide to bring it back.

8 jenn22 // 2008.03.21 at 11:56 am

Kimberly:

Thank you for looking into the availability of the macaroon fudge torte! I was sad to hear that it is discontinued.

Jennifer

9 STELL // 2008.04.29 at 10:37 am

YUM – I want a macaroon fudge torte, that sounds delicious.

10 Sandy // 2008.04.30 at 6:34 pm

I am addicted to Costco too! Small world…lol. I love Ecos all natural laundry soap…smells wonderful, is safe for our planet and skin and eliminates the need for fabric softener and dryer sheets! Great stuff people. I also stock up on household paper products, canned goods, bread, meat, milk, eggs, coffee and drinks. I sometimes will get razor blades if budget that particular month allows for bulk buying on that type of stuff. I don’t get dog food because I like Pet Promise from Petco. I bought a new printer at Costco last month – love it. HP Officejet Pro L7650 All in One, and bought a laptop for my daughter also HP and she loves it. Costco is great! I store extra paper products in garage and drinks. I hate going to the regular grocery store every couple of days and Costco allows me to have more time NOT shopping alot. Love their bakery too but stay away from it!…lol I could get too addicted to their sweets! Have a great day…Sandy

11 Del // 2008.05.05 at 4:18 pm

The Martha ham has no hormones, no nitrates, and no chemicals. That is the main reason for the extra cost. I thought it was very good with the cognac glaze recipe it came with. I see your point though is all that worth 1.80 a pound.

12 Reta Melby // 2008.06.05 at 8:26 am

Could you try to find out the nutrition info for the rotisserie chicken asian wrap (maybe without including the dressing)? Also for the rotisserie chicken greek pasta salad (also sans dressing)? Thanks so much. We love Costco, too. Wish they would make the effort to print nutrition facts on labels in the service deli

Reta Melby

13 Kimberly // 2008.06.06 at 11:50 am

Hi Reta, I’ll see what I can find out for you. I agree that it would be nice if Costco would print the nutrition info on either the labels or post it in the store by the deli and bakery areas, or at least post it online.

14 Danielle // 2008.06.21 at 8:20 pm

This is great. I think I finally found someone who loves Costco as much (or maybe more) than me. The website is great!! I live in Naples, FL and visit my local Costco weekly. Everything about Costco is great. I recently ordered some new checks through the Costco website and decided to get the ones with the pictures of Costco on them. My husband about died laughing when he saw them, but he said only you love Costco that much. Apparently not or they wouldn’t make checks with pictures of Costco stores on them:)
Whenever someone new comes to my house they always make a comment about something neat that I have and they say “where did you get that?” Whether it’s my automatic opening stainless garbage can, my beautiful patio furniture or whatever I can always say I got it at Costco. I have even gotten some of my friends addicted to Costco.

Happy Costco shopping to all! Glad I found the website.

15 FlatGreg // 2008.07.07 at 4:36 pm

I’m a Costco addict too, and and Austinite as well

16 Jennifer // 2008.07.20 at 6:49 pm

Hi there, I am a big Costco fan too! Even though I do shop there just about every week (and there are only 2 of us!), I’ve never bought furniture from their online store before. Based on your experience, do you know how shipping and handling for furniture works? I assume they get delivered since they’re so big, but would they also get set up for us? Thanks in advance for any help!

17 Kimberly // 2008.07.20 at 7:49 pm

We’ve never gotten anything big like an entire bedroom set or even chairs from online. All of our furniture from Costco we’ve managed to somehow lug home on our own. We did get a big television though, but it came via UPS & you know how they are…no help there. I was glad that they brought it into the house for me even.
However, I do believe that for the bigger furniture items from Costco.com they are coming via different delivery and I think they have what they call a “White Glove” delivery service where they bring it in and will do basic assembly and placement of furniture pieces. As well as haul off the packing materials. Also, I believe the delivery fee is already included in the purchase price. We have had really good luck with nice quality of the furniture pieces that we have purchased from Costco too & I know that they try to maintain the same high standards for their furniture that they do for the rest of the items that they offer.

Hope this helps!

18 Craig // 2008.09.02 at 9:29 am

Hi, I’m a Member (13+ years), employee (just over a year), and a Costco-aholic. (HI CRAIG !!!!!!) Totally love Costco and have been thinking of changing careers and going full time with them. It truly is the best store, ever !!! We’ve bought everything from furniture, play sets, computers, TV’s and everything in between I’m also in the Texas area, Woodlands (transplant from So. Cal.), and am hoping that they will be putting one in the Woodlands area soon. I hear that is coming, hopefully within two years. Great website Kimmie. I’ll be checking back often. L8R.

19 Brant // 2008.10.16 at 10:38 am

I wouldn’t say that I am a Costco addict. But I moved away from my Costco in Twin Falls ID about 1 year ago. I have realized that I was very addicted to Costco. I still have an active membership there even though I live 2 hours from the nearest store.
When they announced that they are building a store in Pocatello (where I currently work) I found my thirst and addiction became heightened to the point of being intoxicating. I now often find myself watching the construction (which is almost done) and anticipating the final opening so I can get a weekly fix of savings and quality product. I realize now that I love this store and there is no substitute that can satiate my need to use my membership card!

20 Kathryn // 2008.10.18 at 5:58 pm

Love your webite, as I am a lover of Costco as well. Months ago I bought some fudge they had a demo going on, it wasa the best I ever had, Hubby threw box out Does any one remember the name of it?

21 Kimberly // 2008.10.18 at 6:12 pm

This one I do know because I bought a box of the same fudge. It’s Fudge Wudgie & you can find them at http://www.fudgiewudgie.com.

22 Kathryn // 2008.10.18 at 6:16 pm

I thought that might be it, but that name I would remember. I’ll check out the webite! thank you so much! Do all Costco have the same products? I live in New Hampshire

23 Kimberly // 2008.10.18 at 6:22 pm

They don’t always have the same products or demos at all of the Costco locations. However, I think this might have been more widespread because Fudgie Wudgie is from Pennsylvania, and not Texas, so no special reason for them to be only at our Costco.

24 Kathryn // 2008.10.18 at 6:37 pm

The flavor was penuche, and I looked on Fudgie Wudgie and they don’t have it. I’m so confused……….but it was in a gold box that I do remember!

25 Kimberly // 2008.10.20 at 9:34 am

Kathryn, the Fudgie Wudgie box is gold, so I really think it’s probably them. Maybe it was a special flavor that they were trying out…or maybe they just haven’t updated their website recently.

26 Lori // 2008.10.23 at 5:13 pm

Do you ever come home with broken eggs? The price is so good I like to buy them at Costco. But I don’t like the fact that I can’t look at them before I buy. Would they credit me for the broken ones? Thanks

27 Kimberly // 2008.10.24 at 12:33 pm

At our Costco, the eggs come in a carton of 18 that you can easily open and check for broken eggs. I’m guessing you’re at one of the Costco locations that sells them as two cartons bundled together. I think you should leave them a comment about how this prevents you from looking at the eggs to check for broken ones. Plus, if you get a carton with a bunch that are broken, I would take them back. I’ve been there when people have come in with mostly eaten packages of bacon or lunch meat that they want to return because they don’t like the taste. And maybe if they have enough people returning them because they have too much breakage, they’ll rethink the bundling.

28 Diane // 2008.10.27 at 2:51 pm

I was at the Covington opening and had the best potstickers ever. They were just for that grand opening. Fusion Potstickers.
The club was amazing!!!

29 Tricia // 2008.10.27 at 3:52 pm

yes!!! I was there too. Bamboo lane fusion potstickers. They said they hope to get in the freezers for good. I filled out a comment card. I hope they do – they were amazing!!!

30 Tom // 2008.10.28 at 2:32 pm

Who can I contact at Costco to make a request for an item at my local store? I have seen products in other Costco locations that I would like to see offer in my frequently visited Costco location.

31 MCA // 2008.10.28 at 3:33 pm

Two points about the above entries:

1. About the broken eggs, Costco has (or at least should have, unless there is an unruly worker at Member Services) a no-questions-asked return policy on nearly every item* in the store. All food products fall under this blanket. If you have one broken egg you can return them. If you eat 4/5 of a product and then find mold in the remaining part of the product, you can return it. Obviously people could abuse this policy, but most people are good law-abiding citizens.

*Exceptions are on cameras, computers and television sets. A 90-day return-policy is in effect on these items, but they usually have a lengthier warranty in effect from the company (i.e. Sony, Dell, etc.).

2. You may leave suggestions for new products in any suggestion box at a Costco, however this does not mean you will actually ever get that item in your store. There are many factors that go into getting items in stores, many of which are not handled on-site by the management staff. While at a Costco you may ask the front end staff to look up item availability at other stores in your area. Just because your closest Costco doesn’t carry the item, it doesn’t mean it isn’t carried at all in your metropolitan area. Also, there is http://www.costco.com where you can find LOTS of items not carried at your local store and shipping details.

Hope some of this helps.

32 I love Costco Too! // 2008.11.21 at 10:15 pm

I’ve live outside of Atlanta and there is a store here called Hall-Mark (not the Cards) and they get alot of crushed boxes, returned clothes, open boxed returns from Costco and sell them at reduced prices. I’ve also visited a store outside of Fredricksburg, Va that is the same type of store – selling open, crushed, returns, etc. Prices are usually 15-20% lower than normal prices inside Costco – I could care less if my cereal box is bruised on the outside – I just care about the inside.

Wondering how one gets in on this business? Any ideas?

33 Christen // 2008.11.23 at 1:49 pm

I just stumbled upon this website, and have read all of your blogs. My husband is the manager in the bakery in the Delaware Costco. To Tom- He tells me all the time people come in and want a product they previously carried. If they happen to have the same ingredients in the back they use for other baked goods, they’ll make what the customer requests, even though they don’t sell it anymore. It’s just a store policy, because they want to always satisfy the customer. It’s really a pain to him, but it’s nice for us shoppers. Not sure what product you’re looking to request, but thought that info would be helpful. And yes you’re right MCA, Costco returns EVERYTHING!! I don’t understand how or why they do it, except again the whole satisfaction thing. I know I am biased, but I have to agree I love Costco too!!!!!

34 Costcoblog // 2008.12.03 at 7:56 am

Hi Kimberly,

I linked to your site from my own new blog about Costco. It’s got a very creative name – Costco Blog.

If you like it I hope you’ll link back to me too!

Thanks, from one addict to another.

35 Rob B. Rob // 2009.01.01 at 5:22 pm

Hey, I love costco 2! Glad to see Im not the only one.

36 Kelly // 2009.01.01 at 5:26 pm

Wow! Costco is a fun place to shop, Just make sure your husband dosen’t get jelous!

37 hi // 2009.01.04 at 10:22 pm

I was wondering if you know of any costco locations with the least population in the surrounding area. I know Gypsum, Colorado is one of them. But do you know of any other that similar?
I like your blog, very informative.

thanks for the help

Joseph

38 Tampa Costco-ite // 2009.01.09 at 5:06 pm

Re: Fudgie Wudgie questions above. Yes, Fudgie Wudgie goes to both Costco (and Sams) every pre-Christmas and Valentines seasons. Sometimes Mother’s Day.

They make the awesome Penuche which is like caramel or dulce de leche, and is the best. Actually, my favorite is the Chocolate Cheesecake.

This Christmas we bought 11 various flavors. YUM! FUDGIE WUDGIE!!

39 debbie // 2009.01.12 at 8:57 pm

Hello fellow addicts!!! I too am at Costco at least 1x/wk!! My 2 year old is also addicted (especially to the samples)…the staff have actually come to recognize her and they know what she likes (the lobster dip on crackers)…

I am in New Jersey and have 3 stores within 20 minutes of me!! I even went to Costco on my honeymoon (in Hawaii)

40 Graized // 2009.02.03 at 2:25 pm

I became a member 3 weekends ago and have shopped there three times now. I suspect we will be a once a week household for a while till the novelty wears off, but even then, we already have staples we need to get there:
* bananas – great, fresh, keep long enough that we can go through a 3lb bunch just in time for the next
* kangaroo pita chips – so delicious and much healthier than chips or crackers; we’re still trying different hummus options to go with them, but we are settled that we’ll never find a better pita chip. Last weekend, we picked up 3 more bags.
* other fresh produce – I’m digging on the strawberries, raspberries, snap peas, green beans, mixed greens pre-made salad… I love getting my produce at Costco!
* meats – I haven’t looked through the beef prices all that closely because we were stocked up before we started shopping there, but last month’s coupon for pork chops turned out to be a great deal for us. I hope to try some other options they have there, especially seafood (which I normally wouldn’t buy since I’m landlocked in KS, but I wanna try Costco’s). We also loved the rotisserie chicken we got last Saturday and just finished it off last night.
* milk – wow, this stuff keeps longer than I’d expect and it’s a full buck cheaper than the local grocery stores

I could go on and on. I’m definitely enjoying our together time as the girlfriend and I browse the store and enjoy the free samples. It’s pretty much replaced our Saturday lunches. I think in the three trips we’ve made so far (the first was definitely a big stock-up of peanut butter, dog food, paper towels and whatnot) the $50 membership has already paid for itself. I’m also very happy to finally have a nice set of rubbermaid storage stuff instead of the mix-n-match mess we used to have (all of which just got recycled last weekend).

I do have a couple questions:
I noticed the contacts prices there are more than 20% less than where I’d normally get mine, but do they ever go on sale or have coupons? I also remember someone mentioning a rebate when you buy 4 boxes at a time.

Also, how does the mailer work? We were handed the first one when we joined, but does the other one come every month or do we get random mailers?

Thanks! I look forward to getting more ideas for my newfound addiction on your blog.

-Graized

41 Kimberly // 2009.02.03 at 2:36 pm

Congrats on the new membership….you’ll love the other things like the bakery and fresh meat selection. I’d also suggest the take and bake pizzas b/c they are pretty tasty too. And the cheeses…well, I won’t get started on the cheeses. Just be assured that they have a nice selection & are way cheaper than other places.

With regards to the contacts, they do sometimes have coupons/rebates for those. I think it might be twice a year that I’ve seen those types of deals.

And the coupon mailers should come directly to you and aren’t necessarily a regular thing. I’ve heard the rumor that they are going to be trying to do one coupon book per month through their fiscal year that closes at the end of August 2009. I have a post about those whenever they are in effect & you can check my Costco Coupon Calendar on my Costco Coupons page.

42 Kate // 2009.02.13 at 2:26 pm

OMG, I thought I was the only one!! I’m addicted, too….I go there for samples and browsing….and I often leave $200 poorer. The thing I love about Costco the most is the ability to maximize the quality/price ratio without having to chase sales. I can be found in the Northern California Bay Area Costcos.

43 Kimberly // 2009.02.14 at 3:55 pm

Yes, if you’re totally into Costco and shop there all the time, well, you’re certainly amongst friends here. I sometimes can’t believe how many people are as crazy for Costco as I am.

44 Michael // 2009.02.21 at 12:06 pm

Kimberly,

I have been enjoying your blog. I thought you might be interested in my company’s newsletter, Warehouse Club Focus, which provides information to vendors to help them understand and sell club buyers. It is not a publication that consumers purchase since its cost is $479 but if, after visiting the site, you are interested, I can set you up for a complimentary subscription.

Thanks,

Michael

45 Michael // 2009.02.21 at 12:07 pm

Kimberly,

Sorry – here is the web site:

http://www.hhcpublishing.com

Thanks.

46 Susan Perkins // 2009.02.26 at 4:33 pm

I’ve been trying to find out if the Kirkland decaf coffee is decafinnated naturally or with chemicals. Does anyone have an answer to this?
Thanks, Susan

47 Chris // 2009.03.14 at 12:30 pm

I’ve been a member since 1988 and I am addicted to Costco. I’m going through some anxiety right now because I might get transferred to Oklahoma City where there are a few Sam’s Club but NO COSTCO!! Can anyone tell me if there are future plans to build a Costco there? This might sound silly but that might play a role in me accepting the position.

48 Kimberly // 2009.03.16 at 10:32 am

Oh Chris, I feel your pain! When we moved from Tucson to Austin, we were without a Costco for a couple of years too. I haven’t heard anything about a store in Oklahoma City but check back on my Costco Locations page later this week after I can get a response from the people at Costco.

49 Chris // 2009.03.16 at 7:24 pm

Thank you Kimberly!!! How funny to hear that you are in Austin. I moved to Austin from San Jose in 2001 so there was a brief time when I was without a Costco. I’ve since moved to Philly so I’m hoping that my time without a Costco will be similar to my experience when I moved to Austin.

Thank you again for all of your help.
Chris

50 Kimberly // 2009.03.17 at 9:19 am

Hey Chris, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find anything out in the way of Costco in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma seems to be totally void of any Costco love. How sad!

51 Sandie // 2009.04.02 at 12:48 pm

Thanks for your site. It’s so funny how you describe your love for Costco! My hubby and I are quite the Costco Couple and I’m sure our friends think its wacky but WHATEVER! I just read your article about the cakes. It made me salivate. Thanks! LOL

52 Miranda // 2009.04.04 at 2:49 am

I just checked out the next coupon book (coming out mid-April) and contacts are in there…I believe it was 10 off when you buy 4 boxes. Also to the comment about stores that sell costco returns and rejects…At least with the stores in Washington, Spokane stuff goes to Seattle, and Seattle’s goes to Spokane so people can’t abuse the system. Usually vendors will credit returned items if costco sends them back. Otherwise, in order to not be a total loss, products not credited by a vendor will be sold to the discount stores. All in the effort to keep prices low

53 Dan // 2009.04.07 at 10:33 am

Hey Miranda… wondering if you can tell me if there are any TV’s in the upcoming coupon book – i’ve been saving up for one and I’m about ready to purchase, but wanted to wait and see…

54 Don // 2009.04.14 at 12:28 pm

I am normally not a shopper, but Costco has me hooked, it is by far my favorite store, I think my wife is going to limit my visits, she is no fun at all

55 Miranda // 2009.04.17 at 10:15 am

I too love shopping at Costco. I use your website to keep up on the latest coupons. Thanks for the great website.

56 [its a secret] // 2009.04.18 at 9:30 pm

Come visit Willowbrook Costco, It ROCKS! All the employee’s are so friendly and go above and beyond all for the sake of us members. Shopping at Costco is such a treat! I love finding the free eat’s…MMMMMmmm

57 kim // 2009.04.21 at 6:04 pm

I love Costco too and have been an employee of Costco for 11 years! I love to visit other locations. When I go to Mexico on vacation I always stop at the local store and stock up for my vacation

58 tikikim // 2009.04.23 at 8:06 pm

Does anyone know how to upload a picture for my profile icon? I have a great picture of me standing in front of Costco wearing a pizza coupon. Yeah, long story.

59 Kimberly // 2009.04.28 at 11:03 am

Here’s a link to the site where you can upload a picture for your profile icon: http://en.gravatar.com/ It’s pretty easy to do and you can link it to different email addresses or have unique images for different addresses.

60 Denise // 2009.04.28 at 11:40 am

I became a Costco member last year when our local BJ’s Wholesale Club went out of business. Costco came into town right before that. I love Costco and especially the coupons! Sam’s does not have ANY coupons. The Costco in Spartanburg, SC (where I work) is great! The people who work there go out of their way to make you feel welcome and they really try to help. The Costco where I actually live doesn’t seem to care whether you shop there or not and I really don’t like shopping there at all. I did find out from the people in Spartanburg that if you forget your coupon book and they don’t have extras at the membership desk that you can ask the cashier to scan their coupon! They have a notebook of coupons at the register! I even got a raincheck from an item that they were out of! I wish I had known that several months ago when I bought Snapware and found out that I LOVED it and wanted another set!

61 Srinivas Rao // 2009.04.28 at 3:47 pm

Hi there,

I was doing a search for blogs about Costco because my dad is addicted to Costco. He even sometimes just goes there to take a walk and look around. I actually was searching because we were talking about starting a blog about his costco addiction. I’ll let you know and maybe we can guest post together or something .

62 Penny // 2009.04.30 at 4:51 pm

Hi, Kimberly!

I was searching for Walker’s Quadruple Chocolate Cookies and stuumbled upon your blog. I have to admit, I am also a Costco addict. Granted, I normally don’t go more than once a week … and have been known to go two weeks between visits … but, I can definitely understand. I lived in Maine for three years and Costco is unheard of there (poor things!). They have BJ’s which just does not compare. And I refuse to shop at Sam’s!! I moved to Texas (North of Dallas) three years ago and when I found not one, but two, Costco’s very near my new home, I was thrilled!

Thanks for cool blog. I’ll be back to check out further reviews!

p.s. Both stores near me also quit carrying the Walker’s Chocolate cookies. When I saw them at $2.97/box, I snagged seven boxes. Which was all there was on the pallet. If anyone knows where to buy them, I would love to hear.

63 Sid // 2009.05.09 at 6:18 pm

Hi there – I stumbled across your amazing website – I am a die-hard Costco fan – so much so that one of the criteria for our new home purchase was that it needed to be near a Costco – happy to report that Costco is about 3 minutes away My wife thinks I’m crazy but that’s another matter!

We shop at Costco for everything – I even purchased the engagement ring for my wife at Costco – not to mention groceries, furniture, electronics etc.

I’m happy to know that I’m not alone in my Costco addiction – loved your website – keep up the good work!

64 Katherine // 2009.07.02 at 4:29 pm

I love Costco too! Especially the $$ Savings.

Let me share my recent find — the VitaClay rice cooke.

I could not be more pleased with the VitaClay rice cooker! It is everything I hoped it would be. It combines two functions in one as both rice cooker and slow cooker. I made very nice soup with its slow cooking function. I just need to set up the time for slow cooking, and leave the rest to itself. It cooks perfect brown rice. I am satisfied that the quality of the clay pot is good… The construction quality is very high. It is super easy to clean. The controls are easy to use. The design looks nice. The VitaClay is a real time saver, as well as its unique “fast” slow-cooking process actually makes all the flavors in the recipe ‘pop’ and really come alive.

Online, this is $129.99 online. But only for $79.99 at Costco store!

65 How? // 2009.07.05 at 6:25 pm

How can you ship weekly at Costco? How big is your family or how much do you eat? Most items in Costco you have to buy so much of it lasts for weeks and weeks!

66 Kimberly // 2009.07.05 at 7:57 pm

I have a family of two, just me and my husband. We are really careful about the grocery items that we buy. We make sure that we will be able to eat or freeze the stuff that we buy before it goes bad. We have some staples that we buy every week, like a gallon of milk and some fruits and veggies. Other than that it just depends on what we find that we think we can use without wasting. We cook at home most every night of the week, plus we make our lunch every day, and eat breakfast all week long too. It’s pretty rare actually that we buy stuff that turns into a science experiment before we can eat it all. But most of the stuff we buy is perfectly reasonable amounts for two people to eat in a week or so. For instance, we just bought some apples this weekend, if we both eat an apple a day we’ll have finished them in just 6 days. I guess it also depends on your eating habits and your amount of freezer space. Like when we buy bread at Costco, it usually comes in a two loaf pack; one we eat right away, and one goes in the freezer. If you read my blog very often, you’ll read lots of things about me freezing various items; the cake freezes perfectly.

But as I have said on this blog several times, grocery shopping at Costco isn’t for everyone. You should only buy the things that you will actually use and not waste. If you don’t eat at home very often or take your lunch, then Costco is not the place to shop for groceries. However, there are tons of other things like laundry detergent or shampoo, things like that, that are still a huge savings over most stores.

67 Jason Brenner // 2009.07.13 at 8:27 am

I work for a company that sells items to Costco and as such I’m always interested in what club members are saying about them. I found your website and I’m thrilled at the level of detail your fellow Costco shoppers discuss. As a Costco member also, I love shopping there. My wife and I take our 2 year old daughter to Costco every Saturday. For her it’s like Disney World, full of new things to touch and play with……anyway I digress.

The real reason for my inquiry is to see if I couldn’t post a question or two for your bloggers to respond to. I would be happy to offer a Costco Cash Card for those that respond. That being said, I understand you don’t want brands getting involved in what is a great blog, however, I promise I’m not trying to sell anything to you, and the brand I represent would never be mentioned. My questions to your bloggers would be based on shopping experience, things you like and things you don’t about Costco.

Cheers,
Jason

68 Celeste // 2009.07.15 at 10:26 pm

I am feeling the pain of Chris (#47) –

I just moved to Oklahoma City for a fantastic job transfer and checked the website for a store – none. We’re able to nab an NBA franchise but not a CostCo. Boo.

The site did helpfully tell me to drive 174 miles to north Texas for a store… not going to happen. Cancelled my membership tonight.

69 Debbie // 2009.07.29 at 7:09 pm

I am a true die hard Costco fan. I laughed when I found this website today. It fits me to a T. I have been a member since 1990. We started in Seattle area, then went to Montana and then to Coeur d’Alene, ID. We have been near a Costco all this time. Then just over a year and a half ago we moved to Amarillo, TX where there is no Costco! We do have a Sam’s Club that I can’t stand. The nearest Costco for me is in Albuquerque NM. Believe it or not, that’s 4 hours away and we managed to pay for our Executive Membership again this year! We go to any Costco in any town that we visit – even in Cabo San Lucas this past spring!

I realize that my trips to Costco aren’t money saving – it’s the quality and the stuff! We just love it. So Celeste, the 174 miles to Dallas might just look a little differently (same for Chris in #47). I enjoy getting to go on the trips and the fun of exploring the towns as well as the “new” Costco’s!

I am curious if you ever got any nutrition info on the Asian Chicken wrap.

Deb =)

70 Tiff // 2009.07.30 at 10:27 pm

I wanted to comment to say how surprised and pleased I am that you are in Austin, as I am, because now I know for sure that what you find will be at my Costco too. LOL! I go to the location on Research a few times a week. thanks for the site please keep it up! I like to read your perspectives.

71 Eternal Lizdom // 2009.07.31 at 8:59 am

Thanks for checking out my blog!! I love what you’ve done here- and I am so inspired to try products that you’ve tried! I’ve already got a list going… If you ever come to Indianapolis, we will have to meet up at Costco!

72 Kimberly // 2009.07.31 at 9:42 am

Debbie – I am amazed, and vastly impressed, that with your Costco that far away now you still managed to shop at it enough to cover the cost of the Executive Membership!

I didn’t get the calorie information to the Asian Chicken Wrap. It fell through the cracks. I’ll see if I can get that information and get it posted soon.

73 EILEEN // 2009.08.01 at 10:58 am

I have to travel 80 miles to my Costco (Tucson), and only go about once every 2 months. That’s a good thing, or I’d be broke! I like all the paper products, the fruits and veggies and the freshly baked breads.

But my best deal is the wild bird seed. I’m a huge backyard bird watcher/fan, and we have hundreds in ours since we are on the edge of town, near a very open area at the foot of some mountains. Since we moved here 3 years ago I’ve spotted and identified 30 different species just while sitting on my patio.

Anyway, the wild bird seed is an amazing value at Costco! I get 50 pounds for just under $10. I used to think Walmart had a good price at $18 for 10 pounds. But Costco has them by a mile!!

74 Dawn // 2009.08.01 at 6:33 pm

Does Costco take manufacture’s coupons also?

75 Kimberly // 2009.08.04 at 7:01 am

Costco only accepts coupons from their own coupon books, not regular manufacturer’s coupons that you’d cut out from a newspaper or something.

76 Kimberly // 2009.08.05 at 8:32 am

Debbie – I’m trying to get the info on the Asian Chicken Wrap still. My first attempt snared me the information for the Caesar Chicken Wrap but hopefully try number two will be more successful.

77 Kimberly // 2009.08.05 at 8:36 am

Eileen, that is a big savings on that bird seed, huh? Just over half the price, for five times as seed! That’s astounding.

78 Dale Kane // 2009.08.12 at 3:56 pm

Love the blog. The girl and I go every week on Sat. One thing that I haven’t been able to figure out is how to get notified of new items on costco’s website. Many things come and go, some pretty quickly. Do you know of any way to have google or something let you know when new items appear on costco’s site?

Cheers,

Dale

79 Kimberly // 2009.08.12 at 4:21 pm

Dale, you can sign up to receive an email from Costco that lists new items or items that are on sale at Costco.com and they mail it out once per week. Sometimes they will have separate emails for special events like furniture sales or things like that too. You can sign up for that on the Costco.com homepage in the right-hand column, toward the top of the page; there’s just a little space to enter your email address to receive offers by mail.
You can also find out what’s new on the Costco.com What’s New page
If you want to know what’s new in the warehouses, you can go here: http://www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11320805

Hope that helps!

80 Theodore // 2009.08.17 at 12:15 pm

Does anyone know if I can get the difference on something I purchased on Costco.com and now its on sale. I purchased an awning on 7/29 and today it is on sale for $500.00 less. Would it be possible to get the difference back.

Thanks,

Theodore

81 Kimberly // 2009.08.17 at 2:53 pm

I just did this with the JVC camcorder that I purchased. Unfortunately, you have to buy a new one and then take it back with the old receipt or take back the one you purchased on Costco.com and then buy the new one that is on sale. That’s the only way that our Costco would refund us the difference in price. But $500.00 is definitely worth the fairly minor inconvenience of buying it and taking it back.

82 Fellow Austinite // 2009.08.30 at 8:39 pm

Do you go to the Costco in North Austin or the one on William Cannon?

83 Kimberly // 2009.08.31 at 7:11 am

I shop at the Costco in North Austin. I’ve never ventured to the William Cannon one, actually. Though, I keep thinking I should just to see what it’s like.

84 Chris // 2009.09.06 at 10:01 pm

Kimberly, just found your blog and I am a fellow addict and former Austinite. You definitely need to check out Wm Cannon–I LOVED that location and never went back to N. Austin once W.C. opened–I found it to be WAY less crowded. We now live in D.C. and have 3 locations within 15 miles, but I have gone from 1x/wk to 1x/month because a)every store is crowded ALL the time and b)the staff are not as nice as they were in AUSTEX!! I am missing the friendly cashiers who would pack my purchases so neatly into boxes and smile the entire time! But I still love Costco. Happy Labor Day!

85 kEVIN // 2009.09.12 at 1:31 am

Costcos is great but FUDGIE WUDGIE FUDGE had mold all over the 2 boxes I bought.

Neighbor bought some at Sams with the same problem

86 Asha // 2009.09.14 at 9:43 am

We abosultely and positively LOve Costco!

My children , make fun of my husband’s obsession with Costco- They quip..”Costco is daddy’s DisneyLand!”

The Costco items are the best!

Asha

87 Evan Brom // 2009.09.16 at 1:58 pm

Great Site! I love costo do I go every other day if not more. The closest one is 1.7 miles door to door. I also visit them where ever I travel. I also document the samples. Check out the costco samples at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evanbrom/sets/72157617974842924/" Costco samples

88 Cricket // 2009.09.21 at 9:40 am

I just decided that I need new cookware and I plan to purchase the Circulon Premier Professional set. I realize there was a rebate coupon for this item recently. Does anyone have any information on when/if another rebate for the Circulon Premier Professional cookware set might be available again?

89 Ann // 2009.10.17 at 4:14 am

I can’t believe you that you put this site together. This is amazing. I am also addicted to Costco, and am fortunate enough to live about 20 mins from their head office. My regular Costco is about 5mins away, and if you ever wondered where the Kirkland brand came from, you need to visit Kirkland, WA. We regularly visit the 5 Costco that are within 20mins drives of our house. The Issaquah Costco (one beside the headoffice) has the best electronics selection. The Kirkland Costco likes to mark their clothes down about 60% to clear out their remaining stock. We used to have a Costco Home… that was a lot of fun. Unfortunately they closed it a few months ago. We’ve visited many Costcos across the U.S. and Canada, but my all time favorite is the one in Taipei. If you are ever in Taipei, it is a must do sight. Keep up the great work!

90 mewithoutdebt // 2009.10.20 at 1:07 pm

I have recently wrote a blog post on what you should buy and what you should not buy at Costco on my blog that deals with me getting out of huge plastic debt. http://www.mewithoutdebt.com/2009/10/what-to-buy-at-costco-and-what-to-avoid.html Please let me know if you find the post helpful and I would love to hear your comments on it.

91 kit // 2009.11.02 at 6:21 pm

Kimberly,
I love your site. I found it while researching the Bayside Furnishing Boodcases, which I’m going to go get this evening. I have been “addicted to Costco” since the ‘80 when it was PriceClub in Irwindale, CA. We had three growing boys at home at the time. Now that it is just my husband and I, we still shop weekly. I just came back from picking up some blueberries (consistantly the best fruits and vegys) and checking out the bookcases. If we need something, we always check Costco, furniture, beds, appliances, TV’S, computers, food, books, clothing, we buy it all at Costco.

92 jackson // 2009.11.07 at 2:03 pm

Do you know how I would find an entertainment center that I purchased at Costco about 3 years ago?

93 Carol // 2009.11.30 at 2:58 pm

Kimberly,

What a great site! Loved it! I am a fellow Texan from New Braunfels! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Costco! I came across your website because I was doing a mad search for some Guacamole flavored chips I bought maybe 6 months ago. I can’t find them! And every other week I go to Costco looking for the chips! The kids told me to give up, they weren’t bringing the chips back! Thank you so much for sharing your love with all of us!

94 Denise Burks // 2009.12.04 at 12:06 pm

Where would a suburban mother of six be without Costco?? You keep up the hard work! I will continue to reap the benefits!

Warmest Costco Rewards,

Denise

Costco is awesome in so many ways. Read my blog about losing one of my children in our Costco!

http://successfulweightlossinthesuburbs.blogspot.com/search/label/Lost%20In%20Costco

95 Kimberly // 2009.12.10 at 2:42 pm

Carol, the guacamole chips are a seasonal thing only. They have them for a brief period and then they are gone for another year. They sometimes change the brand but they always taste about the same anyway.

96 Deb // 2009.12.22 at 8:57 am

I’m an Austinite and totally addicted to my South Austin Costco, too- love your blog! Can’t wait to try the petite porchetta for Christmas appetizer. My fave buys are the triple boxes of lemon filled Ginger Snaps, babybel cheese bags, cheesecake factory lemon cake, and the Sahale spiced pecans, which they only carry around the holidays. The tortilla crusted tilapia is amazing- definitely restaurant quality – we eat it as a main course, or wrapped up in the refrigerated fresh (grill them yourself) flour tortillas costco carries as fish tacos. Love the fresh brocolli salad mix and of course I won’t buy rotisserie chicken anywhere else. The Nikon S70 package they have in store right now is an incredible buy compared to anything else online.

97 Dennis // 2010.01.08 at 7:50 pm

You answered 3/17/09 about No COSTCO LOVE IN OKLAHOMA …I just moved from California and am having withdrawals…Any update on OKC or Norman, OK
Californians are leaving in droves and a drive to Dallas is 5 hours away.

98 Kirsten // 2010.01.13 at 9:23 pm

LOVE their Ecos detergent, raw-milk cheddar cheese, goats-milk cheese (even though it’s pasteurized), organic greens (when my homegrown are out of season), organic carrots… But I can get that at Sam’s Club now. Good thing because there is only one Costco in Houston that I know about. I don’t buy grocery store milk, meat nor grains, so don’t need to go there too often… Check out raw milk, grass fed meats and bulk grains in your area for really good food for your family! http://www.realmilk.com

99 Clue // 2010.01.14 at 12:17 am

There are three Costcos in Houston:

~One is down near the Galleria and the Greenway Plaza are,a on Richmond between Weslayan and Edloe;

~one is near Willowbrook Mall, just south of 249 & east of 1960;

~and one is near Memorial City Mall, on the north side of the I-10/Katy Frwy feeder road at Bunker Hill Rd.

But they do seriously need more!! I bought my new house in no small part due to its better proximity to my favorite Costco location. I’d have loved more choices!

100 Kris // 2010.02.11 at 8:33 pm

Fudgie Wudgie has a praline penuche flavor that Kathryn was looking for. I don’t know how to let her know!

101 Anna // 2010.02.17 at 12:14 am

I too am a Costco freak! I thought I was the only one who goes there once a week. I love Costco and get super excited when the new coupon book comes out. So glad I came across this cool website – I was looking up calories for some of their prepared foods. Do you know why they don’t make the calories available? I mean isn’t it like a law or something?

Anyway, thanks for having this blog!

102 Kimberly // 2010.02.17 at 7:59 pm

I don’t know why Costco doesn’t at least post the nutritional information for their prepared deli and bakery items. It seems like they would since they definitely have it available. Or, they could put it on their website somewhere because that would also be useful, I think.

103 judy // 2010.02.19 at 2:38 pm

im looking for a certain bookcase that costco sells but not in every location.. – anyone in new jersey that would know? i need a store somewhere around me..

104 Becky // 2010.04.01 at 1:52 pm

Love your site. We are a family of 7 soon to be 8. We shop at Costco all the time. We live in Albuquerque now, but my addiction began at the Austin location on 183. Nice to find a kindred spirit!

105 Linda // 2010.04.06 at 10:57 pm

I thought I was Costco’s biggest fan, but I just discovered there are a lot of other fans out there. Coscto is simply the BEST! I’ve been a member for over 20 years.

106 Brooke // 2010.04.18 at 10:29 pm

Hi- I recently moved back to the US from the UK and have really enjoyed reading about your UK adventures. Nothing can say it better than “Two countries seperated by a common language.” We lived about 2 hours North of London near Cambridge for 3 years. I absolutely loved it and miss England, but not the poorly weather so much.

If I can help you out with where to go to find certain things, just email and I will try and help out.

Have you been to Wagamama’s yet? Yummy!
cheers-
Brooke

107 Kimberly // 2010.04.20 at 7:25 am

Hey Brooke, thanks for the offer to help. I might have to take you up on that because everything is just different enough that it’s a little difficult to get used to or know where to find things. We haven’t tried Wagamama’s yet, but I have been meaning to do that; thanks for the reminder!

Do you have any suggestions on what brand of laundry detergent to buy? Last time I was at Costco I was looking for their Kirkland Signature stuff but they don’t seem to have anything but the powder. So, I’m trying to find a decent replacement. I tried some Bold 2-in-1 stuff but absolutely hated it; it left my clothes kind of hard and unpleasant.

108 Leslie // 2010.05.06 at 8:01 am

Hi! I found your blog today through a link on MSN’s homepage in an article about buying in bulk.

I have to admit that I wasn’t impressed with Costco the first time I tried it. At that time I had a membership at Sam’s Club as a work perk. I didn’t always love Sam’s, but it didn’t cost me to shop there.

Then my husband attended an entrepreneurship convention where the guy that started Costco (I’m sure you know his name) spoke and told his start-up story. Hubbie was very impressed & so was I when he told me all about it.

Then, I changed jobs and Sam’s wasn’t very kind to me when I had a $300+ order on the conveyor and my membership was expired. So we left it all on the conveyor, drove over to Costco, and joined.

The rest is history

109 jlmlawrence // 2010.05.06 at 12:12 pm

This is a great blog!! My Coscto is about 30 miles away and I do not get there to often. But when I do, It’s an all day affair, Kinda like going to IKEA!! Someone earlier was asking about the stores that sell the Costco return items, We have a few places close by that sell the Coscto returns and from what I have been told this is how it works for our area in Central California. Costco get the lowest price possible from the Manufacturers, in return for the low price Costco guarantees never to return a product to the manufacturer for defect or warranty. Then Coscto assembles the non perishable returns on pallets and the pallets are bid on by buyers. I have purchased several items from these returns and have had no issues with them. Happy Coscto’ing!!!!!!:)

110 DR D A HANSON // 2010.05.08 at 2:41 am

I thought I was the only one addicted to Costco. The one in my neighborhood is great. I am there so often, they offered to rent me a room in the back. I love Costco. I am convinced they have “tasting panels” that test everything before it hits the stores. Everything tastes wonderful. Only drawback is that I have gained 35 lbs and now have to work it off. I do not know how I would survive without my Costco.

111 maria // 2010.05.08 at 2:54 pm

today I found that I’m not alone with this addiction, I live a mile and half from costco warehouse, I use to go there about two or three times a week, Im well know almost for every one in the store. I hope found the cure for this addiction. because I spende so much many in costco
by the way I buy only for two;);)

112 KathyLee // 2010.05.08 at 3:05 pm

Aloha, from Hawaii…I, too, am addicted to Costco. I’ve been a member for many years and I am very fortune to have a Costco only 1 mile from my home. I shop about once a week. Costco is my primary grocery store. I rarely shop anywhere else. I have no problem dealing with buying in bulk and love to share with my neighbors and friends any excess that I can not use. Prices in Hawaii are very high and, generally, it is more economical to shop at Costco then at other stores in our area. I buy mostly fresh produce and am glad that the Hawaii Costcos do support our local farms by offering local produce when they can.
Love your blog and I am glad I stumbled upon it too (via the MSN article this morning).

113 Kimberly // 2010.05.10 at 3:20 am

Luckily, Dr., Costco also sells exercise equipment and workout clothing, huh? You should checkout their deals on the Wii too because the exercise stuff (like EA Sports Active) for that is the next best thing to having a personal trainer. Check out my post from last year about the EA Sports Active for Wii.

114 Jeff // 2010.05.22 at 9:23 am

This is the best site I’ve found in a long time!! I too am addicted to Costco and I think I’m going to have to be addicted to this website as well! A special thanks for posting the costco coupons online. I don’t live close to Costco and those help me plan what I am going to buy a lot better!

115 Kimberly // 2010.05.25 at 2:10 am

Thanks, Jeff, Maria & KathyLee! It’s always nice to have more addicts around. I hope you will all continue to comment and give your opinions on the various posts.

116 Chelsea // 2010.06.04 at 4:00 pm

WHEN WILL FUDGIEE WUDGIE BE BACK TO COSTCO!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!?

117 Nancy // 2010.06.20 at 6:42 pm

I have been sadly disappointed by Costco’s “DELETED” items list – it seems to get longer and longer. Just when I get addicted to an item I find it suddenly “deleted” with no explanation. I get no satisfaction from the buyers I am referred to either. Items recently deleted for my convenience are: Princess Borghese mineral makeup; frozen edamames (have bought these for a long time – suddenly GONE!); Adzuki bean chips – they had a big push on this item and others by the same producer – now I can’t find them. These are just a few items that were staples on my shopping list until just recently. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated….

118 Vicki // 2010.07.11 at 12:32 pm

I see that Costco Photo Center does not seem to have the aliance (discount) with My Publisher for photobooks anymore! I did see that Costco is attempting their own photobooks now though, and at very good prices. I went to my local Costco Photo Center and they had 2 sample books that look pretty good but I was wondering if anyone knew anything about these? I have loaded up my pics but the display is hard to see now that I have them all in the book. I wonder how big the pictures really are? It’s hard to get a sense for the size and also the text is hard to read when I type it in the pages.

If this works well, I know where I will be ordering all my photobooks from and they delivery to the warehouse, so no more extra shipping charges! Yay!

Hopefully it’s as good as it sounds!

119 Mike // 2010.07.12 at 8:04 am

I really enjoy your site. Reviews of the products and the stores are informative. I was impressed that the most recent store review included a kosher bakery.

BTW, I have linked you to my site, I was hoping that you would include me in your links.

Once again, keep up the great work.

Mike

120 Stephnanie // 2010.07.12 at 3:23 pm

Where is that coupon book!!

121 Jackie Smith // 2010.07.15 at 12:46 pm

I’m with you! I am absolutely in love with Costco. I think I mention it at least once a day (I drive my friends crazy). I love to go on a weekday and just walk down every aisle to see what new treasure awaits.

122 Dave // 2010.08.23 at 2:29 pm

I’m lucky to have a Costco near my house. I just ran across your website by accident and enjoy reading about new products, etc. I had a suggestion that maybe it might be better to have the latest posts first and the older ones following? And only show the posts for the last 2 years. The older posts could be archived in a separate link?

123 #1Costconian // 2010.08.29 at 6:32 pm

I am a true die hard Costconian!!!!!!! My family and I coined that word, along with the local Costco employees….thus I am #1Costconian!!!!

With a very large family, we check for Costco’s for areas we go on vacation and have visited them everywhere. We even take family pics at the C where we go….. to take back to our local Costco Employees. There is always something new/unique at each one….AND makes life more affordable for us!!!!

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