We visit Hawaii frequently and, like most tourists, our first stop is usually Costco.
Hawaii is part of the Los Angeles region and prices are almost identical to what we pay in LA. We have most of the same snack items (mac nuts, cookies, jerkies) as well as a variety of Spam, poke and sushi.
There are a few local items that are sold in Hawaii that we can’t get in LA (ex. Anahola granola, Mochi Foods pancake mix, Island Bees honey and sweet breads (other than KH)). Likewise, there are a few items in LA that are not sold in Hawaii. Most obvious to me was the assortment of different brands of bottled water. When we were visiting Kauai earlier this year, they only had Kirkland water. We also have a variety of plants which are not available in HI for obvious reasons.
On our last trip, an employee told me that, since we we live in the region, I could submit a request that the local items be carried at the Costcos in Los Angeles.
Fortunately, Kings Hawaiian (which is based in LA) has an Ohana Store that sells a lot of local Hawaiian brands. Kings Hawaiian owns both Shaka Tea and Grillo Pickles so both of those are easy to find at grocery stores in LA.
For us, Sam’s is super convenient. Very easy to stop and take advantage of the gas. And hot dog deal. We joined Costco with a $30 deal last year. We do like some items and the wine. But it’s far enough out of our normal travels (just a few extra miles, but annoying traffic) that we will stick with Sams. Or possibly do both.
Things we like about Sam’s (beyond just the location)
better choices for church coffee hour treats / small serving
stuffed peppers are smaller, work better for us
after a few years of membership, we know the store better
I just took ShawWife’s former studio assistant and her fiance to the Costco liquor star as they wanted to purchase the liquor and wine for their wedding. They were so amazed at the prices (“We pay $40 for this whisky and here it is $23.”). When we left, they decided to go back in to join, in part to buy other things for their wedding.
We had family over yesterday and we bought almost everything from Costco. TriTip to grill, watermelon, avocados for guacamole, salsa, corn tortillas for soft tacos, tortilla chips, salad and the chocolate cupcakes. The cupcakes were new for us and delicious.
We will renew our long time Sam’s membership (location is really handy, lots of good soptions for church coffee hour). We have enjoyed trying Costco for a year, with $30 deal. Not sure whether we will renew Costco, though the wine deals will be missed.
My husband suggested that we buy a few hundred dollars of Costco gift cards for ourselves instead of renewing.…. ie skip a year (except as guest / gift cards), see how much we miss the membership. Is it allowed to gift cards you purchased for self? (Don’t think they track this but not sure).
Actually, I think the TP sale is just over, and next (June 19) it’s Bounty paper towels that will be on sale.
Since COVID we like to keep LOTS of Charmin in the house.
Costco publishes a flyer listing which items are discounted. Links are below. I have been planning to go this weekend and get the discounted Charmin + discounted salmon, among other items.
Oops - Oh yeah, I do remember seeing that now. I was thinking only of the “normal” flyer, which had TP on sale but ended. I forgot about the “hot buys” one.
Here’s an interesting article about how Costco works to attract and especially to keep members.
Also on toilet paper, we like the Kirkland brand that you could only buy online, but it is not on their site anymore. We paid $30 and now I see it online at Amazon for $39.
I was at Costco this evening and I have to say, I was shocked at how much we are paying for some items of food! Even though I know for most things I choose to buy, Costco is a good deal. I was looking at some ribeye….(Fathers Day) - almost $20 a pound!
So #2, what makes me even more annoyed is how much we pay for restaurant food - even nothing fancy. Seems like a sandwich and fries or a salad or a simple pasta, pretty much around $20/person. I know it can be found cheaper and I’m not talking fancy place but a step above a diner!
What Costco DOES make me feel good about? On a Friday night when I don’t want a long cooking session I can pick up one of these almost prepared meals - tonight it was one of their Asian stir fry’s with chicken and noodles (about a 10 minute process) and have a really good dinner for 2 of us with enough leftovers for another night or lunch for two of us. Under $20.
Thanks! Just finished our pandemic supplies, so perfect timing to restock.