What do you buy at Costco?

[mjd07]

How much do you think you spend getting to various local stores for their sales items which are often very limited in stock so you have to get a rain check and go back?

I think people have to do what works for them. I'm in no condition to bounce from store to store looking for sales items. I have a large fridge in my kitchen and an upright freezer in my garage. I like being able to go once every several months and have what I need. Now, that I'm using a walker, just getting from a parking lot to a store takes all I have. I don't have a close-by Costco here but wouldn't hesitate to go back if I did.

[GoldyViolet]

I've gone one close by. We go probably 3x a year. I mainly get my large items paper products there in bulk. I also like their sausage section so we stock up on that too. I buy lean hamburger in bult there to freeze and the frozen small shrimp. I never buy produce or dairy item there.

It's also a good place for all those frozen snacks I love (but eat only so often)

And I just love the samples.

ETA: I do also get my bulk canned items there as well and olive oils.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by mjd07

How much do you think you spend getting to various local stores for their sales items which are often very limited in stock so you have to get a rain check and go back?

I think people have to do what works for them. I'm in no condition to bounce from store to store looking for sales items. I have a large fridge in my kitchen and an upright freezer in my garage. I like being able to go once every several months and have what I need. Now, that I'm using a walker, just getting from a parking lot to a store takes all I have. I don't have a close-by Costco here but wouldn't hesitate to go back if I did.

In my case the local stores are 1/2 mile away, and they always have the stuff. Costco is 20 minutes away. Just not worth it.

[mjd07]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

In my case the local stores are 1/2 mile away, and they always have the stuff. Costco is 20 minutes away. Just not worth it.

It makes sense in your case. I lived near a Costco when I was in the Chicago area. It was just as close as any of the grocery stores and it was nice to stock-up on things I knew I would need at some point. I had the space for the extra items so it wasn't an issue.

Now, I'm in a new location and Costco is about 45 minutes away. I still like the products and prefer them over BJs and Sams but it's too far. However, I don't the ability to run out to the store for a quick item here and there. It wouldn't matter if a store was walking distance because I can't walk without a walker and a bunch of pain.

My father shops like you suggest. He goes to where the sales are and buys various items at different locations. They are all within five miles or less to his house but it still takes gas and time to get to each store. He is not injured so it's not a problem for him to do that. I just wonder how much he is really saving by driving here to there to chase sale items. Gas is expensive too.

[catnip8056]

Most often:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Kleenex
Trash bags
Laundry detergent
Dish detergent
Cat litter
Cat food
Coffee
Sugar
Nicorette
Advil
Shampoo
Mozzarella cheese

Sometimes:
Clam chowder or other pre-made soups
King crab legs at Christmas time
Frozen pesto ravioli
Various goodies they are handing out samples for!