[afraidfortherepublic]

This means that the average Costco employee is three times as productive as the average Wal-Mart employee.

No it doesn't. It means that Costco is selling higher end goods.

FWIW, I am a member of bth Costco and Sam's Club (Walmart's equivalent). I shop both stores.

Costco is closer and in a better neighborhood; but I prefer Sam's because it carries the goods I need for the office, and the help and other customers are so much nicer. Sam's hours are better too.

Seriously.

[Theo]

Betcha can’t find non-Chinese apple juice at Sam’s Club.

Costco sells apple juice that’s made from non-Chinese apples.

Why do I care? Because I have 4 children who like apple juice, and I don’t want to poison them.

Just venting. Not at you. At Sam’s Club.

[WellyP]

“It means that Costco is selling higher end goods.” We go about every 6-8 weeks and resupply with the good stuff, preserved artichoke hearts, nice big chunks of assorted cheese, beef and pork "logs", higher end products. If you buy smart and have the space to store "stuff" it pays to shop there.

[SunkenCiv]

Ditto on the hours — the Business members can enter at 7 am, and plus members (I’m in that category) can also. The only reason I’m a Plus is for the kickback checks (same at Costco, that’s an even better deal when using Amex) thanks to the Obama Gasoline Prices, it makes it worth my while.