[driftdiver]

"We have found their prices to be much lower than the local stores. Then again, it does depend what you are looking for but overall, they are much cheaper and better quality, too."

Check out the unit prices. Some things are lower but some things are higher. Studies in the retail world have found that people spend between 10-20% more money in Costco and Sam than they do at regualr stores.

[hsmomx3]

What I do is buy what I need and yes, I do compare vs. what I would spend at our local grocer.

On occasion, I will buy the Philly Crm. Cheese from Costco which is $5.45 for three/four pounds. In the stores, an 8 oz. chunk is almost $2.50!!! Milk at Costco and eggs most definitely is cheaper than our local grocers.

I don't usually buy my non-food items from Costco as I have found them cheaper at Wal-mart of Target.

[Mark was here]

Studies in the retail world have found that people spend between 10-20% more money in Costco and Sam than they do at regular stores.

Studies, eh? This does not pass the smell test. Were these union funded studies perhaps?

[DennisR]

That is another study that is suspect.

Do you shop at Costco? Costco has a maximum markup of 13% or something like that. I do not think a regular grocery store can even come close to that.

[Balding_Eagle]

Studies in the retail world have found that people spend between 10-20% more money in Costco and Sam than they do at regualr stores.

That's understandable. When I find a good deal, I tend to spend a lot more than if I don't have a bargin.

Think of coming upon a gas station selling gas for $1.25 per galllon. How much would you buy?