and we're looking at a membership. So I have a few questions for those of you who are members, since there are only the two of us and we don't purchase a lot of stuff. All values can be ball-parked, and of course, your situation may not be reflective in any way to mine.

1. How much discount do you get on gas (percentage wise, so I can compare from one part of the country to another)?

2. How competitive are they compared to the (grocery) stores? The closest ones to me are Aldi, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, Crest Foods (where I normally shop).

3. They are similar to Sam's Club from what I understand. How are they different?

4. What about pharmaceuticals? How are they different from the drug stores/Sam's Club/Walmart? Eyeglasses?

One-stop-shopping can be a good thing, but only if it nets me a "profit." I don't mind spending what I need to spend, but overspending is not my thing (if you know what I mean). Yes, a thorough google search may get me the information I am looking for, but there is nothing like personal experience.

Thanks all.

Diana

3. Better quality food.

1. Don't know. I never pay attention to gas prices.
2. Very, but you are required to buy large quantities. I buy with the intention of freezing a lot of stuff. When I get home I repackage a bunch of stuff into smaller portions and jam the freezer full.
3. No Sam's Clubs around here
4. The pharmacy rates are way cheaper than anywhere else we've been able to find.

I go about once every 2 to 3 months and stock up big time. Also, if I'm going to buy a non-grocery thing (yard lighting, tools, batteries, smoke alarms, TV, etc) I check their prices online. Often it is worth going in (or ordering from them online) to get a much better deal than can be had elsewhere.

One thing I really like about Costco is that they have a reputation for treating their employees, suppliers, and the local community well, the opposite of Walmart.

---

"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

Gas percentage probably changes as gas prices change. Download an app like Gas Buddy and you can compare your local area (unless there are literally no other Costco's anywhere near you). Also, don't be surprised to find a 10 minute wait for gas at Costco, so factor that time into your "is it worth it convenience". If you have the ability to go anytime, then you can time your trips to avoid gas lines.

For 2 people, I wouldn't plan on Costco replacing your other stores. We go to Costco, Vons and Trader Joe's depending on what we need, what's convenient, etc.

Costco may be cheaper, but it's in bulk, so if it goes bad before you finish it, is it really a better deal?

Also, stock can vary, so while you may always find regular staple items, other items may come and go (an example for us are Healthy Choice Fudge Bars, they had them, they had them, then they were gone, gone, gone, now they're back, but for how long?).

1. I find Costco's gas prices in SoCal are typically 50 cents per gallon lower than retail prices.

2. Very competitive on a per-unit price basis, but I find I can only buy non-perishable and certain perishable food items there - some things I simply can't consume fast enough before they spoil or go stale.

3. I've never used Sam's Clubs, so no answer here.

4. I don't have any pharmacy needs, so no answer here.

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It is what it is.

Reno NV Costco:

Gas is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than Reno gas stations and $1.25 less than nearby California stations.

Very competitive with other markets, as long as you dont mind large quantities. Because there's just 2 of us, our Costco purchases are generally nonperishables like TP, batteries, camp supplies, outdoor stuff and less on food.

We haven't been in a Sam's Club in 10 years...

We don't do prescriptions or eyeglasses there, but things like allergy medications are far cheaper there...again, in quantity.

For us, Costco is more of an every few months thing and not a "go to" shopping place.

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“Live your life, love your life, don’t regret…live, learn and move forward positively.” – CR Johnson
Loving life in Lake Tahoe, CA

It's my understanding that you can cancel membership at any time and get a full refund. That would give you a chance to check it out for a few/several months.

Found this on Google search confirming that.
[slickdeals.net]

we save enough on vitamins, allergy meds, cat litter and tp/paper towels to pay for the membership. Especially as I buy the cat litter,allergy meds and vitamins on sale. The quality of the TP paper towels are better than grocery stores.

I like their jeans too.

edit. Tires. and great prices on cheese, especially for a party. Optical dept too.

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********************************************
“A sword never kills anybody; it is a tool in the killer's hand.” Seneca the Younger

The police have no duty to respond. See Castle Rock v. Gonzales, 545 U.S. 748 (2005) or Warren v. District of Columbia[1] (444 A.2d. 1, D.C. Ct. of Ap. 1981)

Judge Lee wrote that “we cannot jettison our constitutional rights, even if the goal behind a law is laudable." 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

[www.youtube.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/26/2021 12:33AM by Racer X.

I've only been once, but it was trendier than Sam's and the clientele was more upscale. Texarkana (Sam's) vs Memphis (Costco.)

I think you can use the pharmacy there even if you don't join.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 07:05PM by Dennis S.

......ginormous jars of mayo.......'nuff said......

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

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NewtonMP2100
......ginormous jars of mayo.......'nuff said......

A perfect example of something I can't buy at Costco.

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It is what it is.

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davester
One thing I really like about Costco is that they have a reputation for treating their employees, suppliers, and the local community well, the opposite of Walmart.

This is a big one in my book (when comparing to Walmart/Sams)

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Carnos Jax
3. Better quality food.

There was talk about one coming to Little Rock a few years ago. Have you heard anything lately?

Just get the membership. It's worth it. You don't have to think about anything. Just do it. Gas is significantly cheaper in NorCal and SoCal, where I hang out. You'll go there plenty.

Gas is not much cheaper here... but ONLY because having the Costco has significantly lowered prices at most other stations in the immediate surrounding area.

The membership costs $60/year. I live alone so I don't buy oodles of stuff and I think I probably only break even. But the Costco here is very close and it's nice to have another option for shopping. I find myself buying most of my clothes at Costco these days.

With two people you should probably come out at least a little ahead. But as already mentioned, you will still want to shop for much of your groceries elsewhere. Most of Costco's food items are in gigantic packages, plus they don't have much of a selection like regular grocery stores.

An example would be breakfast cereal. Costco carries only about 7 kinds of cereal. If you want raisin bran, sorry, you can't get it at Costco.

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Dennis S

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Carnos Jax
3. Better quality food.

There was talk about one coming to Little Rock a few years ago. Have you heard anything lately?

Have I heard anything lately?! LOL, yes it’s here! For the life of me I couldn’t understand why (and lamented) Costco never came to Arkansas. Figured it was some gentleman’s agreement they had with Walmart. Then driving to the Kroger on Chenal couple months ago, I saw signs announcing a Costco. It’s almost done now. They’re opening next month. They had a tent nearby signing up memberships….I immediately got one. My long national nightmare is over!

....also good price on adult diapers.......glasses.......if it has liquor......the food court.....the roast chicken......

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

Gas near me right now is $2.79. Nearest Costco is $2.69. Costco i’ll get gas tomorrow on a road trip is $2.53.

Last pair of glasses at Costco was $229. Pair of glasses bought this year at a shop i went to because they were part of my Medicare plan - $730 with the same basic frame. medicare paid $500. next time i’ll get my medicare paid for exam but get glasses at Costco.

prescriptions, including pet meds, are cheaper. You can return anything with no questions asked though there is a time limit on electronics. you don’t even need the receipt because they track EVERYTHING you buy. came in handy when i was trying to figure out how long i had had my mattress topper. customer service diligently searched the database and told me it had been nine years.

Get a Costco Visa card the $60 for which is your membership fee. 4% cash back on gas. 3% cash back on dining out and travel. 2% cash back on Costco purchases. 1% cash back on everything else.

the bad news is you may need storage space. The good news is if you’re like my household and not a covid hoarder you only need to think about buying toilet paper once a year.

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If you want to fix our country, work with us in the states. statesproject.org

"Success isn't about how much money you make. It is about the difference you make in people's lives."--Michelle Obama



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 08:35PM by graylocks.

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Carnos Jax

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Dennis S

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Carnos Jax
3. Better quality food.

There was talk about one coming to Little Rock a few years ago. Have you heard anything lately?

Have I heard anything lately?! LOL, yes it’s here! For the life of me I couldn’t understand why (and lamented) Costco never came to Arkansas. Figured it was some gentleman’s agreement they had with Walmart. Then driving to the Kroger on Chenal couple months ago, I saw signs announcing a Costco. It’s almost done now. They’re opening next month. They had a tent nearby signing up memberships….I immediately got one. My long national nightmare is over!

Good! Chanal, huh? I first heard they were considering the old University Mall and I thought, "That will never fly."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 08:37PM by Dennis S.

Yeah, I don’t know what’s happening there. But the Chenal location is perfect for it (demographically speaking)….plus it’s just 10 minutes away from me.

Not every Costco locations sells gas, so that might be something to find out about if that's going to be an important consideration.

Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

Groceries - I only occasionally get their fruit as I find the quality to be all over the place. They have very good cheese at good prices. Their meat is well priced, the quality is okay but I've gotten used to getting it straight from the farm which is much better. I don't care for the paper products they carry so I buy them elsewhere.

They do have some good deals in their pharmacy, particularly if you wear contacts.

They're good for cleaning products.

They're awesome for nuts and dried fruit. I bet we pay for our membership with those. Pretty good for crackers and cereal but obviously the quantities are large. They're pretty good for booze.

They frequently have good deals on car tires.

OH - OLIVE OIL! Their organic extra virgin olive oil is cheap and well priced. Its what convinced me to get the membership.

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....free......samples......

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

They sometimes have excellent deals on travel and consumer electronics.

....car tires........and delicious stuff in bakery........

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

1. Gas buddy gives you exact prices in your area. right now, in my area, Costco is $2.93 and other stations are $3.09-$3.29. Also, here in NJ you do NOT NEED A MEMBERSHIP to buy gas. You jus give them the credit card, they pump it for you, you never get our of the car. Full service Rocks!

2. It depends, some items are cheaper, some are about the same.

3. I can't compare, I was in Sams Club only a few times.

4. Again I can't compare, we don't fill many prescriptions.

5. It's easy to overspend at Costco, Don't fall into that trap!

We got a Costco a year ago in our town. The two of us had been waiting for years for one. We had a Sam’s which we never went into. We bought our membership and headed into the store to shop. We hit the cashier with less than half a cart. We bought bulk napkins and mixed nuts, maybe another bulk item. Otherwise the quantities were too large for us. We then headed to the courtesy counter and got our membership fee refunded.

We don’t buy much gas for our two plug-in hybrids, perhaps two tankfuls a year plus some containers for our lawn mower and they don’t sell Diesel for our third car and our snowblower, therefore any fuel savings would be negated by the membership fee. Also, our regular grocery store offers a gas and Diesel rewards program. I have 46¢/gallon expiring on July 3. I think I can squeeze six gallons in one car, maybe three in the other and I can fill a five gallon container for the mower for a total of 14 gallons. That will get us through until we head south in January.

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 09:44PM by Speedy.

.....but at what.....Cost......????

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I reject your reality and substitute my own!

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AllGold
An example would be breakfast cereal. Costco carries only about 7 kinds of cereal. If you want raisin bran, sorry, you can't get it at Costco.

My local warehouse carries Raisin Bran, but not always.

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It is what it is.

What if it were moving in South of your house?

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space-time
What if it were moving in South of your house?

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Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

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mattkime
Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

The gas tank in my vehicle is 20 gallons. At $0.50 per gallon savings on gas, I only need to fill my gas tank six times in a year to pay for my membership.

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It is what it is.

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N-OS X-tasy!

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mattkime
Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

The gas tank in my vehicle is 20 gallons. At $0.50 per gallon savings on gas, I only need to fill my gas tank six times in a year to pay for my membership.

Why do you need membership to buy gas?

I think pharmacy and optical do not require membership. Not sure if alcohol requires membership. Around here you can buy gas without membership.

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space-time

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N-OS X-tasy!

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mattkime
Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

The gas tank in my vehicle is 20 gallons. At $0.50 per gallon savings on gas, I only need to fill my gas tank six times in a year to pay for my membership.

Why do you need membership to buy gas?

Because Costco is a membership business. I guess NJ is an outlier though. Jeez, the lines for gas would be unbearable if anyone could buy it!

Little known fact, you DON'T have to be a member to use the pharmacy. Don't know if that counts for pet meds also.

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If you want to fix our country, work with us in the states. statesproject.org

"Success isn't about how much money you make. It is about the difference you make in people's lives."--Michelle Obama



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/25/2021 10:29PM by graylocks.

.....but are your kids moving back into the house......???

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

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space-time
Why do you need membership to buy gas?

You don't get cult benefits without joining the cult!

(also, the cult gas station has normal store hours)

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space-time

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N-OS X-tasy!

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mattkime
Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

The gas tank in my vehicle is 20 gallons. At $0.50 per gallon savings on gas, I only need to fill my gas tank six times in a year to pay for my membership.

Why do you need membership to buy gas?

I think the main reason is that you've got to put your membership card into the pump and have it recognized before you can pump any gasoline. You can have a membership and still not be able to buy gas if you don't have your card …

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graylocks
Gas near me right now is $2.79. Nearest Costco is $2.69. Costco i’ll get gas tomorrow on a road trip is $2.53.

Last pair of glasses at Costco was $229. Pair of glasses bought this year at a shop i went to because they were part of my Medicare plan - $730 with the same basic frame. medicare paid $500. next time i’ll get my medicare paid for exam but get glasses at Costco.

prescriptions, including pet meds, are cheaper. You can return anything with no questions asked though there is a time limit on electronics. you don’t even need the receipt because they track EVERYTHING you buy. came in handy when i was trying to figure out how long i had had my mattress topper. customer service diligently searched the database and told me it had been nine years.

Get a Costco Visa card the $60 for which is your membership fee. 4% cash back on gas. 3% cash back on dining out and travel. 2% cash back on Costco purchases. 1% cash back on everything else.

the bad news is you may need storage space. The good news is if you’re like my household and not a covid hoarder you only need to think about buying toilet paper once a year.

Cheapest gas near me is about $4.20. I paid $3.69 at Costco. I dont always feel like waiting in their lines though. I miss the Quiktrips out there.

You can go to the front desk and tell them "Can I look around to see if I want to join?" They will say yes and offer you coupons for stuff.

1. I've seen gas prices about 10 to 50 cents cheaper per gallon. It varies

2. Fresh foods are usually about the same quality as my local market, but cheaper.
HOWEVER the portions you buy are much larger. I usually go with my sister so we can split the costs and fruits, otherwise they will go bad.

3. As above, they treat their people better. I do prefer the food court at Sams. The Costco one seemed "dingier" but I love Costco Hot Dogs!

4. really can't answer...

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San Antonio, TX (in the old city)


"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." - Eli Weisel

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." - Theodore Roosevelt (1918)

"I don’t want to see religious bigotry in any form. It would disturb me if there was a wedding between the religious fundamentalists and the political right. The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." - Billy Graham 1981

"Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can't and won't compromise" - Barry Goldwater

Lots of opinions, I see! Thanks all.

Newt: Mayo? Make your own--its stupid simple and quite tasty, if you don't mind the eggs going into it.

Carnos: Better quality food: I get my food at a large "warehouse" type grocery store. They are a chain (don't know how local) but the quality is the best I've seen without going to half a dozen little stores. I say "warehouse" because that's their original price model and they haven't changed it in at least twenty years even though the stores don't look anything like a warehouse.

As far as food goes, we eat a LOT of fresh fruits and vegetables. I buy very little canned stuff these days.

Gas here has been about $3.30-$3.40 a gallon for the no-ethanol variety. It would be cheaper (naturally) if I bought the ethanol stuff, but my car doesn't seem to care much for it. The last time I tried it on a consistent basis, little Ollie started coughing and sputtering, especially under acceleration; he hasn't done that since I went back to no-ethanol. The new Costco does have pumps being installed, so I thought I would ask about it. Ollie needs new tires as well. I normally have to fill up the car every 10 days or so, taking roughly 12-13 gallons at a time. The sig other now drives a small car instead of the pickup with about the same gas usage during the school year.

Dried fruits and nuts sound good. We don't eat packaged breakfast cereal, but the old-fashioned pin oats. Costco will have to compete with Winco (another warehouse type place) for the dried fruits and nuts, as Winco has a big selection as cheaper prices than the grocery store. I don't frequent bakeries any more, as I've had to restrict the amount of sugar I eat; white flour is straight carbs, so that is something that is a once-in-a-while kind of thing.

And Space-time: If it was going in south of my house it would be in another town with a higher tax basis and that has a bit of a reputation of "high(er) class" of people, and would be basically next to the medical complex, banks, apartments, etc. In other words, not a lot of room there. By going in north of the house, they are in a town with a lower tax basis, and will be a lot closer to Walmart, Winco, Target--all their competitors. The location they are going to may not be so "high class" but will make economic sense. The only other Costco in this area is north of Oklahoma City, in an area known for having higher rents and a good 40 miles from me.

Diana

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space-time

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N-OS X-tasy!

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mattkime
Around here they're significantly cheaper on gas. It might pay for the membership.

The gas tank in my vehicle is 20 gallons. At $0.50 per gallon savings on gas, I only need to fill my gas tank six times in a year to pay for my membership.

Why do you need membership to buy gas?

Because no one else on the forum is in New Jersey with their strange state laws regarding gasoline sales.

For gas prices, you can see those posted on Costco’s website. On the store locator page, Just choose a store (that has a gas station), hit the + symbol to the right of Gas Station under the Warehouse Services section, and you’ll see prices listed. right now Burbank CA is at 3.94, Wichita KS is 2.62, colchester VT is 2.79 as some examples of regular prices.

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Diana
...only the two of us and we don't purchase a lot of stuff.

After Costco opens, chances are you will have a good friend/neighbor with a Costco membership. Just tag along on a few of the trips. The parking lot and check out lines may be such a nightmare depending on your location, you might decide it's just not worth it.

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We love Costco - gas is always cheaper by 10 cents or more a gallon - sometimes way more. We buy dog food and treats for the huge hounds - lately canned cat food since other stores seem to be out of stock and the prices have literally doubled in the last few months. We have a vaccuum sealer and by meat and seal it in meal sized portions. Nuts are a great price - again if you use smaller quantities, you can vaccuum seal smaller quantities and freeze. Vitamins and OTC medications are all better priced. Detergent, garbage bags, dishwasher pods, cleaning supplies all good prices. Have used the optical department in the past, with good results.

And don’t forget about the warranty on items you buy. They add 1 year for free and if you buy it with a Costco charge card, the card will add another 2 years for free. They also have a liberal return policy and will price adjust if an item you bought from them and they lower the price within 30 days. They are the largest retailer of hearing aids and have a great new model the Kirkland 10 for $1500 for the pair. They offer a free hearing exam and a very nice warranty on them. And tires! Free nitrogen and free rotation and balancing every 8,000 miles.

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Formerly known as Dennis R

.....also huge bottles of salad dressing......peanut butter.......etc....

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

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Diana
...

And Space-time: If it was going in south of my house it would be in another town with a higher tax basis and that has a bit of a reputation of "high(er) class" of people, and would be basically next to the medical complex, banks, apartments, etc. In other words, not a lot of room there. By going in north of the house, they are in a town with a lower tax basis, and will be a lot closer to Walmart, Winco, Target--all their competitors. The location they are going to may not be so "high class" but will make economic sense. The only other Costco in this area is north of Oklahoma City, in an area known for having higher rents and a good 40 miles from me.

Diana

And how were we supposed to know these details? LOL

.....Song.....of the South....????

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_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!

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space-time

Quote
Diana
...

And Space-time: If it was going in south of my house it would be in another town with a higher tax basis and that has a bit of a reputation of "high(er) class" of people, and would be basically next to the medical complex, banks, apartments, etc. In other words, not a lot of room there. By going in north of the house, they are in a town with a lower tax basis, and will be a lot closer to Walmart, Winco, Target--all their competitors. The location they are going to may not be so "high class" but will make economic sense. The only other Costco in this area is north of Oklahoma City, in an area known for having higher rents and a good 40 miles from me.

Diana

And how were we supposed to know these details? LOL

And that’s why I thought I would mention it