-L. wrote:

> "Doug Cutler" > wrote in message hlink.net>...
>
>>Somewhat off topic but .....
>> We have three "warehouse" stores nearby, Costco, Sams Club and BJ's. When
>>Costco opened a couple of years or so ago they gave out free memberships for
>>a year, not to be turned down. We did renew for one year but now it is
>>renewal time again. Now our teenager has gone to college the $45 seems a
>>lot for what will be limited use (however free wheel balances and rotations
>>at Costco could keep us there). Now you cannot get into the doors of one of
>>these places without a membership card in hand so how does one evaluate the
>>"offerings"?. Any opinions on the above stores would be very welcome.
>>Thanks,
>>Doug.
>
>
> If you do the math, most of what they carry is not that great of a
> savings. IME, it would be pretty hard to recoup the $45 and make it
> worth my while to fight the crowds.

Today I bought a whole beef filet for 8.99/pound at Costco. Also 4
pounds of U-15 shrimp for 8.99/pound (I'm cooking some on-air in the
studio tomorrow because it's my co-host's birthday.). Bought boneless
chicken thighs for 1.69. 6 hearts of romaine for 2.99. Three NYT
listed paperbacks for a total of 12.47. Gallon of milk for 2.39. Got
the receipt right here. 12 jumbo rolls of paper towels for 9.99. 2
bottles of Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante for 9.79 each. 3 cantaloupes
for 5.99. And more stuff. Those same things at any supermarket in the
area would all have cost a good deal more. I shop there about 4 times
a month and have bought automotive things, office supplies at roughly
3/4 the price at discount stores, kitchenwares, electronics, etc.

Today, I waited in a line that was three people ahead of me, two
carrying their purchases in their hands. There were only two lines
open and it was reasonable.

Costco is my first choice for quality meats and good prices on branded
items. For a while I checked sales prices at other stores for the
things I generally buy there. Nobody could beat them.

Pastorio