In our case we are big Amazon fans. We also have a Costco and BJ’s membership. The reason for two wholesale club memberships is because Costco provides some services that BJ’s doesn’t, such as hearing aids. Amazon is our main go to not so much for the free shipping as it is for the large inventory of items available within a particular product. For example if I walk into Costco or BJ’s looking for flea treatment products for our cat, we are usually only going to find one brand available, mainly because it’s not something they are going to waste a lot of shelf space to merchandise. But on Amazon I can get access to all the different brands out there. Also, we like Amazon NOW for items we need now but don’t want to fight the traffic to get! Recently I bought a new wireless router from them that was delivered in two hours. Small delivery charge but well worth it by not having to fight the idiots on the road or waste the gas.
BJ’s is physically the closest to us but that’s still eight miles. We go there every couple of weeks to pick up a few items in bulk. If needed will purchase gas while there since it’s usually even cheaper than Costco. But, I’m not going out of the way to save $.10 a gal on gas! Let’s see, I put 15 gals in and save $1.50 woo hoo! But then again, it cost me close to a gal of gas to get there and back! Duh.
Costco is nice to go to and see products we usually don’t see at BJ’s but really never go unless it’s something related to my hearing aid. Although I did buy a whole loin strip the last time there that I cut into some nice thick steaks. But, I could have bought the same at BJ’s. Costco is more like 30 miles round trip and right in the middle of a major shopping area. I try and stay out of thos areas like they have the plague. I don’t buy their chickens or there hot dogs but it always amazes me to see how many people actually go there to have lunch.
Costco, like BJ’s, Sams Club, etc will eventually go away. That’s just a fact of life. Things change. I remember when Sears and Montgomery Wards were the major department stores. Look at how that worked out. Someone will come up with the next greatest thing that will put all of them out of business someday. Wouldn’t be surprised if it was a disgruntled millennial.
