Can I survive shopping only at Costco

That's a question I've asked myself a number of times. Over the years, we've always tended to look to Costco for the extras with a few exceptions. We always buy toilet paper there. And, we've become big fans of their meat and believe it's the best quality at the best price anywhere. But there are some products that just come in too big of a quantity to make them practical. Also sometimes, perishables won't last. One of the natural consequences will be simplification. This will force us to make simpler choices. 

In the current difficult economic environment, I've decided we're going to give it a try. We know there will be some things we can't buy there because they don't sell it. But we ought to be able to do pretty well. It may mean that we have to sacrifice on variety because we have to buy a lot more of something than we normally would. So, we may only get apples instead of apples and oranges. We'll also have to be smarter to use up perishables. If we buy too much fruit, we may have to start making smoothies to use it all up. 

Clothing won't be too big a problem for me since I usually wear business casual to work and if you're a careful shopper, you can do pretty well with men's clothing over time.  My wife may find the clothing selection lacking and I'm sure they won't find all her favorite makeup brands. 

My rule is going to be if they don't have it, then we don't really need it. Since we're executive club members, we'll save even more via the annual rebate. This will be an interesting experiment and I'll write about it periodically to keep you posted.

Costco makes Polish, all-beef franks available

Costco began offering a Polish or all-beef dog with a drink for $1.50 more than 20 years ago, and they've never changed the price. It's a quick lunch that probably every Costco shopper has had not just once but many, many times. And the price the charge back then is the same price they charge today. It has become one of the Costco traditions.

Well, now Costco is making both the Polish and the beef dogs available in bulk under its Kirkland label. Now you can enjoy those great dogs at home as well as at the store. Each is available in a 15-pack for $9.99 or about 67 cents each. Look for them in the refrigerator case next to the Hebrew Nationals.

Kirkland killer men's polo shirts

We are living in a back to basics time. Luxury brands are expected to suffer if they even survive in today's tight and changing economy. It's really the basics that matter. No room for designer labels or logos. And for the basics, there's really no better place to shop than Costco. Hey, you don't even have to mess around with waiting in line to get a fitting room. Just take them home and if they don't fit or you don't like them, bring them back. For casual, business casual or occasionally dressier, puruse those clothes bins at Costco whenever you're in the store.

While I can't speak for the women's side of the isle, it's hard to beat the basic Dockers, Levis and especially Kirkland brand apparel, though I did notice recently, they were carrying some $80 designer jeans. (I have to admit to having splurged on occasion for a pair of Lucky jeans.) The Kirkland apparel is a great value. In fact, Costco is super picky about anything it puts its private label on. They usually aren't fancy, but they are super well put together at a killer price.

My latest find is the men's Kirkland pique polo shirts. They come in black, white, pale yellow, navy, medium blue, light blue, mint green, charcoal, gray, pink and melon. I've purchased four of these shirts because they fit me super well and are great with jeans and shorts on a weekend. They're also super comfortable. They are heavier most polo shirts at a fraction of the price. They are a steal at $12.99. These shirts need little care and because they are beefy, keep their shape nicely. And, polos never got out of style.

Costco comes through

No problem with the linguine and clams. Costco took it right back without a question. Full refund. And a bonus -- we received a recall letter on some pistachio nuts bought a couple of months ago. We don't even have the packaging, let alone the receipt. No problem, just bring in the nuts that are left and the letter. I'll monitor the situation to see if they pull this item altogether over time.

Motley Fool says Costco good as gold

Concludes the online stock picking blog, Costco has a simple strategy that "keeps customers happy, spending money, and coming back." There is no higher form of flattery than having your stock recommended. And customers who actually pay to belong to a retail shopping experience seem to know something others don't.

Bloggers treat Costco best of all retailers

According to one media analysis company, Costco rates the best coverage among retailers from the increasingly influential blogosphere. Nearly 60% of all blog posts on wholesale and club stores were favorable, while only 9% of posts were unfavorabl and Costco rates at the top of the group.

Avoid Ventera Ranch Linguine and Clams

Today Coscto had a new item in the refrigerated section so we picked it up to give it a try. Historically, we've been big fans of Costco's ready to eat meals. We particularly like the Harris pot roast. Well today, we found a real stinker that's not up to Costco's usual standards.

The linguine and clams in a saffron wine sauce with fresh linguine noodles is a definite no go. It doesn't even smell good. I took one bite and realized this wasn't going to work. My wife didn't even get that far. I'm not a picky eater and I like clams, but this concoction from Ventera Ranch is one to avoid. The 32-ounce serving is priced at $9.99.

Recently, we bought the Reser's ready to eat mashed potatoes. They were equally disappointing though. Way too salty. I've noticed that Costco is no longer carrying them.

One of the reasons I love Costco is that they bend over backwards to please the customer. I intend to return the box this item came in for a refund. On our trip today, I took back a bottle of Pendulum wine that was clearly corked. That's the first time I've experienced a corked bottle from Costco. No arguments, no questions, just a refund and I didn't even have a receipt.

We'll see how they react to the linguine and clams tomorrow.

Costco ranks 3rd in customer experience survey

Costco ranked third in overall customer experience in a survey released this week by Forrester Research. Costco was tied for third with Borders and Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble ranked first. Sam's Club was seventh.

Michael Season's Light Cheese Curls

Just discovered these during a trip to Costco yesterday. And, they weren't even being sampled. I've had a lifetime fetish for corn (cheese) curls. I loved Hoody's Korn Kurls when I was a kid. First rule is that cheese curls and cheese puffs are vastly different beasts and not even in the same ballpark. I'll devour the former, but won't touch the latter.

So, we're talking corn curls -- the crunchy, cheesy concoctions. These remind me a little bit of the low-fat corn curls that Trader Joe's sells. But these have more cheese and are a little tastier. But, they have some other nice attributes for some people. They are wheat free and gluten free and made with real cheddar cheese. They come in an 18-ounce bag (not resealable) for about $4.

As someone who knows more than a little bit about cheese or corn curls, I'd recommend these.

Costco March sales . . . a little late

Still catching up with recent Costco news. March sales were posted on April 9 and they showed a same-store yearly decline of 5%, the weakest since November. Sales were down half that, 2%, in the US, while dropping a steep 13% internationally, another indication that either the US may be recovering sooner that other countries or not suffering as steep a downturn.

Not the first with this idea

I've noticed there are a couple of other blogs out there focused on Costco from the shoppers' point of view. I've listed them in the blog list on the right side of the page. The more the merrier.

Fellow shopper tells of trials and tribulations

The following was sent to me by a friend who is also a longtime Costco shopper and has developed somewhat of a love/hate relationship with my favorite store. He does bring up one of my pet peeves -- not knowing where to find things, especially when they move them. On the other hand, this is one of the charms of Costco. Each visit is a new adventure and chance to discover new stuff. And, yes, one of the purposes of this blog is to allow for a little venting.

We joined Costco when we lived in Oregon. Wasn't the first Portland
Costco in Parkrose area...it's still there isn't it?

Hesitation I have about Costco is trying NOT to buy too many things or
buying things I really don't need.

One of the gripes I have about Costco is lack of signage. I've been
into one or two Sam's Clubs over the years. One thing I recall is that
there were signs telling you the location of stuff. How many times
have you gone to Costco and to the place/area where you "know"
something is located, only to find out it's there no longer.

Oh, how about items, let's say white socks made by Champion, that you
like and they are carried for quite a while. Then, presto, they are
gone. Or uncoated Costco-brand (Kirkland) aspirin. There today and tomorrow you
can only find Costco coated aspiring. Argh.

Then, there are changes in policy. I think originally you
had to buy bagged ice at one of the main check stands. Then, I think
you could buy it at one of the main check stands or at the food court
(whatever the place is called where you can buy hot dogs, pizza etc.).
And, now, I don't think you can buy ice at the food court any more.
And, speaking of the food court. Now, it/they only take cash or
checks, but not Costco's own cash cards. But, previously it/they did
take Costco cash cards.

Wow . . . what a relief to gripe about my gripes! :)

On our next trip to town, I need to go to the Costco and return those Dockers slacks and buy toothpaste!

Blendtec to be demoed at Wilsonville Costco

In the Portland area? Blendtec, the super powerful blender, will be demonstrated from April 17-26 at the Wilsonville Costco at the Stafford exit of Interstate 5 south of Portland. These blenders are like the VitaMix, which also has been demoed at Costco. Blendtec makes claims of being better. They certainly are more attractive, but just as spendy. I'm going to check out the demo and will provide a report here.

Consumer Reports compares Costco, Sam's Club

Consumer Reports has a mostly neutral and exhaustive review comparing the nation's two largest membership club stores. In the end CR makes no recommendation between the two, but does offer a lot of tips for shopping at the two stores. One big difference: Sam's offers pet insurance and Costco doesn't.

I love Costco

Let's just start by being clear -- I love Costco. Always have and probably always will. I've been smitten from my first visit to one of the gigantic warehouses when they first opened with one store in Portland, OR, in the early 1980s. Back then, Costco was an upstart, playing second fiddle to Price Club. I have a dream of actually working there someday.

I was a journalist back then and was taken to the first warehouse store in east Portland by one of the investors, who happened to be a local businessman. Over the years, I've shopped at Costcos from coast-to-coast and even in London UK.

So, why the blog? Well, they say the best blogs are those that combine personal passion with a strong interest and insight. My goal with this blog is to write about everything Costco, but it's mostly going to be about the stores and the products sold there.

So stay tuned. I'll be reviewing products as well as commenting on the company generally.