I think Costco is a great deal. I use them for a few key purchases. Their contact lenses are cheaper than anywhere else, even the supposedly discount sites. Their maple syrup is great and affordable. They often carry Kerrygold butter at nearly half price of other stores. Their Season sardines and various tuna brands are much cheaper as well. I haven't used them for tires yet, but I hear they're great for them.
Perhaps more important than all of that, I like the fact that they treat their employees well, and that they genuinely work to keep things cheap for customers. According to the Acquired episode on them, they operate with an average margin of 11%, and never mark up goods more than 14%. They also pay employees something like 40% higher than other retail competitors. They generate most of their profit from memberships, not retail sales.
Perhaps more important than all of that, I like the fact that they treat their employees well, and that they genuinely work to keep things cheap for customers. According to the Acquired episode on them, they operate with an average margin of 11%, and never mark up goods more than 14%. They also pay employees something like 40% higher than other retail competitors. They generate most of their profit from memberships, not retail sales.
Statistics: Posted by cipriano — Tue Jan 28, 2025 5:07 pm