About a week ago, I went to Costco and left disappointed…and it was not the first time. I often cannot find the brand or item I am looking for. I have not shopped at Sam’s in a while, but I feel that when I shopped at Sam’s before, the selection was much better. Now… before you think I am completely crazy… I do agree that Costco in general is much cleaner, more organized, and with certain products like their store made pasta, salads, and other heat and eat items are much better than Sam’s, but I still somehow feel I am wasting my money with the membership. I think one of the difficulties for me personally is that since we are only a family of two people, I do not have a need to buy many items in bulk. I typically don’t buy meat or other items in bulk. I do like buying laundry detergent, paper products (although they did not have my select-a-size paper towels when I went last time) and other items like toothpaste in bulk, but there would be too much waste if I bought much more. The only food items we make it through without waste are granola bars and apple juice.
My store of choice for the moment is Tom Thumb, primarily because it is MOST convenient (2 minutes away… I have timed it…only b/c I timed my route to work). Ironically, the Neighborhood Walmart is only 6 minutes away, but the Tom Thumb seems so much closer and is the one I pass almost 100% of the time when I am driving to and from wherever. Tom Thumb is a bit more expensive than Walmart or Super Target, but they have a decent selection of food and have been very focused on customer service (always asking you if you need assistance, although sometimes too much). Their meat and produce is always fresh, and the one by us has a sushi bar that is actually pretty decent.
Of course my all time favorite is Central Market, but the closest one to us is 35-40 minutes away, so that is not a realistic option for general shopping needs, especially in the Texas heat. Not to mention, the prices are definitely more expensive than the others. Our grocery bill would probably double.
Anyway… just thought I would share my experience/dilemma and see if anyone else has feelings on the subject.
You probably just think this is a corny subject… and it probably is 🙂
Well, you got the professional homemaker excited! 😉
If you’re the shopper/cook in a household, I think it’s important to consider the best place to buy groceries. When we moved here, one of my main concerns was finding the one store to buy food. Unfortunately, there isn’t one store that is just right but I make it work.
I was just visiting a Costco to decide if I wanted a membership and I wasn’t impressed. People here rave about Costco. For the items we buy the local grocery chain and our neighborhood food co-op are just fine. In the non-winter months I love the Farmer’s Market.
Yeah… I need to start going to the Farmer’s market more. We have a local Farmer’s market on Saturdays that I have never been to because we are either out of town, busy or just plain tired. I have started to buy a lot more organic foods than I previously have bought… well… really just certain fruits and veggies, hormone free chicken and cage free eggs.
Publix FTW!