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| - I can't compare this Costco to the Costcos in my home state (Maryland) because I never had my own membership and only went once or twice with my parents when I was a kid. However, I did bring myself to get the Gold Star Membership, even though I am single (for now?). I spent the first hour walking through every aisle, looking at every product, and typing the prices into my phone. After mentally comparing the prices here with the prices at other grocery stores, I concluded that Costco offers much better bargains for most items. So, I went ahead picked up everything that I needed (and did not need).
After another hour of intense shopping, my cart was filled to the brim with Greek yogurt, eggs, chips, coffee beans, cereal, paper towels, toilet paper, Ziploc bags, toothpaste, almonds, and so much more. I even bought a tub of protein powder (yes, Costco sells Optimum Nutrition Chocolate Whey Protein Isolate, MusclePharm Combat Cookies N' Cream Protein Blend, and CytoSport Whey Protein!). I heard that they sell meat for good prices. I can't vouch for that statement, however, because I'm a vegetarian.
I also saw that they sell clothes and books in the middle of the warehouse. I haven't taken a close look at those because I usually buy my clothes elsewhere and read e-books.
The staff at the registers are very fast in scanning a cartload (or more) of items. For those who don't know already, you can only pay in cash, American Express, debit/ATM cards, or with Costco Cash Cards (gift cards). Once I paid, I head towards the exit, where an employee member of two stand on either side to check our receipts to ensure everything is accounted for.
I keep hearing about all these amazing free samples that could potentially be enough for a meal. Maybe I went on a slow day because I didn't find more than one or two free sample stations. I guess I should go on a weekend to get the full experience, despite the potential parking issues and high traffic inside and outside the store.
Before I left for home, I filled up my car at the Costco gas station adjacent to the warehouse. $2.29 per gallon for regular unleaded (when $2.40 or higher is the national average)? Yes, please! Again, you can only pay with American Express, Costco Cash Card, or debit/ATM card.
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