Taken on the evening of 2008-11-29. We need a better picture!

Costco Wholesale is the largest wholesale club operator in the United States (ahead of chief competitor Sam's Club). The chain opened its first warehouse in Seattle, Washington on September 15, 1983 under the name "Costco", using a similar business model to competitor (and influence) Price Club. The companies later merged in 1993 doubling the size and emerging with the name "PriceCostco"; a third name change came in 1997 to 'Costco Companies, Inc.' In 1999 the company changed its name for the final time to "Costco Wholesale Corp."; it now has locations in 37 states and Puerto Rico.

Taken on the evening of 2008-11-29.

The Woodland Costco is located off of I-5 near County Road 102, next to the Target, and formally opened February 22nd, 2008. The Woodland location is the largest Costco built to date, standing at 154,000 square feet.¹

If at any point in your life it becomes necessary to have a five-gallon tub of mayonnaise or bottle of hot sauce, Costco will satisfy. Due to the large number of "bulk" items that Costco carries, households (or houses full of roommates) often split the cost of a membership to everyone's benefit. It's also great for people planning to throw a large party. Drinks, including beer, liquor, and soda, as well as chips and other snacks come in bulk at cheap prices. It's also a good place to grab a cheap lunch on weekends. They have plenty of free samples and sell a 1/4 lb. hot dog and a soda combo for $1.50 plus tax. Costco also sells gasoline at very competitive prices, though this is restricted to those with membership cards. Costco also offers an auto sales program, car insurance, and financial services.

Note: You must be a member in order to shop there. Membership fees start at $50/year. Although they accept debit cards, they do not take any credit cards besides American Express at their physical stores. Anyone can purchase from their food court since they do not ask for membership cards. Vacaville Costco's food court is inside the store so thus requires a membership card for entry. The Cal Expo Costco's food court is outside and is accessible to everyone. The Woodland Costco's food court is located inside, between the checkstands and the exit of the building. For added convenience, you can order food from the checkstands and pick it up on your way out.

For those interested in consumer psychology, Costco is an interesting place to observe.

Comments

2008-11-29 18:01:28   Since Black Friday, Costco has been handing out free Costco cookbooks to members upon entering the store. These cookbooks are pretty nice! They still had quite a few left as of Saturday evening. —DavidGrundler

Footnotes

1. Wright, E. Ashley http://media.www.californiaaggie.com/media/storage/paper981/news/2007/05/03/CityNews/Largest.Costco.Ever.To.Open.In.Woodland.Next.Year-2893276.shtml Largest Costco ever to open in Woodland next year] 2007-05-03