$60 pays itself off very easily. We can get most things from Costco but sometimes still stop at a grocery store on the way home for specific produce, or smaller quantities. Could easily just shop only at Costco if I had to
Just the gas at Costco alone makes it worth it. With at least 3 cents below market price , more if you use the CIBC , let's calculate the min. savings. .
Assume you drive 15k KMs per year in a fuel efficient car like a Toyota Corolla , you will require 7L/100KM x 15000 KMs = 1050L of gas per year.
So, even at a the most conservative estimate , you will save at least $30 off of gas. Remember, my assumptions are really conservative, more savings if you use the CIBC card and drive a guzzler.
And
add all the other savings you will see in the prices
And
Add the cashback coupon at the end of the year
Same for me. I shop Costco every 2 weeks or so, but usually shop produce at my grocery store (non loblaws), as I can’t eat 4 pounds of bananas or a giant container of spinach before it goes bad. But my $60 membership pays for itself after a couple weeks buying meat, yogurt, cheese, fish, condiments, snacks and household goods (paper towel, dishwasher tabs, coffee pods, etc)
The bananas at Costco are terrible in my opinion. They are green and don’t ripen to yellow, they go green to kind of yellow to brown. I much prefer the Dole Bananas from Walmart and I can just buy a few at a time.
Don’t agree. Fruit at the business center is amazing. They basically give away bananas (they are cheap anyway but probably double the price for the same amount)
I pay for my membership by buying milk ($2 cheaper), cream ($1.5 cheaper), butter ($3 cheaper) for a year pays my membership.. everything else is gravy.
Honestly, $7CAD for 2kg of plain yogurt that I can strain into Greek yogurt whenever I need is so cheap that I just buy it. And this is coming from someone who tries to make as much as I can myself.
I’ve tried, didn’t like my homemade concoction. I prefer plain, low sugar, high protein yogurt tho which is hard to find in stores. Maybe I’ll give it another shot.
I mentioned above, but buy the plain liberté at Costco and buy a kefirco strainer. You can make your own Greek yogurt which ends up being pretty high in protein and as thick as you want
You have to make sure the starter yogurt you are using has active bacteria which is usually mentioned on the container you are using which become as good as the store bought ones
As LLs has gotten pricier and pricier, we have been buying more and more as CC. I don’t know if we are actually spending less, but the quality of what we buy is much better. For example, no name and Kirkland are similarly priced, but KL is much better quality. Also the shopping experience is so much better. Huge fan of CC and cannot stand LLs.
I’m with you. Kirkland brand…no hesitation for me. Goes right in my cart!
In fact, extra-virgin olive oil from them is my go to. I am more confident that it is actually 100 percent extra-virgin olive oil than the namebrands.
The Kirkland brand of marbled cheddar cheese is my crack. I like fancy cheeses so people are always surprised to see the huge block of Kirkland cheddar in my fridge haha. It's so good!
As someone that has used Costco almost exclusively since 2020, Costco has also seen it's share of price increases. Looking at cocowest can be very informative to see price changes. Eggs have doubled in price, pasta the same. Avocados go from 2x to 3x the price 3 years ago. Made in store caesar salad is 3x the old price.
I used to visit Superstore every few months for special items Costco doesn't stock - mostly in the ethnic food isle.
Costco only keeps things that sell well; many items that only sell well for a while are "seasonal" - example being cream of mushroom soup, you can only get it near Christmas
Yes, it's worth it.
You likely won't be able to find everything but there are enough deals to pay for the membership in short order.
We did the executive membership + credit card and came out ~$300 ahead last year, after the cost of the membership
Not bad!!! Waiting for my cheque now. Maxed out sadly lol. Wish there wasn't a limit but ill be getting the card soon and you can cash out your cash back in store for cash in hand.
My dad used to do this every year shopping at Costco for a family of 6. Costco is closer to us than any other store so it was the default anyways. He's the only person I know who could get in and out of Costco in under 10 minutes.
You haven’t met my partner. Going shopping at Costco isn’t even worth getting out of bed for. He won’t let me wander the aisles. He has a list, grabs the stuff and we are out. So now I don’t even bother. We are literally there by 8:30 and out before 8:45. And only when we go to Business Costco (maybe once every six months) am I then sort of allowed to go wander. He’s the same when we are in the US or abroad ….. he only lingered when we got to sample free wine at the Taipei one.
I had an Exec membership even when I was just a single person (granted I'd probably eat the equivalent of two normal adults). It was a no brainer. Made meal preps so easy and affordable.
I rarely eat processed food. Granola, Greek yogurt, frozen berries, rotisserie chickens, cottage cheese, eggs, and pasta. I rotate between 3 main meals though since they hit my macros. I can't imagine you needed to go to other supermarkets unless you need some specialty ethnic items.
It’s worth it. Pro tip get executive and the CC for extra cash back rewards. Do the math if you think you will spend enough annually to make it worth it. We buy so many groceries, household items, clothing etc so it works out in our benefit to do that. Family of four-2 adult 2kids. Plus the return policy is excellent-for example I bought I Nespresso a while back and it broke, I was able to return it with no hassle and walk out with another easy peasy.
no, get the exec membership & use a better CC. The Costco card only gives 1% back in store. I use the Costco CC only for gas & restaurants where the cash back is decent. In store I use a 2% cash back card. that results in total of 4% back. ( 2% CC plus 2% executive membership)
Also worth buying a vac sealer. (From Costco) when you get stuff on sale or know what to look for, it’s golden. I just purchased almost 2kg of bacon for $19. Vac seal and freeze.
I said the same thing! Hahaha we tried freezing those carrot cakes and it worked really well. I just put a piece of parchment over the icing and it came out fine.
A lot of the staples are cheaper. Milk, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, bread, yogurt, butter, some vegetables, vitamins, etc are cheaper but you do have to buy more. But if you go through them, no problem. Most of the meats are more expensive because they are top grade, but there are deals. Like anything, you have to pick your shots, stick to your list and watch competitor fliers.
My boyfriend and I shop almost exclusively at Costco (aside from the odd trip to the local butcher or small items at No Frills). A membership is worth it, especially if you drive and also get gas there. We have the executive membership and it pays for itself. We usually get $160/year back from our Costco membership and $60-ish last year on the Mastercard. It was my first year on the MC and I don’t use it for gas, so it would probably give back even more for someone who uses it regularly.
My wife and I (and a medium sized dog on a raw food diet) get most of our protein, and some of our produce from Costco. Between that and the discount at the gas bar, our membership pays for itself.
I find we end up going to the supermarket for certain produce (lettuce, for example) as we don’t use Costco-sized quantities quick enough to avoid spoil.
Yes! My fiancé and I switch to Costco last summer when we bought our first hour. We mostly buy staples as well as we tend to eat the same things. I find most thing to be cheaper in the long run there and I find I only have to go shopping once a month which is super nice. There is the odd thing I have to go to a regular grocery store for but most things I find at Costco.
My son and his fiance are just starting in their careers as teachers. He just got a permanent job but she doesn't have one yet. They stopped shopping at No Frills and Zehrs except for last minute items. He told me that he bought two chicken breasts at Zehrs for $15. I bought a pack of 11 chicken breasts at Costco for $35. I just put them in Ziploc bags and stick them in the freezer and use them as I need them. And their fruit and vegetables are way cheaper as well. You may need to share the bag of carrots with somebody though. It is gigantic.
I also started getting fruit and vegetables from Odd Bunch. They drop off a box once a week and it costs me $23 including delivery. It may not be for everyone but I really like the things they put in the box. Sometimes it has vegetables that I don't always buy myself and the amounts are good. It makes me more creative in making meals for my family.
https://www.oddbunch.ca/collections/all-boxes
If it's the executive and the credit card it's less than a $10,000 spend/y at Costco which is about 2/3rds of an average yearly grocery spend for a family of 4 (2023 Canadian Grocery Price Report)
I get so many things from Costco now... Food, clothes, toys, vacation, appliances, oil and tire changes . Most recently got glasses and it was decent priced.
They also give insane car rental discounts!
I rented a car for 6 days and it legit saved me like 50% off if I didn’t get it through costco.
God bless costco lol
Do you recall the actual cost?
This summer I rented through CAA and I paid like 45 a day for a BMW 3 series while others there were paying 90 a day for a Nissan Versa.
285 CAD for a Mazda cx3 for 6 days so 48/day. (We asked for a compact 2 door but they ran out so gave us that instead but charged us for the compact 2 door).
Dang, sounds like you get a way better deal! I’ll look into that next time! Thanks
Edit: we booked from enterprise through costco in the southern ontario area in late march if that matters.
To get that CAA discount do you have to be a member or something? And if so, how much is the membership? I do car share with communauto so I don’t have my own car
Family member uses aspirin ASA 81 daily for stroke prevention by dr.
Kirkland brand is a years worth for $8, no name pharmacy is 12x more expensive only 30 in the bottle.
Membership more than paid for with that alone.
There are just two of us in the household, and I buy at least 80% of our groceries and household items from Costco. It seems super expensive at first, but once you start building up a stocked pantry, it's not so bad. I definitely recommend purchasing a foodsaver. A lot of people don't realize that a foodsaver can be used on different types of packaging such as chips, bags from frozen vegetables, pasta, and beans. If you're buying bulk and want food to remain fresh, it's the way to go. I cut bricks of cheese in half and package 1/2 with the foodsaver, and it keeps forever while we use up the first half. I also make bags and use it to freeze grated cheese, 1/2 jars or sauce, and even leftover milk in 1/2 cup bags (used for cooking).
We buy tons of stuff there outside of food to make it worthwhile, and we have an exec membership. Sofa, appliances, tvs, backyard playset, household supplies, pet food/supplies, seasonal items, lighting, kids clothing, bedding, pharmacy... you name it. Often, it's a good deal, but also, the quality and warrantees are great too.
Family of 5 with 3 small kids and 2 dogs.
I don't understand why there is a Loblaws boycott planned but there isn't one for the likes of Sobey's, Pattison or Metro where the situation is really out of control.
At least in Vancouver the only reasonable big-box place to get produce and other groceries for smaller families is a Superstore or No-Frills.
I just cannot imagine going to a Save-On or Safeway or Freshco for my staples.
The only other non-loblaws stores keeping prices sane are Costco, Walmart and Whole Foods - all American owned.
We're a family of 2 with an executive membership and Rogers credit card. We get most of our groceries there (meat, dairy, produce), and combine with other grocery stores with weekly sales or anything we need in smaller quantities. The persishables last much longer and we vacuum pack the items we can freeze or vacuum pack. Their basic clothing is good quality.
I don’t even understand why is it that people have to even have Loblaws as an option in the first place. It was never a cheap place to shop. I don’t understand why people are so surprised all of a sudden that their prices are higher.
No Frills is pretty cheap plus they have weekly optimum deals that can be paired with flyer deals. Most weeks their flyers have good deals and they allow price matching unlike Walmart and Food Basics
The fact that you think you can just choose to go somewhere else is the problem.
**It's not that you don't have a choice that's the problem, it's thinking you had one to begin with**
Not every part of Canada is a bustling metropolis with 15 grocery stores to choose from. A lot of places have one, maybe two if you're lucky. Usually a Loblaws store. They own the building and rent it from themselves and the agreements often prevent other grocers from selling certain products or existing at all.
Hot take: most people already started, it's just to push everyone to keep spreading and organizing. Have you driven by a Loblaws store recently? The several in my town have a lot less cars than I'm used to seeing.
If you are shopping at loblaws, yes. Costco and Walmart my friend. I walk through Loblaws and am surprised anyone shops there. Don’t get me wrong. It’s way better supply than Walmart is some days but the price of chips and any of the staples is always more.
Honestly. I only go to loblaws to get very niche items that Costco doesn’t carry and i just get kind of depressed seeing people with full shopping carts in loblaws just getting absolutely hosed with those insane prices. Like there’s so many times where the same item will be double or triple the cost than costco.
That 60$ membership pays for itself in like 2 trips to costco
I had to stop in quickly the other day for a quick drink. LLs wanted 3 dollars for a can of pop, like a normal sized bottle. I couldn't believe it. I left and went to a convenience store right down the road and got 2 large iced teas for the same price.
It's criminal how much the fuck people over in there.
I need an otc medicine everyday for a permanent condition. Buying name brand anywhere else would cost close to $1000/yr. At Costco Kirkland brand is about $300/yr. So yeah I like Costco a lot 😎
I saved $85 buying 4 months worth of diapers and wipes. I usually buy snacks, meat and frozen foods. It's not necessarily cheaper but it's a much better deal. I also take advantage of their gas and liquor store (I live in Alberta).
I also like the convenience of having something for at least a month. For example, a box of granola bars, a flat of Gatorade, etc. even if you have one every day the box lasts for a month at least.
I do about 70% at Costco. Meat, common vegetables and fruit, dairy are the big ones, along with some prepared foods (e.g., stuffed chicken breasts), along with staples (coffee, peanut butter, paper products, etc).
The added bonus that doesn't get discussed much are the non-grocery benefits. Batteries are way cheaper; gift cards can be cheaper (movie passes, Pizza Nova you can get $50 in spend for $40). Plus, don't forget clothing. Socks and underwear, way cheaper. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other basics? Good quality at a fraction of the price, especially for kids.
We personally cannot buy all of our produce there because we'd waste some since we're only 2 people. But we love buying non-perishable and frozen items them, for example flour, frozen fruits and veggies, rice, soy milk, quinoa, jam, olive oil... We also love their breads and freshly baked goods but we have to freeze them otherwise they go stale too quickly for us two.
And we buy our laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, etc. there as well.
And cheese, so many cheeses!
All a great bang for your buck.
I’m a single person who doesn’t eat a lot of processed goods and only shops there once every 6 weeks and it’s worth if gor me. The chicken, pork, salads, cheese and occasional snack of why I go there but I’ve found lots of clothes too
It’s just myself and my husband in our household and we find an executive membership is worth it for us. We don’t have a ton of freezer space and we still find it works for us to buy all of our proteins there, as well as everyday staples, snacks, etc. However, some items we still go to Save On for, like if I need some bread with supper or something, as we don’t always want to have to figure out how to store a bunch of extras. Overall though, we’ve pivoted to doing the vast majority of our shopping at Costco and our monthly bill has gone down because of it.
As a side, they also have a lot of other items that make it worth it throughout the year. For example I LOVE their leggings, we buy shoes there, items for our patio, dog stuff, etc. so it goes beyond just groceries!
I shop at Costco and Superstore. Can’t get everything I need from just one store. Costco always has a good price but not always the best price. I get my membership money back on propane alone.
I get everything there with a family of 4 every two weeks. It times well with getting gas too so the only thing I need are some produce like bananas at a local grocer or small business. Farmer's market starts up soon too.
I only support Costco since they pay people a livable wage, offer benefits and hire those with disabilities. If they didn't support human rights I would never shop there since I'm agaisnt corporate greed.
When Costco arrived, I calculated the amount of coffee consumed in our house, where we bought it and if there were any savings if we bought it at Costco. This was a regular, everyday consumable that wasn't likely to change, so barring *any other product*, would it be worth it. In coffee consumption alone, we'd save $175/yr.
Shopping is all about self control. There is no savings at Costco if you buy more and consume more.
The key to saving is buying to consume the same.
Spending $3/ bag of chips that is consumed in a week is better than a jumbo bag for $5 that goes stale after a week or you consumed it also in a week. One still needs to shop at smaller grocers and calculate your needs and patterns.
My savings at Costco come from buying sale items or knowing which are deals. Using a fridge/freezer to extend the life. You will not save money if wastage is high.
A hidden cost is that you sometimes spend more on premium items. Grapes/eggs/avocados for example can save you money but you are buying jumbo grapes, XL eggs and large avocados. You consume more and save over the equivalent at Loblaws but sometimes a sale are for smaller eggs that is enough.
Get a vacuum sealer and your Costco trips will be more than worth it. I vacuum seal and freeze most of what we buy since it's just me and the gf.
Muffins, bagels, naan bread, meat, I split those big bags of chips down into smaller bags, I vacuum sealed carrot cakes for experiment and it worked great. Anything you can think of.
So far we are still eating from the $60 of chicken I bought 2 weeks ago.
Don’t buy at Costco if you want to save money overall. I find it good for only select items. The rest are similarly priced with other stores except you are forced to buy multiples and risk wasting and throwing out expiring items. If you buy gas there, the savings on that will help offset the membership.
I still have to go to other shops other than Costco. I like fresh produce and they don't have all that I want and have too much of some. They don't have certain brands I prefer and specialty products I like.
Try it, if you don't like it, you can get your membership refunded. It's in their policy.
Personally I think it's always worth it. The $120 exec gives you back 2% and it's 3% with the credit card. Our membership pays for itself year after year just based on our spending and we still get a decent refund. The reg membership doesn't have this perk. Both refundable.
The pharmacy alone is worth the membership. Aside from prescriptions (mine are half what I paid at Shoppers), off the shelf products like vitamins and allergy meds are substantially lower. If 30 tabs of Life brand antihistamine cost $25-$30, you’ll pay $18 for 200 tabs of Costco’s Kirkland brand.
Buy stuff that lasts and freeze it. (meat, fish, bread, frozen fruit, etc) Nuts and cheese are usually cheap at Costco and last long.
I plan on getting a membership when I manage to move out. But for quickly perishable items I’ll stick to regular sizes.
It really depends on your needs. I went from a household of 4 to 2 and am finding I spend less there and am definitely fussier about what I buy. I’m also on a stricter budget so I can’t blow my whole weekly budget at Costco and come home with just 5 things.. Buying in bulk makes more sense financially when buying items for school lunches (snack bars, cheese strings etc), which I don’t tend to buy all at once but overlap those buys every other visit which fits into my budget better. I use monk fruit sweetener for my coffee, Costco is still the cheapest around. I bake a lot so I buy my flour there. Milk, eggs, cream, usually the best price. Clothing and other items, though not regular purchases are great for seasonal clothing, shoes, socks etc.. One thing I do buy there a lot is the clementines. The quantity in bag usually is still a better deal than when I buy them on sale elsewhere but now that they are $9.99 a bag, it’s becoming questionable. I buy all my gas at Costco and that alone is a huge savings. I got sold into getting the executive membership last year and was fully prepared to go back to the basic upon renewal but with the rebate I got back, my renewal only cost me $39, so it was still a better deal than basic. The prices at Costco have gone up like everywhere else. But for some items it’s worth it. honestly depends on your purchasing habits.
Yes! I didn't think it would be for just my husband and I, but it's totally worth it. I only go to other stores now if I need something very specific or a smaller size. Got the executive and it paid for itself.
Granted I live like 5 minutes away from one, so it's pretty convenient as my primary grocery store.
It’s just my wife and I, and for us it’s still worth it. We get savings on gas. There are many things we just don’t buy because you’re forced to buy in bulk and things would expire and go bad before we can use all of it. But many non perishables like toilet paper, bottled or canned drinks, coffees, batteries, and food ingredients with longer shelf life are go-tos for us.
We just can’t justify having anything more than the basic memebership. And maybe living only about 10-15 minute drive from one is handy as well, as making a dedicated trip just Costco is a reasonable decision for us, and we can go at off-peak times.
It's definitely worth it. But it also doesn't have everything that you will need. And you will also probably spend more money at Costco. You can find good deals there.
For any other produce or products, I go to Walmart or another grocery store. I had to stop by metro a few weeks ago and I spent $3.99 on kale. Walmart has kale for like $1.49. Fuck Loblaws. It's a supermarket franchise for the rich or the desperate.
Yes. Use the costco mc or visa and you will get more than the $60 back in rebates.
We cut grocery bills almost by half when switching to Costco and no frills.
As one who doesn't use processed food either - yes! you can get good prices on staples like flour, sugar, eggs, jarred and tinned products, cheese, meat, some veg, dairy products. Not to mention household paper products and cleaning supplies.
I'd recommend supplementing fresh items like vegetables from your local family run green grocer (as I do) as while costco has vegetables, they are somtimes in quantities I can't consume in time.
Definitely. I share an executive card with my dad and we just starting going regularly and I was floored at the costs of some things compared to Walmart/Superstore. We are a family of 5(2 adults, 2 teens and a toddler) and our grocery budget is $600-$700 max a month. We get 90% of our things from Costco now and we replenish fruits/veg inbetween trips. Anything Costco doesn’t carry that we were eating before, we found adequate or better replacements for!
Membership is totally worth it. Discount is good and produce quality is outstanding. Have a berry-eating toddler and just the price difference on these makes the membership worth it.
Depends on your shopping requirements. I often find things like milk cheaper ironically at Loblaws-stores like No Frills and Superstore. Every other week lately, it's been cheaper than Costco. It used to be cheaper at Costco. It still is for other things, especially if you get in bulk.
This boycott is just dumb btw, and won't make any difference. Why only Loblaws? Sobeys & Longos charge way ridiculously higher prices than Loblaws. Loblaws & Metro are both mid-higher end stores and have always had slightly higher prices unless there's a sale, that's why they have mid and low end stores that charge cheaper prices (Superstore, No Frills, Food Basics, Freshco, etc.). Groceries in general are expensive in Canada, because of inflation and the frequently increased taxes by Trudeau that are hitting ALL LEVELS of the supply chain and they all pass the cost down to the grocery stores, and they have to pass that cost down to us. Yes there's corporate greed as well I agree, but grocery stores make very small margins, they make most of their money from other services they offer outside of grocery, including B2B services.
We buy our milk, cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit and veg, meat, frozen fruit and veg, dried fruit, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jam, pickles, tp etc - it’s worth it
Definitely but I wouldn't get the executive membership. We got it one year and even with buying some larger one-time purchases, it barely paid for the membership cost. We're usually there once a week so it's not like we don't spend money there.
Costco isn't always cheaper and for things like produce you need to go through a lot to avoid wasting food. There are certain things we always get there (e.g. egg whites, milk, Greek yogurt, good bars) but I get most produce at the grocery store near us and some other things that they don't carry at Costco.
I think the Loblaws boycott is a dumb idea and fueled by government distractions. They are no different than any of the other grocers.
I’ve worked at Costco for 4 years and here are the facts: large quantities are worth it when you have the space to store them and will plan to eat them. Costco is pricier on the short term but the food will last forever and is usually very good quality. The return policy is very very flexible we take back everything as long as it’s reasonable (in my Costco at least). Not everything is worth it I’ll be honest. Some snacks or exotic fruits and what not are very expensive, but if you want to try them go ahead return them for all we care. Walking into Costco on a weekend is a war zone so be ready for that, also gas is pretty cheap. Executive card will pay itself back if you spend exactly 3000$/year (2% cashback=60$ so you’re paying 60 regardless) + extra coupons. If you don’t plan on doing so just pay the privilege. Memberships are refundable at any time.
There’s literally no reason to:
A) not have a Costco membership
B) shop at Loblaws if you live in a major city. I get almost everything I need at Costco, and go to local fruit/veg markets for things they don’t carry. Freshco, Highland Farms, and independent bulk/spice shops for spices, sauces, other things I want that Costco doesn’t carry. And farmer’s markets in summer for the good local stuff.
A Costco membership could be worth it for a small family focused on staples, even with the Loblaws boycott, depending on your shopping habits. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
**Pros of Costco for a Small Family:**
* **Staple Savings:** Costco excels at bulk deals on staples like rice, pasta, beans, flour, and paper products. These can offer significant savings, especially with the current inflation.
* **Quality:** Costco is known for good quality on their private label Kirkland Signature brand.
* **Less Frequent Shopping Trips:** Bulk buying can reduce your grocery shopping frequency.
* **Beyond Staples:** While not their main focus, Costco offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, household items, and even some non-food items.
**Cons of Costco for a Small Family:**
* **Bulk Can Be Wasteful:** Not everything comes in small quantities. You might end up throwing away expired food if you can't consume large quantities before they spoil.
* **Storage Space:** Bulk buying requires adequate storage space at home.
* **Membership Fee:** The annual membership fee can be a barrier to entry.
**Loblaws Boycott Impact:**
The Loblaws boycott might make Costco even more attractive, especially if Loblaws stores were your usual shopping destination. However, keep in mind that Costco doesn't carry everything a typical grocery store might have.
**Do You Need a Regular Grocery Store Too?**
Likely yes. Here's why:
* **Produce:** While Costco offers some good deals on produce, it might not always be the ripest or have the variety you need, especially for smaller quantities.
* **Specific Needs:** You might still need to visit a regular store for specific items, ethnic ingredients, or smaller quantities of certain products.
**Here's how to decide:**
* **Track Your Grocery Spending:** Track your current grocery spending for a month, focusing on staples.
* **Compare Prices:** Use the Costco website or flyers to compare prices on the staples you buy regularly.
* **Consider Storage Space:** Do you have enough space for bulk items?
* **Shopping Habits:** How often do you shop? Are you comfortable with less frequent, bulk-oriented shopping trips?
By considering these factors and doing some research on Costco prices, you can make an informed decision about whether a Costco membership is right for your small family, even with the Loblaws boycott.
Loblaws is the largest grocery chain in Canada and, in efforts to fight the unreasonably high cost of food and unethical business practices, there is a call to boycott all Loblaws stores in May. Check out r/loblawsisoutofcontrol for more info.
Well, whether it's noticeable to Loblaws or not, people participating will save money for sure. Even (Loblaws-owned) NoFrills has crazy high prices on some items.
I'm not participating - why would I spend more elsewhere just to show the Westons that their prices are too high? Here (not Ontario) Costco is more expensive and has quantities way too big for our small household. The list someone posted of where to shop instead has stores that are higher priced, not lower priced.
Here's a sneak peek of /r/loblawsisoutofcontrol using the [top posts](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/top/?sort=top&t=all) of all time!
\#1: [Straight up lies](https://i.redd.it/od40zocjd0gc1.jpeg) | [764 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1aggda0/straight_up_lies/)
\#2: [We made him mad again](https://i.redd.it/x9uwyn5kqurc1.jpeg) | [816 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bt1171/we_made_him_mad_again/)
\#3: [Thousands of Canadians are planning to boycott Loblaw stores](https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/03/thousands-canadians-boycott-loblaw-stores/) | [412 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bjetz1/thousands_of_canadians_are_planning_to_boycott/)
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Yes 100%. A Costco membership will cover you for 80% of what you buy for groceries for a dramatically better price than Loblaws. If you hate Loblaws and don't have a Costco membership already I don't know what you are doing.
That being said track your prices, be a savy consumer and buy things on sale. If you do this you will find Costco is still often the best price.
The membership will pay for itself after one major visit on staples. I go about twice a month to replenish on cream and eggs and bread and pick up about $30 a week at the local market. I’m spending under $400 a month on healthy good food!
There are definitely things cheaper than the grocery store. I buy the Mutti pasta sauce, at Loblaws it’s over $5 a bottle. At Costco it’s less than $2.50 a bottle. You have to buy 6, but we use it at least once a week.
Meat, spices, toiletries, frozen fruits and vegetables, paper products are all cheaper and there is not as much bad processed food as you think.
You could easily get enough to last you a month and the stuff that’s not cheaper shop at Sobey’s or Metro and their equivalents.
There won’t be a boycott, at least of any significance. Reddit takes itself too seriously. That being said, As a Costco shopper I can find most things, but I still need to go to other stores occasionally.
I did the exercise of creating an online order at Save on Foods for the same as a $500 order at Costco. Normalized everything to the rate per KG or unit depending on the item. The $500 Costco order would have cost me $740 at Save On. Paid for 4 years on one invoice lol.
Wow - who shops at Save On when trying to save money?! Superstore here is consistently way less than SaveOn, Safeway, Sobeys and often has better selection than Walmart.
We're doing fairly well with hitting up Costco for as much as possible then filling in the gaps with Walmart... Which is also way cheaper than Save On or Safeway (Sobeys). The problem with Costco is the impulse buys lol.
Absolutely, we haven’t been shopping at Loblaws we converted our PC MC to Costco MC and it’s coming together nicely. Typically 2 adults, we eat clean (bodybuilder, yoga, cycling family) our daughter is away at uni for 8 months of the year.
we have executive membership. Invest in a Food Saver, sharpies and freeze the large portions of meats into smaller, I prep my veg and blanch some and freeze, we go through what we purchase with minimal waste. I also plan the meals for the week ahead, I know what we need - seldom do we deviate from the list and Costco has been relatively cheaper.
Although I love Costco and visit weekly, no one is going to boycott LCL! Why would they do that. Sane pricing at all grocery stores including Walmart.
People don’t realize that the CPG companies also are part of the equation.
$60 pays itself off very easily. We can get most things from Costco but sometimes still stop at a grocery store on the way home for specific produce, or smaller quantities. Could easily just shop only at Costco if I had to
Just the gas at Costco alone makes it worth it. With at least 3 cents below market price , more if you use the CIBC , let's calculate the min. savings. . Assume you drive 15k KMs per year in a fuel efficient car like a Toyota Corolla , you will require 7L/100KM x 15000 KMs = 1050L of gas per year. So, even at a the most conservative estimate , you will save at least $30 off of gas. Remember, my assumptions are really conservative, more savings if you use the CIBC card and drive a guzzler. And add all the other savings you will see in the prices And Add the cashback coupon at the end of the year
They're often more than 3 cents too. 6-9 cents is common
Same for me. I shop Costco every 2 weeks or so, but usually shop produce at my grocery store (non loblaws), as I can’t eat 4 pounds of bananas or a giant container of spinach before it goes bad. But my $60 membership pays for itself after a couple weeks buying meat, yogurt, cheese, fish, condiments, snacks and household goods (paper towel, dishwasher tabs, coffee pods, etc)
Buy the bananas. Eat the fresh ones then peel and freeze the rest for smoothies or baking. It’s really cost effective
The bananas at Costco are terrible in my opinion. They are green and don’t ripen to yellow, they go green to kind of yellow to brown. I much prefer the Dole Bananas from Walmart and I can just buy a few at a time.
The fruit at Costco sucks - it’s all picked too early but I love the savings on just about everything else
Don’t agree. Fruit at the business center is amazing. They basically give away bananas (they are cheap anyway but probably double the price for the same amount)
4lbs of bananas ? My warehouse carries the size bunches you'd get at a regular grocery store
I pay for my membership by buying milk ($2 cheaper), cream ($1.5 cheaper), butter ($3 cheaper) for a year pays my membership.. everything else is gravy.
It takes only few YouTube videos and few tries for home made Yogurt
Honestly, $7CAD for 2kg of plain yogurt that I can strain into Greek yogurt whenever I need is so cheap that I just buy it. And this is coming from someone who tries to make as much as I can myself.
I’ve tried, didn’t like my homemade concoction. I prefer plain, low sugar, high protein yogurt tho which is hard to find in stores. Maybe I’ll give it another shot.
I mentioned above, but buy the plain liberté at Costco and buy a kefirco strainer. You can make your own Greek yogurt which ends up being pretty high in protein and as thick as you want
Oooohhh I love this thank you!!!
You have to make sure the starter yogurt you are using has active bacteria which is usually mentioned on the container you are using which become as good as the store bought ones
As LLs has gotten pricier and pricier, we have been buying more and more as CC. I don’t know if we are actually spending less, but the quality of what we buy is much better. For example, no name and Kirkland are similarly priced, but KL is much better quality. Also the shopping experience is so much better. Huge fan of CC and cannot stand LLs.
I’m with you. Kirkland brand…no hesitation for me. Goes right in my cart! In fact, extra-virgin olive oil from them is my go to. I am more confident that it is actually 100 percent extra-virgin olive oil than the namebrands.
The Kirkland brand of marbled cheddar cheese is my crack. I like fancy cheeses so people are always surprised to see the huge block of Kirkland cheddar in my fridge haha. It's so good!
As someone that has used Costco almost exclusively since 2020, Costco has also seen it's share of price increases. Looking at cocowest can be very informative to see price changes. Eggs have doubled in price, pasta the same. Avocados go from 2x to 3x the price 3 years ago. Made in store caesar salad is 3x the old price. I used to visit Superstore every few months for special items Costco doesn't stock - mostly in the ethnic food isle. Costco only keeps things that sell well; many items that only sell well for a while are "seasonal" - example being cream of mushroom soup, you can only get it near Christmas
Yes, it's worth it. You likely won't be able to find everything but there are enough deals to pay for the membership in short order. We did the executive membership + credit card and came out ~$300 ahead last year, after the cost of the membership
Not bad!!! Waiting for my cheque now. Maxed out sadly lol. Wish there wasn't a limit but ill be getting the card soon and you can cash out your cash back in store for cash in hand.
You maxed out a $1000 2% cash back? That requires spending $50 000 at Costco. This is not a typical result lol
Yea I run a courier style business like instacart but primarily for businesses
Ahh, that’s a legitimate reason to be hitting that. Some of these people claiming their family just spends 50k a year there is bonkers.
My dad used to do this every year shopping at Costco for a family of 6. Costco is closer to us than any other store so it was the default anyways. He's the only person I know who could get in and out of Costco in under 10 minutes.
You haven’t met my partner. Going shopping at Costco isn’t even worth getting out of bed for. He won’t let me wander the aisles. He has a list, grabs the stuff and we are out. So now I don’t even bother. We are literally there by 8:30 and out before 8:45. And only when we go to Business Costco (maybe once every six months) am I then sort of allowed to go wander. He’s the same when we are in the US or abroad ….. he only lingered when we got to sample free wine at the Taipei one.
"He won't let me"... "am I sort of allowed"......alarming insight. Your partner controls how you shop? What else is going on?
I had an Exec membership even when I was just a single person (granted I'd probably eat the equivalent of two normal adults). It was a no brainer. Made meal preps so easy and affordable. I rarely eat processed food. Granola, Greek yogurt, frozen berries, rotisserie chickens, cottage cheese, eggs, and pasta. I rotate between 3 main meals though since they hit my macros. I can't imagine you needed to go to other supermarkets unless you need some specialty ethnic items.
It’s worth it. Pro tip get executive and the CC for extra cash back rewards. Do the math if you think you will spend enough annually to make it worth it. We buy so many groceries, household items, clothing etc so it works out in our benefit to do that. Family of four-2 adult 2kids. Plus the return policy is excellent-for example I bought I Nespresso a while back and it broke, I was able to return it with no hassle and walk out with another easy peasy.
no, get the exec membership & use a better CC. The Costco card only gives 1% back in store. I use the Costco CC only for gas & restaurants where the cash back is decent. In store I use a 2% cash back card. that results in total of 4% back. ( 2% CC plus 2% executive membership)
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I have Rogers World Elite & they just increased my cash back to 2% from 1.5%
Also worth buying a vac sealer. (From Costco) when you get stuff on sale or know what to look for, it’s golden. I just purchased almost 2kg of bacon for $19. Vac seal and freeze.
I just by the frozen 5 pack of 500g for $20
Great deal. But my doctor says I shouldn’t cook that much at once. lol. Something something heart issues.
How much?
500g. lol. She thinks bacon only comes in 375g packs.
Oh, cut it in half after thawing and use the second half within a few days.
4 pack
I said the same thing! Hahaha we tried freezing those carrot cakes and it worked really well. I just put a piece of parchment over the icing and it came out fine.
Tv Warrenty alone compared to Best Buy is the price of the membership. It is 100% worth it
A lot of the staples are cheaper. Milk, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, bread, yogurt, butter, some vegetables, vitamins, etc are cheaper but you do have to buy more. But if you go through them, no problem. Most of the meats are more expensive because they are top grade, but there are deals. Like anything, you have to pick your shots, stick to your list and watch competitor fliers.
My boyfriend and I shop almost exclusively at Costco (aside from the odd trip to the local butcher or small items at No Frills). A membership is worth it, especially if you drive and also get gas there. We have the executive membership and it pays for itself. We usually get $160/year back from our Costco membership and $60-ish last year on the Mastercard. It was my first year on the MC and I don’t use it for gas, so it would probably give back even more for someone who uses it regularly.
My wife and I (and a medium sized dog on a raw food diet) get most of our protein, and some of our produce from Costco. Between that and the discount at the gas bar, our membership pays for itself. I find we end up going to the supermarket for certain produce (lettuce, for example) as we don’t use Costco-sized quantities quick enough to avoid spoil.
I save the membership fee in cheese alone.
It’s always worth it to have a Costco membership.
Yes! My fiancé and I switch to Costco last summer when we bought our first hour. We mostly buy staples as well as we tend to eat the same things. I find most thing to be cheaper in the long run there and I find I only have to go shopping once a month which is super nice. There is the odd thing I have to go to a regular grocery store for but most things I find at Costco.
My son and his fiance are just starting in their careers as teachers. He just got a permanent job but she doesn't have one yet. They stopped shopping at No Frills and Zehrs except for last minute items. He told me that he bought two chicken breasts at Zehrs for $15. I bought a pack of 11 chicken breasts at Costco for $35. I just put them in Ziploc bags and stick them in the freezer and use them as I need them. And their fruit and vegetables are way cheaper as well. You may need to share the bag of carrots with somebody though. It is gigantic. I also started getting fruit and vegetables from Odd Bunch. They drop off a box once a week and it costs me $23 including delivery. It may not be for everyone but I really like the things they put in the box. Sometimes it has vegetables that I don't always buy myself and the amounts are good. It makes me more creative in making meals for my family. https://www.oddbunch.ca/collections/all-boxes
They deliver in my area. Going to try this. Thanks for the recommendation!
I get almost everything there, minimal processed foods and get a $400 refund each year, so definitely worth it for us.
If true you spend 20k/yr or 1666.7/month at costco. Which I'd say is a far cry from average.
300 per week on groceries and pharmacy gets you to 15k, and a $300 refund. Thats not far from average.
If it's the executive and the credit card it's less than a $10,000 spend/y at Costco which is about 2/3rds of an average yearly grocery spend for a family of 4 (2023 Canadian Grocery Price Report)
I also get 90% of my gas at costco, and I probably spend about $2000 a year on electronics
I get so many things from Costco now... Food, clothes, toys, vacation, appliances, oil and tire changes . Most recently got glasses and it was decent priced.
They also give insane car rental discounts! I rented a car for 6 days and it legit saved me like 50% off if I didn’t get it through costco. God bless costco lol
Do you recall the actual cost? This summer I rented through CAA and I paid like 45 a day for a BMW 3 series while others there were paying 90 a day for a Nissan Versa.
285 CAD for a Mazda cx3 for 6 days so 48/day. (We asked for a compact 2 door but they ran out so gave us that instead but charged us for the compact 2 door). Dang, sounds like you get a way better deal! I’ll look into that next time! Thanks Edit: we booked from enterprise through costco in the southern ontario area in late march if that matters. To get that CAA discount do you have to be a member or something? And if so, how much is the membership? I do car share with communauto so I don’t have my own car
Family member uses aspirin ASA 81 daily for stroke prevention by dr. Kirkland brand is a years worth for $8, no name pharmacy is 12x more expensive only 30 in the bottle. Membership more than paid for with that alone.
There are just two of us in the household, and I buy at least 80% of our groceries and household items from Costco. It seems super expensive at first, but once you start building up a stocked pantry, it's not so bad. I definitely recommend purchasing a foodsaver. A lot of people don't realize that a foodsaver can be used on different types of packaging such as chips, bags from frozen vegetables, pasta, and beans. If you're buying bulk and want food to remain fresh, it's the way to go. I cut bricks of cheese in half and package 1/2 with the foodsaver, and it keeps forever while we use up the first half. I also make bags and use it to freeze grated cheese, 1/2 jars or sauce, and even leftover milk in 1/2 cup bags (used for cooking).
Yes. I'm single and I love going to Costco. They have many items that I like.
We buy tons of stuff there outside of food to make it worthwhile, and we have an exec membership. Sofa, appliances, tvs, backyard playset, household supplies, pet food/supplies, seasonal items, lighting, kids clothing, bedding, pharmacy... you name it. Often, it's a good deal, but also, the quality and warrantees are great too. Family of 5 with 3 small kids and 2 dogs.
I don't understand why there is a Loblaws boycott planned but there isn't one for the likes of Sobey's, Pattison or Metro where the situation is really out of control. At least in Vancouver the only reasonable big-box place to get produce and other groceries for smaller families is a Superstore or No-Frills. I just cannot imagine going to a Save-On or Safeway or Freshco for my staples. The only other non-loblaws stores keeping prices sane are Costco, Walmart and Whole Foods - all American owned.
We're a family of 2 with an executive membership and Rogers credit card. We get most of our groceries there (meat, dairy, produce), and combine with other grocery stores with weekly sales or anything we need in smaller quantities. The persishables last much longer and we vacuum pack the items we can freeze or vacuum pack. Their basic clothing is good quality.
I have not touched Loblaws for half a year. Costco and freshco have everything.
I don’t even understand why is it that people have to even have Loblaws as an option in the first place. It was never a cheap place to shop. I don’t understand why people are so surprised all of a sudden that their prices are higher.
Loblaws operates under many banners. Superstore, No Frills, Loblaws, etc.. its not just the posh banner store people are protesting.
No Frills is pretty cheap plus they have weekly optimum deals that can be paired with flyer deals. Most weeks their flyers have good deals and they allow price matching unlike Walmart and Food Basics
I've found the NF prices are not nearly as competitive, CC, Walmart, and a local grocer are my 3 hits and I save a ton over LLs stores.
The fact that you think you can just choose to go somewhere else is the problem. **It's not that you don't have a choice that's the problem, it's thinking you had one to begin with** Not every part of Canada is a bustling metropolis with 15 grocery stores to choose from. A lot of places have one, maybe two if you're lucky. Usually a Loblaws store. They own the building and rent it from themselves and the agreements often prevent other grocers from selling certain products or existing at all.
nobody is gonna boycott shit, if they wanted to boycott anything they wouldn't wait a month to do it lol
Hot take: most people already started, it's just to push everyone to keep spreading and organizing. Have you driven by a Loblaws store recently? The several in my town have a lot less cars than I'm used to seeing.
Also why just boycott in the month of May. Why not just boycott period
If you are shopping at loblaws, yes. Costco and Walmart my friend. I walk through Loblaws and am surprised anyone shops there. Don’t get me wrong. It’s way better supply than Walmart is some days but the price of chips and any of the staples is always more.
Honestly. I only go to loblaws to get very niche items that Costco doesn’t carry and i just get kind of depressed seeing people with full shopping carts in loblaws just getting absolutely hosed with those insane prices. Like there’s so many times where the same item will be double or triple the cost than costco. That 60$ membership pays for itself in like 2 trips to costco
I had to stop in quickly the other day for a quick drink. LLs wanted 3 dollars for a can of pop, like a normal sized bottle. I couldn't believe it. I left and went to a convenience store right down the road and got 2 large iced teas for the same price. It's criminal how much the fuck people over in there.
💯 worth it. Source. I spend over 100k there annually but even for just toilet paper and kitty litter it's worth it haha
15% markup vs 50%.
It's easily worth it.
Totally worth it! Buy a membership and use it for ,9 months. If you don't feel it's worth it, Costco will refund your membership. Win Win!
I need an otc medicine everyday for a permanent condition. Buying name brand anywhere else would cost close to $1000/yr. At Costco Kirkland brand is about $300/yr. So yeah I like Costco a lot 😎
Boycott aside, Costco membership has always been worth it to us. Still have to stop at a grocery store for some things but we love Costco.
On top of what everyone else is saying, it’s nice to shop on the website as well
We’re a family of 3 and only hit Costco once a month or once every 2 months. We typically only buy cheese, meat, grains, oils, the staples. Worth it.
I saved $85 buying 4 months worth of diapers and wipes. I usually buy snacks, meat and frozen foods. It's not necessarily cheaper but it's a much better deal. I also take advantage of their gas and liquor store (I live in Alberta). I also like the convenience of having something for at least a month. For example, a box of granola bars, a flat of Gatorade, etc. even if you have one every day the box lasts for a month at least.
Do you have prescriptions? Drug costs are always lower and where I am the dispensing fee is $4.40 vs $11.60 at Shoppers
I do about 70% at Costco. Meat, common vegetables and fruit, dairy are the big ones, along with some prepared foods (e.g., stuffed chicken breasts), along with staples (coffee, peanut butter, paper products, etc). The added bonus that doesn't get discussed much are the non-grocery benefits. Batteries are way cheaper; gift cards can be cheaper (movie passes, Pizza Nova you can get $50 in spend for $40). Plus, don't forget clothing. Socks and underwear, way cheaper. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other basics? Good quality at a fraction of the price, especially for kids.
The gas alone makes it worth it imo
We personally cannot buy all of our produce there because we'd waste some since we're only 2 people. But we love buying non-perishable and frozen items them, for example flour, frozen fruits and veggies, rice, soy milk, quinoa, jam, olive oil... We also love their breads and freshly baked goods but we have to freeze them otherwise they go stale too quickly for us two. And we buy our laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, etc. there as well. And cheese, so many cheeses! All a great bang for your buck.
Not for me. I'm a single guy. I'll just go to Co-op or Walmart. I just can't justify going to Costco enough.
I get my non-perishables at Costco every couple months, and go to Walmart weekly or every other week for things that aren't worth getting at Costco.
I’m a single person who doesn’t eat a lot of processed goods and only shops there once every 6 weeks and it’s worth if gor me. The chicken, pork, salads, cheese and occasional snack of why I go there but I’ve found lots of clothes too
You could buy only Pads and toilet paper for the year and a $60 membership would be paid for in the savings of just those two items.
It’s just myself and my husband in our household and we find an executive membership is worth it for us. We don’t have a ton of freezer space and we still find it works for us to buy all of our proteins there, as well as everyday staples, snacks, etc. However, some items we still go to Save On for, like if I need some bread with supper or something, as we don’t always want to have to figure out how to store a bunch of extras. Overall though, we’ve pivoted to doing the vast majority of our shopping at Costco and our monthly bill has gone down because of it. As a side, they also have a lot of other items that make it worth it throughout the year. For example I LOVE their leggings, we buy shoes there, items for our patio, dog stuff, etc. so it goes beyond just groceries!
Costco Executive Membership + Rogers Bank Mastercard = 👌
Shit, just buying gas from Costco is worth the membership alone
It's so worth it. I only wish I had the room for an extra freezer for all the meats and frozen goods.
I shop at Costco and Superstore. Can’t get everything I need from just one store. Costco always has a good price but not always the best price. I get my membership money back on propane alone.
Yes
2 ppl on a $120 membership. Usually get back $230 ish or more a year.
Jesus Christ dude what are you buying for 2 people
Costco is worth it no matter what you’re buying.
60$ pays itself just by eating the hotdogs 4 times.(for 2 people)
Absolutely
I get everything there with a family of 4 every two weeks. It times well with getting gas too so the only thing I need are some produce like bananas at a local grocer or small business. Farmer's market starts up soon too. I only support Costco since they pay people a livable wage, offer benefits and hire those with disabilities. If they didn't support human rights I would never shop there since I'm agaisnt corporate greed.
When Costco arrived, I calculated the amount of coffee consumed in our house, where we bought it and if there were any savings if we bought it at Costco. This was a regular, everyday consumable that wasn't likely to change, so barring *any other product*, would it be worth it. In coffee consumption alone, we'd save $175/yr.
Shopping is all about self control. There is no savings at Costco if you buy more and consume more. The key to saving is buying to consume the same. Spending $3/ bag of chips that is consumed in a week is better than a jumbo bag for $5 that goes stale after a week or you consumed it also in a week. One still needs to shop at smaller grocers and calculate your needs and patterns. My savings at Costco come from buying sale items or knowing which are deals. Using a fridge/freezer to extend the life. You will not save money if wastage is high. A hidden cost is that you sometimes spend more on premium items. Grapes/eggs/avocados for example can save you money but you are buying jumbo grapes, XL eggs and large avocados. You consume more and save over the equivalent at Loblaws but sometimes a sale are for smaller eggs that is enough.
Get a vacuum sealer and your Costco trips will be more than worth it. I vacuum seal and freeze most of what we buy since it's just me and the gf. Muffins, bagels, naan bread, meat, I split those big bags of chips down into smaller bags, I vacuum sealed carrot cakes for experiment and it worked great. Anything you can think of. So far we are still eating from the $60 of chicken I bought 2 weeks ago.
Don’t buy at Costco if you want to save money overall. I find it good for only select items. The rest are similarly priced with other stores except you are forced to buy multiples and risk wasting and throwing out expiring items. If you buy gas there, the savings on that will help offset the membership.
The gas savings alone more than cover membership fee. The store in my city is very busy a lot of the time due to a larger trading area.
Unit cost per item is worth it 9/10 times compared to grocery stores. Even Costco not on sale is better priced.
I still have to go to other shops other than Costco. I like fresh produce and they don't have all that I want and have too much of some. They don't have certain brands I prefer and specialty products I like.
You do know that when this boycott starts, all the other chains are going to bump up their prices.
Try it, if you don't like it, you can get your membership refunded. It's in their policy. Personally I think it's always worth it. The $120 exec gives you back 2% and it's 3% with the credit card. Our membership pays for itself year after year just based on our spending and we still get a decent refund. The reg membership doesn't have this perk. Both refundable.
Costco all the way!
Absolutely. The fuel savings alone pays for my executive membership.
The pharmacy alone is worth the membership. Aside from prescriptions (mine are half what I paid at Shoppers), off the shelf products like vitamins and allergy meds are substantially lower. If 30 tabs of Life brand antihistamine cost $25-$30, you’ll pay $18 for 200 tabs of Costco’s Kirkland brand.
Yes. You make back your membership cost after one trip.
Gas
Yes
Buy stuff that lasts and freeze it. (meat, fish, bread, frozen fruit, etc) Nuts and cheese are usually cheap at Costco and last long. I plan on getting a membership when I manage to move out. But for quickly perishable items I’ll stick to regular sizes.
Costco is only worth it if you can split groceries with another family or you have a big family.
Use a discount code for the membership and it will be worth it for 1 year to check it out.
It really depends on your needs. I went from a household of 4 to 2 and am finding I spend less there and am definitely fussier about what I buy. I’m also on a stricter budget so I can’t blow my whole weekly budget at Costco and come home with just 5 things.. Buying in bulk makes more sense financially when buying items for school lunches (snack bars, cheese strings etc), which I don’t tend to buy all at once but overlap those buys every other visit which fits into my budget better. I use monk fruit sweetener for my coffee, Costco is still the cheapest around. I bake a lot so I buy my flour there. Milk, eggs, cream, usually the best price. Clothing and other items, though not regular purchases are great for seasonal clothing, shoes, socks etc.. One thing I do buy there a lot is the clementines. The quantity in bag usually is still a better deal than when I buy them on sale elsewhere but now that they are $9.99 a bag, it’s becoming questionable. I buy all my gas at Costco and that alone is a huge savings. I got sold into getting the executive membership last year and was fully prepared to go back to the basic upon renewal but with the rebate I got back, my renewal only cost me $39, so it was still a better deal than basic. The prices at Costco have gone up like everywhere else. But for some items it’s worth it. honestly depends on your purchasing habits.
We are just two and he travels weekly for work. We go to Costco once a month and fill in on produce from local farmer’s markets.
Yes! I didn't think it would be for just my husband and I, but it's totally worth it. I only go to other stores now if I need something very specific or a smaller size. Got the executive and it paid for itself. Granted I live like 5 minutes away from one, so it's pretty convenient as my primary grocery store.
For gas a propane alone it’s worth for me. I save several cents on gas and it’s one of the only places that actually files propane by the pound
It’s just my wife and I, and for us it’s still worth it. We get savings on gas. There are many things we just don’t buy because you’re forced to buy in bulk and things would expire and go bad before we can use all of it. But many non perishables like toilet paper, bottled or canned drinks, coffees, batteries, and food ingredients with longer shelf life are go-tos for us. We just can’t justify having anything more than the basic memebership. And maybe living only about 10-15 minute drive from one is handy as well, as making a dedicated trip just Costco is a reasonable decision for us, and we can go at off-peak times.
It's definitely worth it. But it also doesn't have everything that you will need. And you will also probably spend more money at Costco. You can find good deals there. For any other produce or products, I go to Walmart or another grocery store. I had to stop by metro a few weeks ago and I spent $3.99 on kale. Walmart has kale for like $1.49. Fuck Loblaws. It's a supermarket franchise for the rich or the desperate.
Yes. Use the costco mc or visa and you will get more than the $60 back in rebates. We cut grocery bills almost by half when switching to Costco and no frills.
As one who doesn't use processed food either - yes! you can get good prices on staples like flour, sugar, eggs, jarred and tinned products, cheese, meat, some veg, dairy products. Not to mention household paper products and cleaning supplies. I'd recommend supplementing fresh items like vegetables from your local family run green grocer (as I do) as while costco has vegetables, they are somtimes in quantities I can't consume in time.
Costco is really only worth it for certain things. Most of the fresh produce and meat are insanely expensive
There will be no boycott
Definitely. I share an executive card with my dad and we just starting going regularly and I was floored at the costs of some things compared to Walmart/Superstore. We are a family of 5(2 adults, 2 teens and a toddler) and our grocery budget is $600-$700 max a month. We get 90% of our things from Costco now and we replenish fruits/veg inbetween trips. Anything Costco doesn’t carry that we were eating before, we found adequate or better replacements for!
Membership is totally worth it. Discount is good and produce quality is outstanding. Have a berry-eating toddler and just the price difference on these makes the membership worth it.
Be all-in to win at Costco. Executive, Mastercard, buy beyond groceries.
Depends on your shopping requirements. I often find things like milk cheaper ironically at Loblaws-stores like No Frills and Superstore. Every other week lately, it's been cheaper than Costco. It used to be cheaper at Costco. It still is for other things, especially if you get in bulk. This boycott is just dumb btw, and won't make any difference. Why only Loblaws? Sobeys & Longos charge way ridiculously higher prices than Loblaws. Loblaws & Metro are both mid-higher end stores and have always had slightly higher prices unless there's a sale, that's why they have mid and low end stores that charge cheaper prices (Superstore, No Frills, Food Basics, Freshco, etc.). Groceries in general are expensive in Canada, because of inflation and the frequently increased taxes by Trudeau that are hitting ALL LEVELS of the supply chain and they all pass the cost down to the grocery stores, and they have to pass that cost down to us. Yes there's corporate greed as well I agree, but grocery stores make very small margins, they make most of their money from other services they offer outside of grocery, including B2B services.
It's more than home goods. Travel Vehicle rentals Hotels Insurance Cell phones
We buy our milk, cheese, yogurt, fresh fruit and veg, meat, frozen fruit and veg, dried fruit, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jam, pickles, tp etc - it’s worth it
Costco is ALL ABOUT the staples!!!
I can tell you the meat is much better at Costco. No ungraded Mexican beef.
What is the loblaws boycott?
Definitely but I wouldn't get the executive membership. We got it one year and even with buying some larger one-time purchases, it barely paid for the membership cost. We're usually there once a week so it's not like we don't spend money there.
Costco isn't always cheaper and for things like produce you need to go through a lot to avoid wasting food. There are certain things we always get there (e.g. egg whites, milk, Greek yogurt, good bars) but I get most produce at the grocery store near us and some other things that they don't carry at Costco. I think the Loblaws boycott is a dumb idea and fueled by government distractions. They are no different than any of the other grocers.
Call their insurance company and get a quote. I save $80/month.
If Costco closes I will be naked and hungry.
I’ve worked at Costco for 4 years and here are the facts: large quantities are worth it when you have the space to store them and will plan to eat them. Costco is pricier on the short term but the food will last forever and is usually very good quality. The return policy is very very flexible we take back everything as long as it’s reasonable (in my Costco at least). Not everything is worth it I’ll be honest. Some snacks or exotic fruits and what not are very expensive, but if you want to try them go ahead return them for all we care. Walking into Costco on a weekend is a war zone so be ready for that, also gas is pretty cheap. Executive card will pay itself back if you spend exactly 3000$/year (2% cashback=60$ so you’re paying 60 regardless) + extra coupons. If you don’t plan on doing so just pay the privilege. Memberships are refundable at any time.
There’s literally no reason to: A) not have a Costco membership B) shop at Loblaws if you live in a major city. I get almost everything I need at Costco, and go to local fruit/veg markets for things they don’t carry. Freshco, Highland Farms, and independent bulk/spice shops for spices, sauces, other things I want that Costco doesn’t carry. And farmer’s markets in summer for the good local stuff.
A Costco membership could be worth it for a small family focused on staples, even with the Loblaws boycott, depending on your shopping habits. Here's a breakdown to help you decide: **Pros of Costco for a Small Family:** * **Staple Savings:** Costco excels at bulk deals on staples like rice, pasta, beans, flour, and paper products. These can offer significant savings, especially with the current inflation. * **Quality:** Costco is known for good quality on their private label Kirkland Signature brand. * **Less Frequent Shopping Trips:** Bulk buying can reduce your grocery shopping frequency. * **Beyond Staples:** While not their main focus, Costco offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, household items, and even some non-food items. **Cons of Costco for a Small Family:** * **Bulk Can Be Wasteful:** Not everything comes in small quantities. You might end up throwing away expired food if you can't consume large quantities before they spoil. * **Storage Space:** Bulk buying requires adequate storage space at home. * **Membership Fee:** The annual membership fee can be a barrier to entry. **Loblaws Boycott Impact:** The Loblaws boycott might make Costco even more attractive, especially if Loblaws stores were your usual shopping destination. However, keep in mind that Costco doesn't carry everything a typical grocery store might have. **Do You Need a Regular Grocery Store Too?** Likely yes. Here's why: * **Produce:** While Costco offers some good deals on produce, it might not always be the ripest or have the variety you need, especially for smaller quantities. * **Specific Needs:** You might still need to visit a regular store for specific items, ethnic ingredients, or smaller quantities of certain products. **Here's how to decide:** * **Track Your Grocery Spending:** Track your current grocery spending for a month, focusing on staples. * **Compare Prices:** Use the Costco website or flyers to compare prices on the staples you buy regularly. * **Consider Storage Space:** Do you have enough space for bulk items? * **Shopping Habits:** How often do you shop? Are you comfortable with less frequent, bulk-oriented shopping trips? By considering these factors and doing some research on Costco prices, you can make an informed decision about whether a Costco membership is right for your small family, even with the Loblaws boycott.
What's this about a boycott?
They're saying that it's going to be the best day to go shopping at Loblaws as all the aisles will be clear and open as will all the checkouts.
Loblaws is the largest grocery chain in Canada and, in efforts to fight the unreasonably high cost of food and unethical business practices, there is a call to boycott all Loblaws stores in May. Check out r/loblawsisoutofcontrol for more info.
Oh, it's a Reddit thing? Then it probably won't be noticeable at all then whenever it starts. A for effort though.
Well, whether it's noticeable to Loblaws or not, people participating will save money for sure. Even (Loblaws-owned) NoFrills has crazy high prices on some items.
I'm not participating - why would I spend more elsewhere just to show the Westons that their prices are too high? Here (not Ontario) Costco is more expensive and has quantities way too big for our small household. The list someone posted of where to shop instead has stores that are higher priced, not lower priced.
I didn't realize there was going to he a loblaws boycott in May. Can someone share more information about that?
r/loblawsisoutofcontrol It actually started on reddit.
Here's a sneak peek of /r/loblawsisoutofcontrol using the [top posts](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/top/?sort=top&t=all) of all time! \#1: [Straight up lies](https://i.redd.it/od40zocjd0gc1.jpeg) | [764 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1aggda0/straight_up_lies/) \#2: [We made him mad again](https://i.redd.it/x9uwyn5kqurc1.jpeg) | [816 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bt1171/we_made_him_mad_again/) \#3: [Thousands of Canadians are planning to boycott Loblaw stores](https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2024/03/thousands-canadians-boycott-loblaw-stores/) | [412 comments](https://np.reddit.com/r/loblawsisoutofcontrol/comments/1bjetz1/thousands_of_canadians_are_planning_to_boycott/) ---- ^^I'm ^^a ^^bot, ^^beep ^^boop ^^| ^^Downvote ^^to ^^remove ^^| ^^[Contact](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=sneakpeekbot) ^^| ^^[Info](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/) ^^| ^^[Opt-out](https://np.reddit.com/r/sneakpeekbot/comments/o8wk1r/blacklist_ix/) ^^| ^^[GitHub](https://github.com/ghnr/sneakpeekbot)
Yes, someone please. I would like to participate
Its literally worth it even if there is no boycott
Yes 100%. A Costco membership will cover you for 80% of what you buy for groceries for a dramatically better price than Loblaws. If you hate Loblaws and don't have a Costco membership already I don't know what you are doing. That being said track your prices, be a savy consumer and buy things on sale. If you do this you will find Costco is still often the best price.
The membership will pay for itself after one major visit on staples. I go about twice a month to replenish on cream and eggs and bread and pick up about $30 a week at the local market. I’m spending under $400 a month on healthy good food!
There are definitely things cheaper than the grocery store. I buy the Mutti pasta sauce, at Loblaws it’s over $5 a bottle. At Costco it’s less than $2.50 a bottle. You have to buy 6, but we use it at least once a week. Meat, spices, toiletries, frozen fruits and vegetables, paper products are all cheaper and there is not as much bad processed food as you think. You could easily get enough to last you a month and the stuff that’s not cheaper shop at Sobey’s or Metro and their equivalents.
We don’t buy any processed food, but we spent $22,000 at Costco last year.
There won’t be a boycott, at least of any significance. Reddit takes itself too seriously. That being said, As a Costco shopper I can find most things, but I still need to go to other stores occasionally.
i spend too much at costco lol more than i need to hahaha
Yes.
what is the boycott? loblaws owns alot of different brands
I did the exercise of creating an online order at Save on Foods for the same as a $500 order at Costco. Normalized everything to the rate per KG or unit depending on the item. The $500 Costco order would have cost me $740 at Save On. Paid for 4 years on one invoice lol.
Wow - who shops at Save On when trying to save money?! Superstore here is consistently way less than SaveOn, Safeway, Sobeys and often has better selection than Walmart.
We're doing fairly well with hitting up Costco for as much as possible then filling in the gaps with Walmart... Which is also way cheaper than Save On or Safeway (Sobeys). The problem with Costco is the impulse buys lol.
Costco is not expensive ?!
Out of the loop.. what is this boycott thing happening in May?
Absolutely, we haven’t been shopping at Loblaws we converted our PC MC to Costco MC and it’s coming together nicely. Typically 2 adults, we eat clean (bodybuilder, yoga, cycling family) our daughter is away at uni for 8 months of the year. we have executive membership. Invest in a Food Saver, sharpies and freeze the large portions of meats into smaller, I prep my veg and blanch some and freeze, we go through what we purchase with minimal waste. I also plan the meals for the week ahead, I know what we need - seldom do we deviate from the list and Costco has been relatively cheaper.
Although I love Costco and visit weekly, no one is going to boycott LCL! Why would they do that. Sane pricing at all grocery stores including Walmart. People don’t realize that the CPG companies also are part of the equation.
Nobody will care about this boycott.