I've never been in a Costco, keep hearing they won't even let you in without a membership, so never have tried. Are they really any better than Sam's Club? Is this a Target vs Wal-Mart type of deal?

I've never been in a Costco, keep hearing they won't even let you in without a membership, so never have tried. Are they really any better than Sam's Club? Is this a Target vs Wal-Mart type of deal?

I prefer the brands at Costco way more than Sam's Club. Prices are similar though on many items.

I've never been in a Costco, keep hearing they won't even let you in without a membership, so never have tried. Are they really any better than Sam's Club? Is this a Target vs Wal-Mart type of deal?

Target vs Walmart may be a good comparison. While Costco and Sam's appear the same, I think they go after two very different types of shoppers. Sam's Club is geared for small business owners, lots of variety of items in regards to packaged food, vending machine snacks, restaurant containers, and the general service industry. Costco seems to be geared more towards a home consumer with a large variety of items that would compliment home goods. While they carry many of the same brands, I think Sam's may be focused more on defined price points, while Costco offers more value on higher end products/brands.

They do have some crossover of course like electronics, paper goods, and some food items.

Sam's has a much better point of sale and website interface, which I think is thanks to Walmart's existing infrastructure. Costco has a cult following in regards to the $5 chicken, and $1.50 price point on the hot dog and soda combo. Costco's Kirkland brand seems to hold up well across all of the offerings. From my experience, you can easily find what you are looking for at Sams and they have a very defined seasonal section of goods. Costco is designed for you to literally go up and down every aisle as many seasonal items can move throughout the store multiple times while on display.

I have shopped at both and prefer Costco, but can definitely see where Sam's can come ahead if you are looking for particular items or run a small company/business.

At the end of the day, to each their own on what suits your shopping habits best.

^

Costco's lack of tech is completely inexcusable.

You literally don't know what they carry unless you walk up and down every aisle and hope you haven't missed it or they haven't sold out -- their website is next to worthless. With Sam's, you can see every single item they carry and if it's in stock. Also very easy to search for items on their app in the store. Sam's also has a much better delivery/shipping program.

And Costco has made it hard to use self-checkout whereas Sam's has Scan and Go, great self-checkout, and now you don't even have to show your receipt at the door.

The Kirkland brand is better than Members Mark but to me that hasn't been a huge differentiator.


I was the biggest Costco fan in the world but the tech issues are just too big to look past IMO.

Also, may have missed it, but on my most recent visit to the OKC Costco on Memorial and Western, the food court counter was completely blocked off with tarps and the front of the store was in a completely different arrangement towards the store exit. Are the updating food-service equipment or something different?

Also, may have missed it, but on my most recent visit to the OKC Costco on Memorial and Western, the food court counter was completely blocked off with tarps and the front of the store was in a completely different arrangement towards the store exit. Are the updating food-service equipment or something different?

They've been redoing sections of the back end of the store (bakery, meat, etc.), mainly the flooring. It's now the food court's turn, should be done in no more than a couple weeks.

^

Costco's lack of tech is completely inexcusable.

You literally don't know what they carry unless you walk up and down every aisle and hope you haven't missed it or they haven't sold out -- their website is next to worthless. With Sam's, you can see every single item they carry and if it's in stock. Also very easy to search for items on their app in the store. Sam's also has a much better delivery/shipping program.

And Costco has made it hard to use self-checkout whereas Sam's has Scan and Go, great self-checkout, and now you don't even have to show your receipt at the door.

The Kirkland brand is better than Members Mark but to me that hasn't been a huge differentiator.


I was the biggest Costco fan in the world but the tech issues are just too big to look past IMO.

We had a situation our last visit with the self check out. We had a couple of big items and the Costco rep said he had to scan those so he did and we did the rest and headed out with the receipt. The receipt checker said an item was missing and sure enough one of the big items didn't get scanned so we had to go back and get it paid for. Fortunately there wasn't a long line to get the receipts reviewed because I would not have been happy waiting twice.

I just spoke with a long time employee and he said they are doing all new floors, equipment, etc. He said the plan is for it to be back open on Monday.

and $1.50 price point on the hot dog and soda combo.
Daughter and I got the dog and soda combo at Sam's yesterday and it was $1.38.

I'd be interested to at least check out Costco because everyone says how awesome it is and how great their store brand is but since they don't invite me in to see why I should go with them instead of their competitor, I stay with Sam's. There's a Sam's just a couple of miles from me. I'd have to travel further for Costco and through a higher traffic area. Not worth it for something that may have a negligible difference.

When Sam’s first started carrying beer and wine, they had some small notices that you were not required to have a membership to purchase alcohol. This may be a state law issue, and if so, you should be able to enter a Costco to purchase alcohol. Also, I think Sam’s allows anyone to use the pharmacy. Maybe Costco does that too.

When Sam’s first started carrying beer and wine, they had some small notices that you were not required to have a membership to purchase alcohol. This may be a state law issue, and if so, you should be able to enter a Costco to purchase alcohol. Also, I think Sam’s allows anyone to use the pharmacy. Maybe Costco does that too.

I just went to a costco this weekend in texas that had a full liqour store attached. you did not need a membership to enter and purchase.

When Sam’s first started carrying beer and wine, they had some small notices that you were not required to have a membership to purchase alcohol. This may be a state law issue, and if so, you should be able to enter a Costco to purchase alcohol. Also, I think Sam’s allows anyone to use the pharmacy. Maybe Costco does that too.

COSTCO in CO allows anyone to use the pharmacy. You must have a membership to buy alcohol.

A lot of discussion regarding Sam's vs Costco in the last couple of posts, CNBC recently posted this. Breaks down the differences of the stores brands and how each retailer approaches going after their customer base with offerings:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IycQh-DFvnU

One of the things of note is how much more Costco makes off of Kirkland while offering many less product offerings than Sam's Member's Mark brand.

Any possible updates on a west side location

^

Costco's lack of tech is completely inexcusable.

You literally don't know what they carry unless you walk up and down every aisle and hope you haven't missed it or they haven't sold out -- their website is next to worthless. With Sam's, you can see every single item they carry and if it's in stock. Also very easy to search for items on their app in the store. Sam's also has a much better delivery/shipping program.

And Costco has made it hard to use self-checkout whereas Sam's has Scan and Go, great self-checkout, and now you don't even have to show your receipt at the door.

The Kirkland brand is better than Members Mark but to me that hasn't been a huge differentiator.


I was the biggest Costco fan in the world but the tech issues are just too big to look past IMO.

They must've read your post, Pete!
18954

^

You still can't see a huge percentage of the items they stock. For example, search for 'bread' and you get nothing, while they carry dozens of different kinds.

Search for 'bread' on the Sam's site and you not only get all their packaged bread but lots of other things, too.

^

Costco's lack of tech is completely inexcusable.

You literally don't know what they carry unless you walk up and down every aisle and hope you haven't missed it or they haven't sold out -- their website is next to worthless. With Sam's, you can see every single item they carry and if it's in stock. Also very easy to search for items on their app in the store. Sam's also has a much better delivery/shipping program.

And Costco has made it hard to use self-checkout whereas Sam's has Scan and Go, great self-checkout, and now you don't even have to show your receipt at the door.

The Kirkland brand is better than Members Mark but to me that hasn't been a huge differentiator.


I was the biggest Costco fan in the world but the tech issues are just too big to look past IMO.

That's been one of my biggest complaints with Costco from the start. The App is completely worthless. You can't get in-store stock or location, can't bypass the checkout lines. Now they're doing the ID checks at the doors and the registers (which screams to me that they are losing money or that the new leadership is struggling to make targets).

It always chaps my butt that I have to show a card to get in anyway since i have to have one to check out. Why accost me at the front with some mall-cop mentality like you're not going to let me in unless I show it to you? And the receipt checkers (at least one particular lady) have been real jerks. When it first opened, we missed one thing in the self-checkout and you'd think she thought we were the scurge of the universe trying to steal the world. She was a real *&^&%$. I have had that happen at Sams they just politely ask you to either use the app to do it or go back to checkout. Simple, polite. It's an honest mistake that I've literally only made twice in about 15 years.

I'm really considering tossing my Costco membership with all the ways they have been changing things and in generally making it an unpleasant customer service experience. It's like they have forgotten recently that they are there to serve customers. If i want to bring my grandmother in to get something, my membership says I can do that with my guest. So why make a big deal if she decides she wants to pay? That's allowed and your cashier being a jack*ss about it doesn't help anything at all. How about I pay, and she literally hands me cash in front of you? And honestly, i would just pay for my grandmother in the first place, but this is stuff I've been seeing there.

I see someone else commented that even now the self checkout isn't so self anymore. I experience that recently too. Either have them or don't, but don't take the scan guns away and then make the helper come by to do the big things. It's just silly. They put up so many barriers and they think that people are just going to accept it. Customer Service has tanked and it sucks.

(which screams to me that they are losing money or that the new leadership is struggling to make targets).

but don't take the scan guns away and then make the helper come by to do the big things.

they were losing thousands of dollars of people not scanning items with the guns ..


and as for the making targets ... lol i think they are fine https://investor.costco.com/news/news-details/2024/Costco-Wholesale-Corporation-Reports-Third-Quarter-and-Year-to-Date-Operating-Results-for-Fiscal-2024/default.aspx

sales up 9.1% to 57.39 Billion, Net sales up 7% to over 170 billion .. Net income 1.68 Billion also up

The store on Memorial is more and more busy each time I go in. I think a lot of people are fine with the way they operate and I don't have any problems with it. It's a membership only place, sure they need to make sure members only are going in. I don't ap-shop for groceries myself as I enjoy going up and down all the isles. A run to Costco is just not an in-and-out thing for us. We've never had any negative experiences with associates that work there. It's a great place for us to shop regularly for groceries to feed our three growing kids that eat everything in sight.

The store on Memorial is more and more busy each time I go in. I think a lot of people are fine with the way they operate and I don't have any problems with it. It's a membership only place, sure they need to make sure members only are going in. I don't ap-shop for groceries myself as I enjoy going up and down all the isles. A run to Costco is just not an in-and-out thing for us. We've never had any negative experiences with associates that work there. It's a great place for us to shop regularly for groceries to feed our three growing kids that eat everything in sight.

Yes, there are clearly plenty of people to keep both models in business. I, also, gave up my Costco membership after the first year because they lagged behind, in my opinion, in customer experience. I really love the Scan 'n Go, for example, and their self-checkout is even much better than Costco.

As you've mentioned, and has been proven, there's also a huge market for people that don't care about any of that.

I think it's terrific that we have both available to us, and hope they continue to do well.

The store on Memorial is more and more busy each time I go in. I think a lot of people are fine with the way they operate and I don't have any problems with it. It's a membership only place, sure they need to make sure members only are going in. I don't ap-shop for groceries myself as I enjoy going up and down all the isles. A run to Costco is just not an in-and-out thing for us. We've never had any negative experiences with associates that work there. It's a great place for us to shop regularly for groceries to feed our three growing kids that eat everything in sight.

exactly my thoughts

We still pretty much only shop at Costco. The one in Moore isn't really that busy compared to the one on Western. I go on saturdays once a month and it isn't like the ones I visited in Texas with just insane lines.

To clarify something, Costco has a policy that only members are allowed in.

There is an exception, Costco has a policy that they allow anyone to come into the pharmacy. All you have to do is tell the door person you are going to the pharmacy, and they will welcome you in.

I've been a Costco member since 2011 and have used the Pharmacy many times. I've been in 14 different Costcos around the country. Good prices for cash payment, no insurance if you don't have insurance, you can save a lot of money at Costco Pharmacy.

In fact, I was recently in Costco and started talking to the person in line next to me, he stated that he is NOT a Costco member but he likes to come in and use the Pharmacy and is saving a lot of money between he and his Wifes prescriptions, they do not currently have insurance.

The store on Memorial is more and more busy each time I go in. I think a lot of people are fine with the way they operate and I don't have any problems with it. It's a membership only place, sure they need to make sure members only are going in. I don't ap-shop for groceries myself as I enjoy going up and down all the isles. A run to Costco is just not an in-and-out thing for us. We've never had any negative experiences with associates that work there. It's a great place for us to shop regularly for groceries to feed our three growing kids that eat everything in sight.

+2

For us it's the product mix that aligns more with our eating habits which gives Costco the very large edge over Sam's. I do keep both memberships though to have access to Sam's clothing and a few of their private label products. But I went to both the same day last month and saw the exact same products that were only sold as conventional at Sam's versus organic at Costco. We buy almost exclusively organic when we can, and Costco just offers so many more options for that category of food. And the non-perishables available at Costco seem to be across the board of higher quality. Costco is just a better fit for our family, so we are very glad they are here as we shop there once a week as our primary grocer.

We still pretty much only shop at Costco. The one in Moore isn't really that busy compared to the one on Western. I go on saturdays once a month and it isn't like the ones I visited in Texas with just insane lines.

You couldn't pay be to go to the one in Moore on a Sunday afternoon. Or the Moore Sams. They are both complete mad houses...lol.

^

You still can't see a huge percentage of the items they stock. For example, search for 'bread' and you get nothing, while they carry dozens of different kinds.

Try this trick... use the Instacart app. It seems to be integrated with their inventory system and the search feature actually works. Obviously no help with identifying what shelf something is on though.

I was looking for something we usually get at Costco, found an employee and asked them about it. They said sometimes corporate decides not to carry something for the store anymore and they don't know about it until they don't have any more and someone like me asks about it. I also mentioned them moving things around, the employee said they call it the "hide and seek" method. It is a way to get customers to wander the store to try to find that one thing they always get in the same area in a different area and hopefully discover something else they want. It's like the rotisserie chicken being all the way at the back. They don't make any money off of it, but it's way to get you to walk past hundreds of items on your way to get it.

I was looking for something we usually get at Costco, found an employee and asked them about it. They said sometimes corporate decides not to carry something for the store anymore and they don't know about it until they don't have any more and someone like me asks about it. I also mentioned them moving things around, the employee said they call it the "hide and seek" method. It is a way to get customers to wander the store to try to find that one thing they always get in the same area in a different area and hopefully discover something else they want. It's like the rotisserie chicken being all the way at the back. They don't make any money off of it, but it's way to get you to walk past hundreds of items on your way to get it.

This has been discussed a few posts back as well.

I get it, Walmart has "Action Alley" as they move sale and seasonal items in the middle racetrack aisle, Target does the same and has really planned out planograms on end caps to motivate impulse spending.

Where Costco drops the ball (literally) is moving something like golf balls one week at the front with other outdoor items in the center, and the next week it's back by wine in the corner, and the next week It's next to the fresh meats near the deli. The logic doesn't make much sense and is frustrating. Costco seems very stuck in their ways on multiple things. Somethings are good like freezing price points on $5 chicken and the $1.50 hot dog/soda combo. The other thing about Costco is due to limited eye level shelf space, there are weeks I go searching for an item, only to find an un-open pallet of it three shelves up, but nothing on the floor.

I assure you, I was the biggest Costco fan around in the 90s and 00s but they have not updated their tech since then, and it was never good to start.

When your biggest rival that is just killing you with checkout options (self and Scan & Go), walk out without the silly highlighting of your receipt, home delivery, 98% of your items not listed on your website... Do something about it. But the gap just keeps widening.


I will say the biggest example of where Costco is just much better than Sam's is all their fresh baked or prepped foods, like croissants or cookies or even things like ribs. Sam's just leaves old stuff out at least from the day before because if you go in early enough, you'll find that most of the baked goods still are cold from having been refrigerated overnight. And just take a look at their fruit trays or similar... Old food, wilted lettuce.

I never, ever had that problem at Costco and that's a pretty big deal and IMO the biggest Costco advantage. They really pride themselves on quality which is also why the Kirkland brand is a lot better than Members Mark.

Try this trick... use the Instacart app. It seems to be integrated with their inventory system and the search feature actually works. Obviously no help with identifying what shelf something is on though.

Thanks for that tip! Very helpful.

Of course, the prices are marked up by Instacart, so you still don't know the warehouse price.


Also demonstrates it's not that hard to list all your items since Instacart does it.

^^^^ above post mentioned discontinued items at Costco.

I was in Costco a few days ago looking for more Famous Daves Pickles. Found none. Was disappointed.

Wondering if SAMS carries them. I have a SAMS card and Costco as well, I prefer Costco most all the time.

I understand how people prefer to see new items.

I've been a Costco member since 1011 and a SAMS member since 1990-ish.

COSTCO and Sams differ in that Sams can satisfy your everyday grocery shopping. COSTCO can get you 3/4 way there but for some specialty items or normal sized packages, COSTCO probably isn't your place.

COSTCO and Sams differ in that Sams can satisfy your everyday grocery shopping. COSTCO can get you 3/4 way there but for some specialty items or normal sized packages, COSTCO probably isn't your place.

Disagree. You can do all of your everyday grocery shopping at Costco, too. At this point, arguments about all of this comes down to personal preference. I don't care about the tech aspect that Pete cares about, so for me Costco is superior to Sam's, but for some the tech aspect is a big deal and Costco loses points big time in their eyes. Thank goodness we have choices...we are so fortunate.

^^^^ above post mentioned discontinued items at Costco.

I was in Costco a few days ago looking for more Famous Daves Pickles. Found none. Was disappointed.

Wondering if SAMS carries them. I have a SAMS card and Costco as well, I prefer Costco most all the time.

I understand how people prefer to see new items.

I've been a Costco member since 1011 and a SAMS member since 1990-ish.

I have not seen those pickles (which I also love) in Sam's in a while.

Just did a search on their website and it looks like they are no longer carried.

Disagree. You can do all of your everyday grocery shopping at Costco, too. At this point, arguments about all of this comes down to personal preference. I don't care about the tech aspect that Pete cares about, so for me Costco is superior to Sam's, but for some the tech aspect is a big deal and Costco loses points big time in their eyes. Thank goodness we have choices...we are so fortunate.

Agreed, completely. Lucky to have both.

I have not seen those pickles (which I also love) in Sam's in a while.

Just did a search on their website and it looks like they are no longer carried.

I've seen Famous Dave pickles in Walmart, not the exact same variety, but maybe close enough, and of course it will be a much smaller jar.

I need my fix!!!

Disagree. You can do all of your everyday grocery shopping at Costco, too. At this point, arguments about all of this comes down to personal preference. I don't care about the tech aspect that Pete cares about, so for me Costco is superior to Sam's, but for some the tech aspect is a big deal and Costco loses points big time in their eyes. Thank goodness we have choices...we are so fortunate.

No, you are correct. I grew up in a household of 7 so COSTCO would have worked well for, as l said, 3/4 of our groceries. The other 1/4 or for items you don't want the mega size, you go elsewhere. Or if you are single, you need other choices, so you are right...... preferences, choices and need.

It really depends on what you buy and how much of a selection you want, to give some perspective:

-Costco on average has about 4000 SKU's in a store (different types of products) - But has a wide variety/diversified selection, especially one-time speciality products.
-Sam's Club on average has about 6500 SKU's in a store, so yes Sam's does carry a wider selection or more types of brands/items compared to Costco.

More perspective:
-Walmart has about 120,000 SKU's in an average store.
-An average grocery store like Crest or Homeland has about 30,000 SKU's
-Dollar General/Family Dollar will have about 10,000 SKU;s
-Trader Joe's has about 4000 SKU's
-Aldi has about 1300 SKU's.

...and I have family and friends that shop exclusively at Aldi for all their grocery food needs due to the store's size, prices, simplicity (one size only of many products) and convenience.

Family size, proximity, income, and many other factors all play into which store fits each household best.

Well there is a reason why the Western store performs better than the Moore store. Moore is more working class and doesn't really value the speciality selection that Cosco offers. I don't really know how well Costco does in varying their inventory toward the population, but Walmart/Sam's Club are really good at it.

Well there is a reason why the Western store performs better than the Moore store. Moore is more working class and doesn't really value the specialty selection that Costco offers. I don't really know how well Costco does in varying their inventory toward the population, but Walmart/Sam's Club are really good at it.

Apparently you've never been to the Moore store. The place is absolutely insane on a daily basis. Each checkout line is 6 people deep and the self checkout waiting line goes back to the flowers. Way to go to talk out your rear about what the customer base is too. Working class...hahahahaha. Yes there is working class in Moore, but there are also 500k-1M+ homes being constantly built all over Moore. Ok bub....

Apparently you've never been to the Moore store. The place is absolutely insane on a daily basis. Each checkout line is 6 people deep and the self checkout waiting line goes back to the flowers. Way to go to talk out your rear about what the customer base is too. Working class...hahahahaha. Yes there is working class in Moore, but there are also 500k-1M+ homes being constantly built all over Moore. Ok bub....

Yeah I've never seen the Moore store not packed, it's just as busy if not more than the Western store.

Yeah I've never seen the Moore store not packed, it's just as busy if not more than the Western store.

per this thread and first hand conversations ... the moore store lags far behind the western store in sales ..

Apparently you've never been to the Moore store. The place is absolutely insane on a daily basis. Each checkout line is 6 people deep and the self checkout waiting line goes back to the flowers. Way to go to talk out your rear about what the customer base is too. Working class...hahahahaha. Yes there is working class in Moore, but there are also 500k-1M+ homes being constantly built all over Moore. Ok bub....

I drive an extra 10 minutes to the Moore store if I go on weekends because it isn't as busy as the OKC store. Moore is a breeze compared to OKC.

I was looking for something we usually get at Costco, found an employee and asked them about it. They said sometimes corporate decides not to carry something for the store anymore and they don't know about it until they don't have any more and someone like me asks about it. I also mentioned them moving things around, the employee said they call it the "hide and seek" method. It is a way to get customers to wander the store to try to find that one thing they always get in the same area in a different area and hopefully discover something else they want. It's like the rotisserie chicken being all the way at the back. They don't make any money off of it, but it's way to get you to walk past hundreds of items on your way to get it.

It's not just Costco that does this. And I understand stores' reasoning behind this but I question if it helps them as much as they think it does. I feel like they're trying to be too clever here and out thinking themselves. They need to realize it pisses off the customer. You don't know if they've just moved the item or if they no longer carry it. And I'm more likely to give up than ask someone or buy a substitute.

Yes I also go to the Moore Costco. It is not remotely busy compared to other Costcos.

I feel like they're trying to be too clever here and out thinking themselves. They need to realize it pisses off the customer. .

yeah you should let them know it is a bad strategy ... lol

COSTCO revenue/profit (12 months ending May) 253.69 B / 31.7 B
SAMS peak revenue is 84.3 B

sams has 600 us stores

costco has 584 us stores ..

yeah you should let them know it is a bad strategy ... lol

COSTCO revenue/profit (12 months ending May) 253.69 B / 31.7 B
SAMS peak revenue is 84.3 B

sams has 600 us stores

costco has 584 us stores ..

This is a theme that I see a lot on this site lately...people trying to shut down discussion on a discussion forum. I wasn't aware that when a business had billions in revenue that customers weren't allowed to have opinions.

It's not just Costco that does this. And I understand stores' reasoning behind this but I question if it helps them as much as they think it does. I feel like they're trying to be too clever here and out thinking themselves. They need to realize it pisses off the customer. You don't know if they've just moved the item or if they no longer carry it. And I'm more likely to give up than ask someone or buy a substitute.

I would safely bet that they have analytics that project that yours isn't the most normal reaction. Everyone feels like their feelings represents everyone else. They obviously believe their data indicates that their strategy is a plus strategy.

This is a theme that I see a lot on this site lately...people trying to shut down discussion on a discussion forum. I wasn't aware that when a business had billions in revenue that customers weren't allowed to have opinions.

Why is it that when people push back on their opinions it upsets them and they think they are being silenced? They just have a different opinion which they are providing evidence for. Argue back if you have sound data to support your opinion or refute their provided facts with more supportable facts. But don't get mad when facts supports conclusions better than opinions given without factual basis.

Why is it that when people push back on their opinions it upsets them and they think they are being silenced? They just have a different opinion which they are providing evidence for. Argue back if you have sound data to support your opinion or refute their provided facts with more supportable facts. But don't get mad when facts supports conclusions better than opinions given without factual basis.

It doesn't upset me, I just don't understand the logic or lack thereof for stifling discussion on a discussion forum. I've been noticing this for a while in here, it's just now that I've said anything about it.

For instance, I've seen on the OU basketball arena thread where some people prefer for it to be on campus or they don't like the proposal to put it at UNP or in Moore. The replies to these people is often along the lines of "Why don't you pony up $100 million and you can put it where you want" or "That will never happen so stop bringing it up." It's a discussion forum. You don't need to be the money man or the power player to have a preference. Just because someone has an opinion or preference doesn't necessarily mean they think it can or will happen how they want it. It's just discussion for the sake of having a conversation.

It really seems that if someone's opinions or preferences don't align with yours (generally speaking; not yours specifically) then that person need not post anymore. You guys know what you're doing when you post a response that doesn't cultivate discussion. That's kind of at cross purpose of a discussion forum. Which I'm sure Pete will appreciate and enjoy discussion being shut down on his discussion forums.

It doesn't upset me, I just don't understand the logic or lack thereof for stifling discussion on a discussion forum. I've been noticing this for a while in here, it's just now that I've said anything about it.

For instance, I've seen on the OU basketball arena thread where some people prefer for it to be on campus or they don't like the proposal to put it at UNP or in Moore. The replies to these people is often along the lines of "Why don't you pony up $100 million and you can put it where you want" or "That will never happen so stop bringing it up." It's a discussion forum. You don't need to be the money man or the power player to have a preference. Just because someone has an opinion or preference doesn't necessarily mean they think it can or will happen how they want it. It's just discussion for the sake of having a conversation.

It really seems that if someone's opinions or preferences don't align with yours (generally speaking; not yours specifically) then that person need not post anymore. You guys know what you're doing when you post a response that doesn't cultivate discussion. That's kind of at cross purpose of a discussion forum. Which I'm sure Pete will appreciate and enjoy discussion being shut down on his discussion forums.

The challenge, at least in this specific discussion re: Costco, I believe is that when you presented your opinion regarding moving product around to entice further spending it presented it as being the opinion of "the customer" in general rather than just your opinion. This changes the tone of discussion from just discussing our own thoughts and feelings to stating a presumed fact about a larger topic. In that case, Bouldersooner responded with facts in order to dispute your claim that "the customer" is being "pissed off". The onus is then on your to provide competing evidence that "the customer" (not just you) is indeed "pissed off".

Conversation is only stifled because I think we can agree you aren't really talking about "the customer", you're sharing your opinions and you don't need to provide facts to back that up and indeed there can be discussion on how we each individually feel on this market practice. But we've got to be careful to present in that way ("it pisses me, a customer, off") rather than overextending it to things it may or may not be accurate for.

For instance, I've seen on the OU basketball arena thread where some people prefer for it to be on campus or they don't like the proposal to put it at UNP or in Moore. The replies to these people is often along the lines of "Why don't you pony up $100 million and you can put it where you want" or "That will never happen so stop bringing it up." It's a discussion forum. You don't need to be the money man or the power player to have a preference. Just because someone has an opinion or preference doesn't necessarily mean they think it can or will happen how they want it. It's just discussion for the sake of having a conversation.


no one has stopped them on that forum from having their opinion. but it's when they bring it up for the 5th or 6th time without adding anything real to the discussion, then at that point we understand that you don't like the proposal, we got it. but we are trying to have a real discussion about the proposal in front of us and what not supporting it means in reality. it's great to have your opinions and to express them, but if they are not based on any facts of the current situation, then they aren't really helpful in the current discussion. they are just opinions and wishes, feel free to share them, and then lets get back to the actual discussion at hand. no one is shutting anyone down or saying you can't have your opinions. they just aren't really relevant when it isn't a real possibly scenario that exists.

now... back to Costco

I go to the Moore store once a month, different times and days. I've never seen it busy except Thanksgiving.

I go to the Moore store once a month, different times and days. I've never seen it busy except Thanksgiving.

the only times i have seen moore busy is sundays right after church lets out and around thanksgiving.

My last visit to the Costco on Memorial was a Tuesday afternoon when school was still in, and it was very busy, as in 4-5 carts in every line.

I was surprised how many people were in there.

I still really like Costco but more often than not, it's not worth it to me to go in there and *hope* they have what I am looking for and that I can even find it. Last time I went they didn't have 3 of the things I wanted and for the first time I considered not renewing my card (I've had it for over 20 years).

per this thread and first hand conversations ... the moore store lags far behind the western store in sales ..

Exactly.

I grew up in Moore, then to Edmond for 10 years, now back in Moore. I had a Costco membership for a year, but I viewed a Sam's club membership as better for my family and budget. If I was single, I would probably pick Costco for the slightly nicer things.

Costco raising membership prices to $65 for Gold and $130 for Executive starting in September.

My last visit to the Costco on Memorial was a Tuesday afternoon when school was still in, and it was very busy, as in 4-5 carts in every line.

I was surprised how many people were in there.

I still really like Costco but more often than not, it's not worth it to me to go in there and *hope* they have what I am looking for and that I can even find it. Last time I went they didn't have 3 of the things I wanted and for the first time I considered not renewing my card (I've had it for over 20 years).

The Costco in Moore seems to me less crowded with less frantic shoppers. A more relaxed shopping experience. A plus is swinging by QT on the way there. A negative is dealing with the traffic on 19th St. in Moore.

The challenge, at least in this specific discussion re: Costco, I believe is that when you presented your opinion regarding moving product around to entice further spending it presented it as being the opinion of "the customer" in general rather than just your opinion. This changes the tone of discussion from just discussing our own thoughts and feelings to stating a presumed fact about a larger topic. In that case, Bouldersooner responded with facts in order to dispute your claim that "the customer" is being "pissed off". The onus is then on your to provide competing evidence that "the customer" (not just you) is indeed "pissed off".

Conversation is only stifled because I think we can agree you aren't really talking about "the customer", you're sharing your opinions and you don't need to provide facts to back that up and indeed there can be discussion on how we each individually feel on this market practice. But we've got to be careful to present in that way ("it pisses me, a customer, off") rather than overextending it to things it may or may not be accurate for.

I must have missed this data that proved it's a fact that this doesn't piss customers off. I've seen/read/heard, in different places, many people say that they hate that practice. I'm not saying that it's 100% of customers who feel this way. But I would guess that the customers who love not being able to find what they're shopping for because it's a fun little Easter egg hunt is few and far between. And I'm sure the stores will say their numbers show this practice works. And maybe it does. But that doesn't mean that customers still aren't pissed off by it.

I'm sure Walmart's research shows that they're super popular and that they don't need to change a thing. But I've never met a person who likes shopping at Walmart. But I have heard people say, for the last 25 years or so, "I HATE going to Walmart but I have to."

The next thing your going to say is that these are anecdotal stories. Yep. Doesn't mean I'm wrong though. People are pissed off by these things. I know that for a fact because I've talked to some of these people. But I didn't say anything that would mean I need data and research to back up any such claims. You're trying to get me to defend a position I never stated.

If someone on here says Ted's is the best Mexican food on the planet, I'm going to use context clues and common sense to conclude that it's their opinion and/or they're speaking in hyperbole. I won't feel the need to ask for data to back up that claim just because I don't agree with them.

no one has stopped them on that forum from having their opinion. but it's when they bring it up for the 5th or 6th time without adding anything real to the discussion, then at that point we understand that you don't like the proposal, we got it. but we are trying to have a real discussion about the proposal in front of us and what not supporting it means in reality. it's great to have your opinions and to express them, but if they are not based on any facts of the current situation, then they aren't really helpful in the current discussion. they are just opinions and wishes, feel free to share them, and then lets get back to the actual discussion at hand. no one is shutting anyone down or saying you can't have your opinions. they just aren't really relevant when it isn't a real possibly scenario that exists.

now... back to Costco

Ah

So if people don't post how you want them to post then it's no good. Got it.

You guys are a sensitive bunch around here.