Pete, are you absolutely sure Costco isn't in the works for 2nd and Bryant in Edmond? I have been seeing this rumor more and more. I wonder if there is any truth behind it, or if its simply all related to a bad story picked up in the local media.

People will always clamor for what they DON'T have. I've pointed out that people out here in SoCal waited in freaking line when Dunkin' Donuts opened their location in Santa Monica. I don't think I even went in one in the 29 years I lived in OKC.

If you are waiting for people anywhere to stop pining for what is not in their market, you are going to be very disappointed.

I felt the same way about Krispy Kreme donuts when they came to OKC. It seems like they were everywhere when I was growing up in the Carolinas. I didn't think it was such a big deal when they opened them here.

I felt the same way about Krispy Kreme donuts when they came to OKC. It seems like they were everywhere when I was growing up in the Carolinas. I didn't think it was such a big deal when they opened them here.

Krispy Kreme was a huge fad nationwide in the early 2000s but then many of the locations ended up closing once the fad ended. I am not sure it can be compared to Costco which has been very successful for a long time. Charlotte NC only has one Krispy Kreme location left for a metro of 2.4 million people.

Pete, are you absolutely sure Costco isn't in the works for 2nd and Bryant in Edmond? I have been seeing this rumor more and more. I wonder if there is any truth behind it, or if its simply all related to a bad story picked up in the local media.

Where have you been seeing this? I've seen it on KFOR and here.

Where have you been seeing this? I've seen it on KFOR and here.

I've seen posts about it on Reddit. Business owners in the strip that is being demolished believe that Costco is coming in.

It would be cool but I don't think its even a remote possibility at this time.

So, any news on an OKC Costco, or do you think they're waiting to see how the Tulsa store does?

Tulsa Costco12154

Why would Costco choose Edmond, over Okc? That just seems like a bonehead move and from what I can gather Costco executives aren't boneheads....

So, any news on an OKC Costco, or do you think they're waiting to see how the Tulsa store does?

Yes, they will wait and see how Costco fares there first. Primarily concerned with the stranglehold Sam's Club already has.


And the Costco to Edmond rumor (Bryant Square) was always absurd and has no basis in fact.

I haven't read all the pages of posts in the thread but I have to wonder. How much of this is a "Grass is always greener" thing. We have Sam"s but think Costco is better because we don't have them. Much like Bass Pro vs Cabella's. If you dropped me blindfolded in the middle of BP or Cabella's with no logos in sight I couldn't tell which was which. Could it be that Sam's vs Costco is really pretty much the same?

I haven't read all the pages of posts in the thread but I have to wonder. How much of this is a "Grass is always greener" thing. We have Sam"s but think Costco is better because we don't have them. Much like Bass Pro vs Cabella's. If you dropped me blindfolded in the middle of BP or Cabella's with no logos in sight I couldn't tell which was which. Could it be that Sam's vs Costco is really pretty much the same?

They are the largest wine retailer in the world.......Other than that, I couldn't tell the difference either

I haven't read all the pages of posts in the thread but I have to wonder. How much of this is a "Grass is always greener" thing. We have Sam"s but think Costco is better because we don't have them. Much like Bass Pro vs Cabella's. If you dropped me blindfolded in the middle of BP or Cabella's with no logos in sight I couldn't tell which was which. Could it be that Sam's vs Costco is really pretty much the same?

You've never been inside a Costco have you? The difference is insane. You could drop me in the middle of a Sam's or a Costco and I'll tell you which one I'm in before the blindfold is even off. Before I'd ever been in one, I agreed with you. "Pretty much the same as Sam's, right?" Nope. Not even close.

I haven't read all the pages of posts in the thread but I have to wonder. How much of this is a "Grass is always greener" thing. We have Sam"s but think Costco is better because we don't have them. Much like Bass Pro vs Cabella's. If you dropped me blindfolded in the middle of BP or Cabella's with no logos in sight I couldn't tell which was which. Could it be that Sam's vs Costco is really pretty much the same?

It's said that Costco is to Sam's Club what Target is to Wal-Mart. Same concept but different. Also Sam's Club is part of Wal-Mart and people have legitimate reasons for not wanting to support them and wanting another option.

Things like In-N-Out and Ruth's Chris are a grass is greener thing, but I don't think Costco is. OKC is large enough that I don't think its unrealistic that people want better retail options. Cabella's was also never as highly anticipated as Costco. And I agree, the location here at least, is virtually identical to Bass Pro.

I prefer Costco, but the new Sams are better than the older ones. I went to one in Dallas that was a great improvement.

What is funny is that when I was in SoCal so much, my friends at the company were so excited that Sams was coming. Some people love Fords, some love Chevys. Each has reasons to love and not love.

It boils down for most folks that you talk to and the blogs you read, that Costco treats their employees better so they would rather shop there. See below for a typical comparison... The stores are pretty much the same minus the Wine....

Produce

Bananas: 1.39 (6, C) 1.36 (3 lb, SC)
Strawberries: 3.25 (per pound) 2.99 (per pound, SC)
Romaine: 3.29 (6, C) 3.26 (8, SC)
Clementines: .98 (per lb, C), 1.20 (per lb, SC)
Yellow Onions: .40 (per pound, C) .45 (per pound, SC)
Mixed Peppers: 1.08 (per pepper C) 1.08 (per pepper SC)
Seedless Grapes: 1.99 (per pound, C), 1.99 (per pound, SC)

Costco: 12.38
Sam’s Club: 12.33

Dairy:

Milk: 1.30 (per gallon, C), 2.24 (1 gallon, SC)
Almond Milk: 2.63 (per container C), 2.63 (per container, SC)
Eggs: .15 (per egg), .15 (per egg, C)
Sliced American Cheese: .09 (per slice, C) .07 (per slice, SC)
Butter: 1.85 (per pound, C) 1.85 (per pound, SC)
Shredded Cheese: .21 (per ounce, Mexican Blend, C) .22 (per ounce Kraft Cheese Mexican Blend, SC)
String Cheese: .18 (per piece, C) .17 (per piece, SC)
Brie: .34 (per ounce oz, C) .30 (per oz, SC)
Feta: .29 (per oz, C) .33 (per oz, SC)
Yoplait Yogurt: .42 (per cup, C) .94 (per cup, SC)

Costco: 7.46
Sam’s Club: 8.90

Meats:

Ground Turkey: 2.79(per lb, C) 2.69 (per pound, SC)
Chicken Breast: 3.19(per lb, C) 1.77 (per lb, SC)
Rotissiere Chicken: 4.99 (per chicken, C) 4.88 (per chicken, SC)
Pork Shoulder: 1.79 (per lb, C) 1.98 (per lb, SC)
Salmon: 7.69 (per lb, C) 7.52 (per lb,SC)
Sausage: 2.26 (per lb, C) 2.49 (per lb, SC)
Bacon: 3.74 (per lb, C) 4.76 (per lb, SC)
Turkey Bacon: .22 (per ounce, C) .19 (per oz, SC)

Costco: 26.67
Sam’s Club: 26.28

Bakery:
Bagels: .46 (per bagel, C) .50 (per bagel, SC)
Croissant: .50 (per croissant, C) .27 (per croissant, SC)
Sheet Cakes: 9.00 (per pound, C) 8.8 (per pound, SC)
Muffins: .58 (per muffin, C) .57 (per muffin, SC)
Dinner Rolls: .12 (per roll, C) .12 (per roll, SC)

Costco: 10.66
Sam’s Club: 10.26

Non-Perishable Foods:
Peanut Butter: .14 (per oz, C) .10 (per oz, SC)
Coconut Oil: .28 (per ounce, C) .28 (per oz, SC)
Olive Oil: 4.50 (per liter, C) 6.74 (2 liters, SC)
Canola Oil: 1.50 (per quart, C) 1.80 (1 quart, SC)
Vegetable Oil: 1.54 (per quart, C) 1.80 (per quart, SC)
Water Bottles: .10 (per bottle, C) .09 (per bottle, SC)
Chocolate Chips: .12 (per oz, C) .12 (per oz, SC)

Costco: 8.18
Sam’s Club: 10.21

Non-Food Items:
Paper Towels: .008 (per sheet, C) .01 (per sheet, SC)
Toilet Paper: .12 (per sheet C) .19 (per roll, 190 sheets)
Diapers: 38.99 (Store brand, C) 39.88 (store brand, SC) (amounts varied)
Wipes: .22 (per wipe, C, Kirkland Brand) .19 (per wipe, SC, SC Brand)
Trash Bags: .19 (per 33 gallon bag, Costco) .06 (per 33 gallon bag, SC)
AA Batteries: .27 (per battery, C) .32 (per battery, SC)
AAA Batteries: .32 (per battery, C) .39 (per battery, SC)

Costco: 40.12
Sam’s Club: 41.04

COSTCO TOTAL: 109.97 (426.24)
SAM’S CLUB TOTAL: 109.02 (365.74)

If you are looking at price per unit, Sam’s Club wins by a few dollars — however, if you look at actual amount (since most products must be bought in bulk), Sam’s club wins by a good amount. So, at face value, Sam’s Club was clearly less. But I think the best way to judge how much a place costs is by their unit price. You have to buy more at Costco, but you typically get it for a cheaper overall price, with the exception of produce and meats, which seems to be cheaper overall at Sam’s Club.

Food Court

Both food courts have the staples — pizza, hot dogs, and soft drinks. However, we felt like Costco offered more variety — it gets extra points for having a gelato station. Costco also had a larger dining area.

At our Costco, you can order food while you are checking out, which is kind of nice, because it stinks to have to wait in line to get your groceries, and then go wait in a mile long line to order food!

Samples

It’s hard to really judge who has the better samples, because, well, it varies from day-to-day. For instance, today there were some great samples at Costco — at least one in every aisle, but other days, there’s hardly any at all. The same goes for Sam’s Club. I think they both consistently put out yummy samples that really draw you in (we are totally suckers for buying things being given out as samples!)

At Sam’s Club, we noticed that they like to put up competing products as samples, which I kind of like. It helps you decide easily between two similar products. For instance, a few weeks ago they had two different brands of baked chicken alfredo out. We tried it, and we actually ended up buying one, and it was the brand that I initially wouldn’t have chosen! Sam’s Club also has these cool little dispensers where, when you swipe your card, you get a free, non-food sample of something (we’ve gotten medicines, detergent, etc.)

And if you want to know the time that has the best samples, we think it’s around 4:00 on weekdays. Though you might walk out of there with your pockets more empty at that time, because you’ll want to buy everything you try (or is that just us?)

Checking Out:
It could be just our Costco, but I always feel like the cashiers don’t want to be there. They hardly ever make eye contact, and I feel like they never respond to what I’m saying and are usually just talking to their co-workers. With that said, they usually get us through the line fairly quickly, which is nice, because each line is about a mile long.

One thing I love about the Sam’s Club by our house is that it has self-check out. I know that some Costcos have this (one near my parent’s house does), and I just really like it. There’s never a line, but there are still cashiers standing close by, willing to assist at a moments notice.

Friendliness

When we are comparing just these two individual stores, Sam’s Club employees are far more friendly. As I mentioned above, many of the Costco employees seem kind of standoffish. I will say, that the Costco’s customer service desk is always full of friendly and happy people, but I wish that was extended throughout the store. There’s been a few times when we’ve asked about a product that they used to have, and we were just given weird looks. However, I have to say, this hasn’t been my experience at all Costco stores, just the one in Orem. We go to another one that’s near by occasionally, and our experience has been much better.

At Sam’s Club, all the employees are very helpful, and are always walking around asking if they can help you. Part of me feels like this is because of the store location — there is hardly anyone ever there, as opposed to the Costco in Orem, which is a madhouse pretty much every single day. However, I do appreciate them being helpful. One experience that was kind of funny, was when a customer started insulting a sample (really, who does that?) and saying how it’s so bad for you (it was fruit with whipped cream on top) and the sampler lady just smiled and let it roll of her shoulders.

Coupon Policy

Both companies send out monthly mailers with coupons, some of which you have to have in order to use in store, and others just to inform you of a deal going on. Sam’s Club just recently started doing this, while Costco has for a long time. One thing that’s neat about Sam’s Club is that you can load coupons onto your card, and sometimes, you get free items just because — for instance, we recently got a free rotisserie chicken, just because they wanted to give us one.

With Costco’s coupon, don’t worry about cutting out the coupons you want to use. You can simply hand the book to the cashier after you are ready to pay, and when they scan it, any eligible coupons will be applied.

If you want to use manufacturers or outside coupons, you’re out of luck. Neither Sam’s Club or Costco accept these types of coupons. One thing I learned recently about Costco, though, is when a price ends in 7, you should stock up — it’s been marked down by corporate, and it’s about as low as it will ever be.

Click-n-pull

This is related just to Sam’s Club — but it’s worth noting! They have a service where, if you order online your groceries the night before by 5 PM, they will pull all the groceries for you and all you have to do is pay for them and pick them up the next day. I think this is awesome, especially for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the store (and increase the likelihood of impulse buying) or perhaps have wild kids who don’t like to go shopping!

Return Policy

Costco has the best return policy of pretty much any store I’ve gone to. There’s been several times that we’ve had to go and return something, and they’ve done it with no question. For instance, a few weeks ago, after we had used two packages of butter, we discovered that the contents of the third package was completely messed up, and when we took it back, they gave us two packages with no further question. With the exception of some electronics (which must be returned within 90 for a full refund), they stand behind their products 100%, and offer a full refund on their products if you aren’t 100% satisfied. I just read about someone who took back a BBQ that was clearly over a year or two old that had started to rust, and they happily gave him a refund. While I certainly don’t advocate taking back every product back to Costco once you’re done with it, you can buy products at Costco knowing that if you aren’t satisfied, you will get your money back, no questions asked. Plus, if you don’t have the receipt, no problem. They can look up information with your ID number, and you can make in store returns with products that were purchased online. And, if at any time you aren’t satisfied with your Costco membership, you can get it fully refunded (more information can be found here and here.)

As for Sam’s Club’s return policy, I’ve found numerous complaints about it. While they state that they have a 100% guarantee on their products and memberships, there are more stipulations than you find at Costco. If you purchase something online, it can be returned for cash if you have the receipt, but only a Sam’s gift card otherwise. And within that policy, certain things are excluded — such as televisions and other electronics — you have to have the original receipt. This person tried to return a TV from SamsClub.com that was sent to them with a cracked screen, and was pretty much told too bad, they had nothing to do with online orders. For in store purchases, you will only receive the last sales price of the product without a receipt (more information can be found here and here.)

Cost of membership

Costco has a couple of different membership options:

Gold Star Membership: $55, for mainly personal use
Business Membership: $55, can be used for personal and business use. You can purchase up to five more memberships at $55 on this plan for employees/family members. Honestly, I don’t see that there’s really any difference between this and the Gold Star Membership — enlighten me if you know!
Executive Membership: $110, and it includes a 2% money back at the end of the year, and apparently other perks.
Sam’s Club has three options as well, and you can see a comparison chart of the three here. The prices for the Sam’s Savings and Business both increased by about $10

Sam’s Savings: $45
Sam’s Business: $45
Sam’s Plus: $100, you get additional discounts on products with this one!
I have seen both of these companies offer Groupon deals lately that make the memberships super cheap, and you get some cool coupons!

Sam’s Club has a one-day pass (free) that you can use if you don’t have a membership and just want to try it out, but you do have to pay an added fee that members don’t have to pay. At Costco, if someone gives you a gift card, you don’t need a membership to use it — plus, anyone can use their pharmacy!

Conclusion:

I’m still a big fan of Costco. After researching both companies, I feel like Costco treats their employees the best, and I agree with their business practices more. According to this article, Costco runs the cheapest and happiest company in the world. This article compares wages (granted, it’s a bit dated, having been written in 2006) and showed that Costco’s average wage is $17 an hour, and while Sam’s Club didn’t release the wages of their employees, since it’s run by the same people behind Walmart (so if you don’t support Walmart, know you are supporting the company if you go to Sam’s Club), it’s likely similar to their average wage of 10.11. Other sites I found said that Sam’s Club employees make anywhere from 8-11$ an hour, depending on experience and job. This article said that in 2011, a typical Costco employee made about $45,000 a year, compared to the $17,486 salary a Sam’s Club employee made.

I should also mention, that I love the Costco photo center. The prices are cheap, they have great products, and they stand behind the quality of those as well! I also found that they never question if I have the copyright for something I’m printing (which I always do) which results in less headaches. I haven’t used Sam’s Club’s photo center, so I don’t know how theirs works!

If you are looking for the cheapest membership, I would probably go with Sam’s Club. However, for the best return policies, and for a company that is managed extremely well and treats their employees well, Costco is definitely way to go. For me, paying a little bit extra for the membership is worth it. I would not choose based on price of products alone. And, really, a lot of factors go into choosing! Though I admit, the Costco employees at the one we go to could do to be a little more friendly! While it’s been nice having a membership to both places (and really, Sam’s Club has been a pleasant surprise to how nice it’s been), we will always be Costco-ers for life!

The devil is in the details.

First of all, the customer service at Costco is spectacular. And, their employees are happy and cheerful where everyone at Sam's seems like their are working on a chain gang.

And there are million other little things but one example is the parking lots at Costco have huge parking spaces, which means you can always get your cart between cars. Try doing that at a Sam's Club.


Having said all that, Sam's Club is fine and in most ways an acceptable Costco alternative. I'm really looking forward to the new on at I-44 & May.

However, I would drive way out of my way to go to a Costco if one was to open around OKC, just like I go way out of my way now to shop at Target rather than Walmart.

Tulsa Costco to open April 21st.

Costco plans to open April 21 in Tulsa - Tulsa World: Consumer News (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/consumer/costco-plans-to-open-april-in-tulsa/article_4beebb74-894f-5a8f-bd81-93b8dbee5ce0.html)

Tulsa Costco to open April 21st.

Costco plans to open April 21 in Tulsa - Tulsa World: Consumer News (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/consumer/costco-plans-to-open-april-in-tulsa/article_4beebb74-894f-5a8f-bd81-93b8dbee5ce0.html)

One other huge difference, Costco's in-house brand, Kirkland, is far superior to Sam's in-house brand, Great Value.

The devil is in the details.

First of all, the customer service at Costco is spectacular. And, their employees are happy and cheerful where everyone at Sam's seems like their are working on a chain gang.

And there are million other little things but one example is the parking lots at Costco have huge parking spaces, which means you can always get your cart between cars. Try doing that at a Sam's Club.


Having said all that, Sam's Club is fine and in most ways an acceptable Costco alternative. I'm really looking forward to the new on at I-44 & May.

However, I would drive way out of my way to go to a Costco if one was to open around OKC, just like I go way out of my way now to shop at Target rather than Walmart.

I had friends in college and high school who worked at Sam's Club. They said it was a pretty miserable job.

I had friends in college and high school who worked at Sam's Club. They said it was a pretty miserable job.

I worked at Sam's (71st & Mingo in Tulsa) during college and absolutely loved it. I got paid almost double minimum wage at the time as a just a cashier.

Hopefully Costco will come soon to OKC.

Costco readies for Tulsa opening Thursday.

Costco readies for Tulsa opening Thursday - Tulsa World: Consumer News (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/consumer/costco-readies-for-tulsa-opening-thursday/article_da187036-4b25-5144-92e3-a331afd0eece.html)

I lived in California for years. Costco and Sam's are almost the same, but they are not. Costco has gift items and furniture more than Sam's. Their prices are about the same. As for competition all through the country there is usually a Sam's Club with blocks of a Costco Store. Just like Lowe's and Home Depot. Both lots are full !!! Both have excellent Online programs too !!! I am waiting for one in Norman...put it right next to In-n-Out and Trader Joe's !!

I will say that Sam's has a much better website than Costco,

Many, many more products and Sam's also does this cool thing where they keep track of what you buy. Not just on-line but in the stores.

So, you can easily pull up items you have bought in the past, add them to a shopping list, and even have then ready for pickup when you next visit the club.

Apart from customer service (where Sam's is too much like Walmart and Costco is amazing) I'm liking Sam's much more than I thought I would.

Anyone heard if the store in Tulsa is meeting/exceeding sales predictions? I'm sure that will figure in when they start looking at OKC.

I will say that Sam's has a much better website than Costco,

Many, many more products and Sam's also does this cool thing where they keep track of what you buy. Not just on-line but in the stores.

So, you can easily pull up items you have bought in the past, add them to a shopping list, and even have then ready for pickup when you next visit the club.

Apart from customer service (where Sam's is too much like Walmart and Costco is amazing) I'm liking Sam's much more than I thought I would.

And maybe this is just my experience, but I think customer service is widely different depending on what store you go to. I used to only go to the one on i40, and always thought overall that store lacked major, maybe worse than most Walmarts. Then someone said try the one in Norman. That being quite a bit further drive I decided just to put up with the i40 one because I don't go that often. Then one summer we found a patio set we wanted. I remember trying to track down someone to get one from the back was a nightmare. Then after finding someone that "could" help I found out they were out of stock. So I had them search and basically every other Sam's had it in stock. So I decided okay I'll go to Norman. Walking in I immediately could tell a difference. On the walls I notice they had banners saying best customer service, and right out of the gate it was noticeable. Got my patio set quickly and everyone was very friendly. Seriously some of the best customer service I've ever had at a big box store. Since then I've also tried Moore's since it has opened and notice it's a lot closer to Norman's customer service than the others, so I tend to go there since it's about the same distance as the i40 one.

I haven't really put them to the test yet but the one at I-44 and N. May is where I always go and thus far it's been fine.

But the people just aren't that friendly and seem more or less down-trodden. Very different than a Costco where the employees seem happy to be there.

The new Sam's at May and 39th is nice.. not super crowded even on weekends and the employees have been very friendly.

Can anyone report how Costco has been received up in T-town? I still can't believe there are not even confirmed plans for a store here yet. Very surprised. And disappointed, frankly.

Can people leave this thread to updates only and have another thread for discussion related to the Tulsa Costco? I'm honestly not calling anyone out, it is just annoying to see this thread come to life once every 2-3 months and clicking on it only to see a slightly relevant post with nothing on whether or not they have announced a store here.

Can people leave this thread to updates only and have another thread for discussion related to the Tulsa Costco? I'm honestly not calling anyone out, it is just annoying to see this thread come to life once every 2-3 months and clicking on it only to see a slightly relevant post with nothing on whether or not they have announced a store here.

Sorry for getting your hopes up with my question. I am just as frustrated as you are and want to know how things are going up there in hopes of getting our announcement soon.

Sorry for getting your hopes up with my question. I am just as frustrated as you are and want to know how things are going up there in hopes of getting our announcement soon.

It's okay lol. I wasn't taking any of that out on you and I hope it didn't come out that way :P

I was at the Tulsa store the Saturday before Memorial Day. Parking lot was packed---but it was a holiday weekend. There were several tables set up outside to sign up for membership.
Whole process took about 30 minutes...didn't like waiting that long, but I did. The store inside was a controlled "madhouse". People everywhere, but there were not tie-ups of anyone trying to get thru the aisles.
Checkout was fast and efficient. When you paid your $55.00 for membership, they gave you a $10 gift card. Bought several things in the Kirkland Brand...mostly paper products. Haven't tried them yet. They had 3 loaves of pound cake in the bakery for $6.99...it was wonderful. Much better than I can make...and I'm a good cook...and rich and buttery. Almost worth the drive to get some!
Asked about the OKC store...she said they are just trying to find the right land to buy and hopefully would be open by mid 2017

I was at the Tulsa store the Saturday before Memorial Day. Parking lot was packed---but it was a holiday weekend. There were several tables set up outside to sign up for membership.
Whole process took about 30 minutes...didn't like waiting that long, but I did. The store inside was a controlled "madhouse". People everywhere, but there were not tie-ups of anyone trying to get thru the aisles.
Checkout was fast and efficient. When you paid your $55.00 for membership, they gave you a $10 gift card. Bought several things in the Kirkland Brand...mostly paper products. Haven't tried them yet. They had 3 loaves of pound cake in the bakery for $6.99...it was wonderful. Much better than I can make...and I'm a good cook...and rich and buttery. Almost worth the drive to get some!
Asked about the OKC store...she said they are just trying to find the right land to buy and hopefully would be open by mid 2017

Great news, thanks! It's on the horizon at least.

I was at the Tulsa store the Saturday before Memorial Day. Parking lot was packed---but it was a holiday weekend. There were several tables set up outside to sign up for membership.
Whole process took about 30 minutes...didn't like waiting that long, but I did. The store inside was a controlled "madhouse". People everywhere, but there were not tie-ups of anyone trying to get thru the aisles.
Checkout was fast and efficient. When you paid your $55.00 for membership, they gave you a $10 gift card. Bought several things in the Kirkland Brand...mostly paper products. Haven't tried them yet. They had 3 loaves of pound cake in the bakery for $6.99...it was wonderful. Much better than I can make...and I'm a good cook...and rich and buttery. Almost worth the drive to get some!
Asked about the OKC store...she said they are just trying to find the right land to buy and hopefully would be open by mid 2017

I was there that same weekend (Sunday) and it was packed right up until they closed the doors. I came in around 5:30pm to browse and even though they closed at 6 and stayed past 6, we never felt rushed to leave. Other people have mentioned that their customer service is excellent, and I definitely could feel that by the way the store associates greeted us throughout the store.

F I N A L L Y went to Tulsa Costco yesterday and it was of course amazing (still hate Tulsa in general though :tongue: ).
Customer service is indeed phenomenal, but that is nothing new :wink:
When I asked about when OKC is getting one, the associate said probably 2018...and in Edmond :/
I'm hoping it's not "Edmond" Edmond but "NW OKC" Edmond :tongue:

2018!? Simply can't understand why they can't get this rolling faster. Would love to not make monthly trips over there for two more years. Hopefully the timetable will move up.

2018!? Simply can't understand why they can't get this rolling faster. Would love to not make monthly trips over there for two more years. Hopefully the timetable will move up.

Tell me about it! For some reason I have no problem driving down to the DFW area, but driving to Tulsa for Trader Joe's and now Costco is such a pain!! First world problems I know, but it is gonna be an agonizing two years..

I'd settle for a Costco anywhere in the metro area. If they are saying Edmond, there is a 141 ac tract for sale at 33rd and I-35 that would be nice for a Costco and some more new to market shopping. More realist would be 1-40 and Portland area or another area with major freeway cross roads. If they built one store in the metro area, they would be packed open to close.

What is it that you can't get get in OKC that would cause you to drive to Tulsa or DFW?

A cosmopolitan shopping experience that nowhere in OKC comes even close to offering right now.

A cosmopolitan shopping experience that nowhere in OKC comes even close to offering right now.
Please explain what you mean by that, Plupan. I find everything that I really need in OKC and have never gone to either Dallas or Tulsa to shop for anything.

Please explain what you mean by that, Plupan. I find everything that I really need in OKC and have never gone to either Dallas or Tulsa to shop for anything.

Honestly, it's hard for me to put it in words. I don't know how else to put it other than the shopping centers and areas in Dallas are just on a completely different level than OKC. Many of the upscale brands, to the way the stores are kept up, to the entire shopping complex overall with surrounding infrastructure that makes you feel like you're in a large city. The only place I can think of the remotely comes close to this is Nichols Hills shopping area and Belle Isle. Memorial Corridor is getting there. I-240 is complete garbage and needs major refresh and infrastructure improvements with beautification. Norman and Edmond have no such retail corridors although Norman is development on with UNP. Edmond might something going on with the I-35 corridor if it grows right. Having a city that can support multiple chain stores like Trader Joe's, Crate and Barrel, Costco etc. so that they can be in one complex is nice too. I think OKC is getting there. The shopping game in whole seems to be changing with OKC.

Chisholm Creek/Memorial Road, UNP in Norman, SW240 Corridor and Will Rodgers Eastside, Nichols Hills/Belle Isle/PenSq, Midwest City, I-40 West with Outlet Shoppes and Yukon area with Frisco Rd. Development.

A couple of potential retail corridors that might pop up is Park Ave.(downtown OKC), Core to Shore area, I-35 in Edmond(mainly Covell) and Kelly and Covell, and I-40 in Shawnee.

More realist would be 1-40 and Portland area or another area with major freeway cross roads. If they built one store in the metro area, they would be packed open to close.

While I understand the shopping experience at other Metro locations is better, the Sam's on 3rd between MacArthur and Meridian has gone to complete crap. There are signs they are trying to improve, but they have a long way to go. A Costco at I-40 and Portland might be the wake up call Sam's Club needs.

While I understand the shopping experience at other Metro locations is better, the Sam's on 3rd between MacArthur and Meridian has gone to complete crap. There are signs they are trying to improve, but they have a long way to go. A Costco at I-40 and Portland might be the wake up call Sam's Club needs.

This the location that is most convenient to me but I stopped going almost a year ago due to the long checkout lines and staff attitudes. I can get anything I really need through Amazon or if looking for meat to smoke....Chef Store and/or Restaurant Depot. Would kill for a Costco

Before the I-44 and May Sam's opened, the one at I-40 and MacArthur was the closest to me and I *hated* that store.

Now, I love the new one and don't really miss Costco at all. Goes to show the wide variation with the Sam's chain.

About why shop in Dallas/Tulsa/Kc? Well there are stores that carry items I just cannot get in Okc or just like the brands better. I'm not upper middle class, I'm retired on a fixed pension that has not gone up in the 7 yrs that I've been retired. I have to shop for quality and value. First up is boots. Not fashion boots, I wear English riding padock boots. Red Earth carries some but only a few. I do horrible trying to buy off the internet. I spend a fortune sending items back (postage). I want to see the quality of the item before purchase and when one is hard to fit it makes sense. I also buy Pensy's spices. Great deals with coupons and really fresh spices. l also like Pendleton clothing. Yes I buy from the clearance rack. Again, I try on 30 items to buy one that fits right and is modest in cut and fit. I could go one Like Catholic books, house wares, etc. I hate the malls here, why? every store seems to have the exact seem style and garbage quality clothes that are more for teens then older women.

What is it that you can't get get in OKC that would cause you to drive to Tulsa or DFW?

Well, for one thing, being Asian, I go to specifically Carrollton several times a year because they have a Korean supermarket chain called H-Mart. And that area where H-Mart is is basically a Koreatown of sorts, with so many restaurants, bakeries, etc that I could never imagine would ever appear in OKC. Yes I can sort of live without driving to Tulsa for Costco and Trader Joe's (because I honestly really hate Tulsa and cannot stress that enough lol), but I cannot give up driving to Carrollton to buy and eat good food I cannot get here.

Well, for one thing, being Asian, I go to specifically Carrollton several times a year because they have a Korean supermarket chain called H-Mart. And that area where H-Mart is is basically a Koreatown of sorts, with so many restaurants, bakeries, etc that I could never imagine would ever appear in OKC. Yes I can sort of live without driving to Tulsa for Costco and Trader Joe's (because I honestly really hate Tulsa and cannot stress that enough lol), but I cannot give up driving to Carrollton to buy and eat good food I cannot get here.
I believe this store is Vietnamese instead of Korean but it's located in the Asian district right here in OKC.

http://www.caonguyen.com/index.php

Does this store not work for you? If you've never been, you should check it out. It's a pretty cool store and the times that I've been is quite busy.

I believe this store is Vietnamese instead of Korean but it's located in the Asian district right here in OKC.

http://www.caonguyen.com/index.php

Does this store not work for you? If you've never been, you should check it out. It's a pretty cool store and the times that I've been is quite busy.

Yes I've been there a few times, but prefer Chinatown. I also go to a few of the local Korean markets.
But again, I mostly go to Carrollton because of the vast variety of restaurants and other things that will never be available in OKC.
Anyway, to get this back to Costco, I am craving their pound cakes :tongue:

Ummmmmm...Costco pound cakes....that was said in a Homer Simpson voice!

Was at the one in Wichita a couple of weeks ago....same stock answer about OKC from the manager....they're looking for land in OKC and it will probably be at least a year.

Before the I-44 and May Sam's opened, the one at I-40 and MacArthur was the closest to me and I *hated* that store.

Now, I love the new one and don't really miss Costco at all. Goes to show the wide variation with the Sam's chain.

This. Amazing how many chains have such wide variations in store quality. The two Sam's locations you mentioned are perfect examples. It's not just an old versus new thing either.

Looks like Costco is looking at the Macy's space at Quail Springs.

Not sure how I feel about that. I think this mall just needs to come down if they're not going to really improve it and then build a new lifestyle center with Costco as the anchor.

http://newsok.com/costco-wholesale-wants-closed-oklahoma-city-macys-firm-says/article/5512507

I'm working on getting the latest / greatest on Costco.

I know the broker involved in their deals.

We used to shop at the "closest" Sam's Club near I40 and Macarthur then we did the math and realized the one on Expressway and Council was just a couple miles further away from my house. The shopping experience between the stores couldn't be further apart. Needless to say I still hit up the I40 and MacArthur once in a while on a lunch break or if I only need 1 item. Biggest difference for us now is using the Scan & Go app. The worst part of shopping at a wholesale club is now out of the equation. I basically just walk out the door.

That QSM rumor is crazy, but not unheard of. It's rare, but Costco does have unusual locations (like Potomac Mills in Virginia). I honestly don't care as long as it's not in the heart of Edmond and opens asap so I don't have to be bashed for driving to Tulsa! :tongue:

I am not sure that would be a positive for the mall. It would definitely bring traffic, but it would also be a non-traditional anchor, which tends to hurt malls.