Costco Visit
I recently visited the semi-newly opened Costco in Fort Wayne. Just like the Sam's Club and BJ's superstores, I walked into the giant entrance then had the greeter check my friend's card for admission. Just like the entrance, everything is grand and in glorious bulk amounts. But the real reason for the Costco visit was for the food. I was stunned by the prices. Just look at them!
Yes, that is a quarter pound hot dog and soda for $1.50. Look at the smoothies! While the hot dog was just okay since it was just steamed and put on a bun, the pizza was quite delicious and exceeded my expectations (it was a nice lunch trip); the crust was nice and crispy but a bit too much cheese for my semi-lactose body. During the wait for the pizza to cook, we indulged ourselves in the vast amounts of free samples they offered ranging from Jelly Bellys to pizza rolls to olives.
The first trip we left with 6 pounds of gummy bears/worms; with 5 of them being eaten in four days by two people. This last trip, I pleasantly end up with a box of garbage bags that will last the rest of my lifetime.
What I don't understand is why there is a receipt checker at the exit if they just place a check on receipts with a highlighter without even look at what's on it... This seems to be the case at all the super bulk stores that I've been to... Costco didn't seem different from any other warehouse store...
How will Amazon's new Pantry service affect these stores in the future? Probably not much since Amazon will not have the bulk prices/quantities. I'm not sure Amazon will succeed with Pantry especially since most people can go to the local store and avoid the shipping fee for everyday items. It's the automation that will help them bring in customers.