Costco and others like it

[JHaris]

I am seeing a great deal of references to the quality of meats and seafood available at Costco and how great they are. Has anyone compared them to the other groups such as BJs and Sams? Are the meats fresh, frozen or both? BJs had a presentation where I worked and I signed up for a membership. Have to get over to them in Downingtown, PA to get the temporary card made permanent. Just would like to know whether I should investigate Costco in KOP and Sams which will be opening in Exton PA after BJ's expires. The BJ's is only 20 min away via 202 & Rt. 30 Bypass.

Joan

[ebobbitt]

The only one of the three we have here is Sam's so I can't do a comparison for you. I've always thought Sam's meats look really fresh though. They don't look previosly frozen at all.

[Joyce]

We belong to BJ's, Sam's and Costco right now. We are going to drop the BJ's membership, which we find the least valuable, although BJ's does accept all the store coupons and also carries greeting cards, paper etc. at 50% off all the time. I find that Costco in our area has a better fish dept.Pricing differs on some items, but never wholly in favor of either Costco or Sam's. Unscientifically, I always get the best feeling of variety at Costco, and I definitely get a better feeling of quality buying the Kirkland brand than the Sam's brand.

[lhall]

I have a Sam's membership and have been very happy with their meats. I buy their frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts which cost just over $2.00 a pound. I've have also gotten flank steak, pork tenderloin and ground beef there.

I go to Sam's because it's more convenient than Costco.

Leigh

[Molli526]

I have Costco and Sam's and wouldn't trade either. Costco, has a better wine selection and fresh seafood. Sam's has other stuff you can't find at Costco, like more books. I shop at both depending on what I need.

[Jewel]

We had a Sam's open up about a year ago about 10 miles south of us, and DH and I got to do a 'walk through' without paying for a membership, and we didn't see much that Costco didn't carry, so we decided to keep only our Costco membership.

I've always found their fresh meat to be great quality, and I buy their lean ground beef (9% fat!!) frozen, in the 5-tubes-in-a-package, which works out to around $1.69 per lb. Great price on that extra, extra lean! :) Plus, since I work for the company that provides all those freezer and cooler cases for Costco that keeps that meat and seafood fresh and happy, I guess I can personally vouch for the way it's handled! ;)

[BarbaraL]

Years ago I joined BJ's -- at that time, they didn't have the fresh stuff they have today. I didn't renew my membership because they were too far away; it wasn't convenient. I finally joined Costco because a store opened right by my job, so I could run over on my lunchhour or right after work. Then I left that job, but there's also a Costco near the major shopping mall (at times, traffic makes it a hassle), and another one near my new job. I've been very pleased with Costco's meats, although some of the beef and pork chops are cut too thick for my liking.; I buy a whole pork loin, cut it the thickness I like, and use my FoodSaver (also purchased at Costco). I haven't been to BJ's in a long time, but I have friends who love it, and it's nice that BJ's takes coupons. All the stores will let you do a walk-through before joining; or, if you know someone with a membership, ask to go with them. I've chatted with other members in the store about their opinion of various foods -- people are usually very willing to share. Good luck!