I heart Costco. For what it offers, the combination of convenience and price can't be beat (on price alone, sometimes other stores will have some things slightly cheaper on sale, but it's not really worth the effort to wait or make another stop). I split my time between this location and the Oak Brook one depending on where I have to run my errands, and this is much less crowded even on a busy Saturday. It's better laid out, bright, clean, and doesn't feel as cluttered. The parking lot is not as idiotically designed as Oak Brook (yeah, that's a STOP sign you're ignoring as you plow into the rest of us!)
I rely on this place for most of my staples - TP, soap, light bulbs, laundry and dish detergent, wine (yes, I've decreed wine is a staple). I usually split produce, cheese and other perishable foods with our friends once we all agree on what we want for that week, otherwise pass on that if you're only a party of two, since we've wasted a lot of food even when I incorporate the ingredients in every single meal, and there's a point where we just don't want to eat anymore cheese, romaine, peppers, fill-in-the-blank, especially for breakfast.
The monster sizes do come in handy when we throw parties, though. Except that box of 3000 straws I bought. I think it's a lifetime supply, we will never be able to use that up or give enough away. That one I don't know what I was thinking.
We've bought a TV, appliances and electronics here, and be very detailed when comparing products, since Costco often builds specifically with the manufacturer, and what they're offering sometimes isn't exactly what's offered elsewhere and can be missing a few bells and whistles (or vice versa, then that's nice).
I've also used the photo department here, and it's very convenient. I uploaded my pictures online, and they turn around in a day (they also do one-hour). I've also picked up food at their food court, which is beyond cheap but still good. Combo pizza slice. $1.99. Yum. Or a hot dog. $1.50. Yeah, you read right.
Since they make their margins on bulk buying themselves, don't expect much selection here. For instance, there's only two dishwasher detergents - Kirkland and Cascade original. For a while they only had a lemon Cascade, which I couldn't buy since my silverware said no lemon (?!), so I was stuck with the Kirkland one, not a big deal, and I'm not feeling strongly invested in my detergent choice that I'd make another stop elsewhere.
So: very limited brand selection, good prices, very convenient. Great for staples. read more