I agree with Brady R's statement that among the three Costco locations in Indy, the Indy/Greenwood location seems to be my favorite - in terms of selection, service, and the very important gas station option.
The basic design of Costco remains mostly consistent from store-to-store. The same is largely true in terms of overall selection, however, there's definitely uniqueness from store-to-store and I would say this location does a better job of being aware of its local community.
I like the overall atmosphere here. For whatever reason, it's a more friendly shopping experience with a little bit more warmth and personalization in terms of layout and employees. This is true at the gas station, though over the year+ that I've been a member I've definitely gotten to know some of the Castleton employees since that location remains the one closest to my home.
While it's unfathomable that anyone wouldn't know about Costco, just in case I'll note that this is a "bulk warehouse" where you mostly buy items in bulk or you get deeper discounts on bigger items and specialized services like pharmacy, optical, travel, and things like auto tires.
Costco is notoriously employee friendly and the annual membership pricing is consistent with this type of set-up. It's easy to join. It's easy to renew.
I originally joined Costco because I heard that they would pump gas for you if you have a disability. As someone who'd recently lost the rest of my left leg, I was trying to figure out how to keep driving while also making my life less stressful and exposing my body to less risk of re-injury.
This seems to be a service available at every location, though every location has different hours it's available. Once you become aware of those hours, you simply pull up, honk, and if you need the assistance/support it's there (obviously you're vehicle needs to identify you as having a disability, though I've seen them many times assist elderly and others who were just plain confused).
This can be challenging at Castleton - the gas station is much bigger and if you don't manage to pull up near an employee the honk can go unnoticed for a variety of reasons including existing noise and busyness. More than once, I've had to relocate at Castleton because I couldn't get anyone's attention. Plus, let's be honest - Castleton customers can be more than a little "entitled." I've been yelled at and threatened at Castleton by customers (though they typically de-escalate when they see the wheelchair).
Greenwood's gas station is smaller and better organized. It's in a quieter area (though it is growing) and employees simply seem to be paying better attention. The customers are more patient. I've never had to change spots to get attention and I've never been yelled at or threatened by a customer for taking too long or because they simply didn't understand. The entire atmosphere is just different.
The gas quality is fine, the employees are friendly, the pricing for gas is always lower than most mainstream gas retailers, and the service for those who need it has pretty much kept me able to work despite the new limitations. The rest of the store is fine - employees are friendly, prices are fair (though for single people like me buying in bulk is pretty much not necessary), the samples are always fun, the snack area is surprisingly good, and the selection here is definitely better than Castleton.
While I'm typically only in the Greenwood area because of physician appointments, if I'm needing gas or a quick stop for supplies it's worth going south a few blocks to use this Costco as I know it will be a more pleasant and less stressful experience including in inclement weather.
As an accessibility note beyond the gas station, Costco has plenty of accessible parking and wide aisles. Employees are always willing to help (as, yes, shelves to get higher) and it can sometimes be tricky to snag an electric cart for those who need that option. I wouldn't call accessibility perfect, but it's vastly superior to Sam's Club, Aldi, or Trader Joe's (all three retailers which I mostly refuse to use, though I will very rarely visit TJ). read more