Costco: Not Just for Those Who Need the Big Carts

A freezer or second refrigerator is an essential
appliance for Costco's small households.

In the August issue of Costco Connection the magazine surveys empty-nest and other small households about why they continue to shop at the bulk retailer.

Dennis Todic, PA: “I buy tires, got my eyeglasses, hearing aids and some of the services like carpeting in the past,” he says. “Bulk is not a factor.”

Derek Zehr, Kitchener, Ontario: Derek Zehr lives by himself, but that doesn’t stop him from shopping for paper products, detergent and cleaning supplies from the warehouse. “I like buying meat in bulk, as well, and I vacuum seal it into individual portions and store them in my freezer,” he says. “I have limited space, but I put shelves up in half of my walk-in closet for my Costco pantry!”

Michele Mathieu, CA: “Shopping sale items, selecting our favorite prepared and frozen foods, and freezing extra bread, chicken and deli ham makes it possible for Costco to be our primary same-day grocery provider,” she says. “Costco is also our first choice when we have a large purchase, such as my wife’s leather reclining chair.

Josh Dill, WA: He lives in a small apartment with his 9-year-old daughter. But that doesn’t mean he shops small...He thinks strategically about his purchases, buying items with a long shelf life to make smaller meals, and freezing the rest. “The package of five frozen single-pound tubes of ground beef is perfect for our dinners,” he says. “I can thaw just the right amount without worrying about waste, and it’s always on hand when I’ve failed to plan ahead.”

A membership still can benefit one- or two-person households who buy high-quantity items that don't take up much space, for example AA batteries and vitamin supplements. It's also suitable for empty-nesters who do have the space, though a freezer or second fridge, which is what we have, is essential. I also have found services such as optical, hearing-aid, and tire installation to be a good value.

Dennis Todic, PA: “But I will be a Costco member until I am not able to shop anymore.”