All articles tagged with #costco
A YouGov survey finds Costco is the top grocery pick among higher-income Americans (earning at least $150k), with 11% naming it as their primary store, ahead of Kroger (10%) and Walmart (8%); experts say Costco’s bulk sizes and value appeal to larger households and frugality among wealthier shoppers, who also tend to spend more on groceries weekly, reflecting where they live and seek savings despite membership fees.
Costco Wholesale reported June net sales of $29.24 billion, up 10.6% from a year earlier, with the first 44 weeks totaling $250.43 billion, up 10.1%. The results reflect continued shopper traffic fueled by its membership-based model as consumers seek value, and while the growth underscores a stable business, investors will be watching margins to ensure profitability keeps pace with sales expansion.
A federal class-action accuses Costco of selling Orgain Organic Protein Powder tainted with toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) without warning, alleging deceptive labeling and violations of consumer-protection laws. Plaintiffs cite testing by Consumer Reports and Clean Label Project showing heavy metals in protein powders and demand disclosure of heavy-metal levels and a halt to selling such products without proper warning; Orgain says its products meet safety standards.
Two suspected Costco shoplifters, Brittany A. Howard and Kasheem M. Williams, were arrested in South Windsor, CT after attempting to pay with fraudulent credit cards. Police say they had active out-of-state warrants (Williams from Suffolk County, NY for burglary, strangulation and assault; Howard from Hudson County, NJ for credit card theft) and face 28 counts of payment card theft plus related charges; officers also found 28 stolen financial documents in their vehicle and linked them to a prior Enfield Costco theft. They are being held on $250,000 bonds and scheduled to appear in Manchester Superior Court.
Two New Yorkers, Brittany A. Howard (35, Bronx) and Kasheem M. Williams (34, Brooklyn), were arrested Sunday at a South Windsor Costco after allegedly trying to pay with fraudulent credit cards. Staff had warned of a similar scheme at a Costco in Enfield; police found 28 stolen financial documents in their vehicle. Both suspects had active out-of-state warrants (Williams – extraditable from Suffolk County, NY; Howard – warrant from Hudson County, NJ) and face multiple charges including 28 counts of payment-card theft, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy. They were held on $250,000 bonds and are set to appear in Manchester Superior Court.
Editors compared five store-bought rotisserie chickens (Sam's Club, Walmart, Whole Foods, Publix, Costco) on taste, texture, and overall experience, and Sam's Club was the unanimous winner for moist, tender, and flavorful meat. Costco was noted as the moistest but milder in seasoning, Walmart offered good flavor but a drier texture, Whole Foods was drier and less flavorful, and Publix was meatier but underseasoned; overall the test suggests Sam's Club as the best all-around option for eating on its own or adding to recipes, with a price under $5.
Costco's July 2026 guide spotlights 15+ items—new flavors, returning favorites, and seasonal deals—from Chobani Pistachio Chocolate Coffee Creamer and Kirkland Signature Red, White, and Blue Cookies to the Gourmia Soft Serve Ice Cream and Frozen Drink Maker and Alani Nu Cotton Candy Variety Pack—plus regional availability notes and quick sell-outs.
Costco rolls out a July 2026 slate of Kirkland Signature items, including the debut of pretzel bagels, new chicken tenders at the food court, BBQ chicken mac and cheese with bacon, sea-salt popcorn with coconut oil, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and patriotic or flavored cookies, highlighting mix-and-match snacks and value for members.
The piece surveys the surge in brand fandom, using Costco as a prime example where devoted shoppers—like Max Ellinger, who has a Kirkland Signature tattoo, and others who craft life milestones around Costco—treat the retailer as a lifestyle and community. Experts say such devotion signals identity and belonging in a polarized era, with fans forming online groups, hosting celebrations in stores, and even driving broader trends in how people express loyalty to retailers beyond traditional advertising.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Blueberry Sourdough Bread is praised as a sturdy, fruit-filled option ideal for elevating French toast, thanks to its crusty exterior and infused dried blueberries that hold up to soaking and add berry flavor. Online chatter even imagines maple-glazed twists, while the berries are real but infused for texture and shelf life.
Costco’s meat department is highlighted for consistency and value with five top beef cuts: prime brisket, short ribs, tenderloin, chuck roast, and the whole strip loin. An executive chef notes these cuts excel for BBQ, meal prep, and feeding big groups, aided by steady turnover and competitive pricing. Notable prices include prime briskets around $4.99/lb in some areas; short ribs at $6.59/lb at Costco Business Centers (vs about $11.34/lb online); tenderloin around $21/lb for choice or $36/lb for prime (with pre-cut prime steaks ~ $30.63/lb); chuck roast about $8.50/lb; and a typical 13-pound whole strip loin at $13/lb for choice or $16/lb for prime. The piece argues Costco offers high-quality, bulk-friendly beef that beats many rivals on price, making it a smart pick for frequent cooks and events.
Costco undercuts local gas stations by roughly 30 cents per gallon and uses the resulting high-volume gas sales to drive store traffic and membership value. While gas is a thin-margin product, the company profits mainly from membership fees, with gas helping boost overall warehouse purchases. When gas prices rise, Costco often gains from volume and loyalty; when prices fall, margins tighten but the churn and foot traffic can still support long‑term growth.
Contra Costa County warns that grapevines sold at several Costco stores may be infested with the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive leafhopper that can spread Pierce's disease and threaten wine crops. Consumers who bought grapevines after April 21 should contact the county for a pickup, keep plants in their original pots, and avoid moving or disposing of them. Unsold inventory has been destroyed; the issue is tied to shipments from Burchell Nursery and affects multiple counties. The insect is not dangerous to humans or pets.
Costco Wholesale beat expectations for its fiscal Q3 2026, posting net sales of $69.15 billion (up 11.6% year over year) and revenue of $70.53 billion, with EPS of $4.93 and net income of $2.19 billion. Adjusted comparable sales rose 6.6% and digital sales climbed about 21%; memberships grew 4.1% and online traffic on the site and app rose 37%. The retailer highlighted strength in pharmacy, home furnishings and jewelry, and noted it could lower prices if tariff refunds materialize amid a tariff dispute with the Trump administration.
Agricultural officials in Marysville, Yuba County warn residents after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on grape plants sold at Costco, a pest that can spread Pierce’s disease fatal to grapevines and potentially affect almond, citrus, and ornamental plants. Residents who purchased grape or citrus plants from Costco should not return or dispose of them themselves; instead, cover grapevines with bags for safe disposal and contact their county agriculture department for inspection. County contacts: Yuba 530-749-5400; Sutter 530-822-7500; Colusa 530-458-0580; Nevada 530-470-2690.