Costco

[ilovelamp82]

I heard about all the great Christmas stuff in Costco and went to have a look last year, but there was very little left.

I was told that Costco tend to have things out a season in advance. With that in mind does anyone have any idea when the Christmas stuff does actually go out?

[lunar1]

I think it is usually there when they go back to school in sept.

[ilovelamp82]

Great. Thank you :)

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

Starts mid-August usually, by September the full range is in.

[chanie44]

I think it's normally September. I think Costco is one of the earliest shops to get their Christmas gear in.

I've heard good things about their double sided wrapping paper.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

YY, just after the schools go back

They have gorgeous decorations - like the old fashioned traditional Father Christmas .
Lights,
Those decorations for indoor/outdoor shaped like reindeer or snowmen
Glass baubles (I always buy a new box every year, about 10-12 in a box, gorgeous)
The paper the double sided ones I've seen are more for children . but they are huge. I buy the pack of 4 rolls, it has the 'grid' pattern on the back for easy cutting
Scented candles, flameless candles
Ribbons (huge rolls of the wide , wire-edge ribbon, great for bows)

Panettone in a tin
Christmas puddings (Matthew Walker IIRC, ) individual sized , worked out at 50p each .

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

It was definitely August last year because I bought some stuff with DD before she went back to school.

[iloveholidays]

Just going off on a tangent slightly... is Costco worth it? I have often thought about becoming a member (I'm an accountant so eligible) but wonder how much cheaper it is and whether it's worth the £30 annual fee?

Thank you

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

If you aren't satisfied with your membership you can get a refund of the fee, so it is worth giving it a go.

It isn't that everything is cheaper, some stuff isn't, but the quality of stuff (particularly their own brand) is brilliant.

[iloveholidays]

They're obviously confident in their products then!!! Do they sell everything you'd get from a supermarket?

I thought it was a case of bulk buying meaning it was cheaper but obviously not.

[iloveholidays]

Thank you for your feedback

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

I couldn't get everything there (so for me it wouldn't replace Sainsburys )

But the 'wallets' give discounts (you don't need to take them, they have them at the trolleypark, and the discount is automatic. And I find they very rarely run out of things)

I buy binbags (box of 90) , kitchen bin bags , looroll (special offer or Kirkland)
The washing powder/liquid

Do an online check, it can be 50% less than supermarket special offers.

Not everything is cheaper, but you'll find things you repeat buy.

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

Not everything, but most stuff. They sell meat, fruit and veg, stationery, books, clothes, TVs, photo services, opticians, tyres, alcohol, toys, garden stuff, furniture, bedding, towels, cakes, tinned food, frozen stuff, most stuff really. It is definitely worth a look.

I have two shopping lists - a supermarket one and a Costco one. I go about twice a month, sometimes every three weeks.

They are great if you are having a party - they do huge platters of food very reasonably priced.

The meat is amazing quality. The alcohol is not as cheap as offers in supermarkets. The Christmas stuff is fabulous!

You get used to buying in bulk when offers are on. I buy toilet rolls in their hundreds!

[LokiBear]

I bought one roll of wrapping paper from there last year and have loads left! More than enough for this year too! I find that it is great value for some things but you need to be savvy and know what offers are on at the supermarket. I'm going to get all of the food for DH'S BBQ from there because when buying in bulk you do make a saving.

[mulberrylover]

Don't go mad in Costco- it often isn't much cheaper. In fact there are things i've brought in there and they've been more expensive! Don't use it much anymore as don't have a car- but go every six months by cab to stock up on fabric conditioner, soap powder, toilet rolls etc- only things I tend to buy as the rest isn't much cheaper/more expensive.

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

Panettones were in stock today, so rest of the Christmas stuff won't be far behind!

[KnittedJimmyChoos]

So......Could I join costco, get my xmas stuff then get my joining fee back?

[AnneEyhtMeyer]

Yes, but you wouldn't want too once you got used to their delicious meat, fabulous cakes and everything else they do. Costco is a bit of an addiction. We have the more expensive Executive membership, which gives 2% of your spend back to you in the form of a voucher, so our membership ends up being free.