August 9th, 2010 
Kirk
Last week, Consumer Reports released their review of Kirkland Signature beer. Costco offers a sampler pack for around $20 with four varieties of Kirkland Signature Handcrafted Beer: Amber Ale, German Lager, Hefeweizen and Pale Ale.
How’d they compare against Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, and Paulaner? Pretty well! Read the article or listen to the podcast.
Do you agree with them? Have you conducted your own taste test? Tell us about it!
August 5th, 2010 Insider
We were just informed that within a week most if not all Costcos will be getting gelato and carne asada bakes in their food courts. We were very excited to get this news, especially after reading the rave reviews the gelato has gotten at other Costcos. For only $1.50 you get three large scoops on a waffle cone! That is a steal. And the reviews say the gelato is very high quality. The flavor choices are Pistachio, Mixed Berry (tastes like strawberry apparently), and Stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate bits). The test stores had a separate gelato stand, but I believe it will now be served with all the other food court items. I don’t think they will be taking out any desserts to make room for the gelato, but they will be taking out the turkey wrap to make room for the carne asada bake. If you haven’t read my review of the carne asada bake, check it out. We’ll update with more information as we get it.
Employee gives gelato thumbs up
August 2nd, 2010 Insider
I have heard nothing but amazing reviews about the Carne Asada bake. A Costco employee was quick to say, “It’s the best thing they’ve got in the food court.” The reviews I read online all say how amazing it is, with posts such as, “CARNE ASADA BAKE!!! SOOO GOOD!!!!” Needless to say, my expectations were pretty high. I hate to say it, but I was a little disappointed. There was not that much flavor. I didn’t feel like there was very much cheese in it. My spouse tried it as well, and also had a similar reaction, but she also had high expectations. On the other hand, my brother tried it and loved it, but he had no expectations. So, my spouse gave it a 5 out of 10 and I rate it 6 out of 10. Just for all of my readers I will go to another Costco and give it another try tomorrow. Maybe they were having a bad day at the Costco I went to! You can find a list of Costcos that carry the carne asada bake on my earlier post.
July 27th, 2010 Insider
There was an interesting story this past week about a guy being illegally detained by Costco employees. He felt he didn’t need to show the receipt checker his receipt when walking out and tried to walk out right past them. At that point he was stopped by 3 employees, one being the store manager. They grabbed his cart, refused to let him leave, and demanded to see his receipt, the contents of his cart, and inside his handbag. This guy wasn’t trying to steal anything, he just believes strongly in protecting his fourth amendment right (guards against unreasonable searches and seizures).
Eventually the employees let the guy go, but the cops came when he was in the parking lot. He had to listen to lots of lectures from the manager and cops, but I don’t think he ever had to show his receipt. That is a lot of grief for not having someone quickly glance at your receipt and mark it with a sharpie. According to U.S. law, Costco would have to see you commit a crime to detain you, but did you know that according to the Costco membership agreement there’s an unconditional consent to search? If you didn’t consent to a search Costco would probably simply revoke your membership. Definitely not worth it in my opinion! What are your thoughts on this subject?
July 23rd, 2010 Insider
If you are a member of Costco, have an American Express card, and have mobile service with either AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, or Alaska Digitel you can get a free $10 Costco cash card for enrolling in Auto Pay. If you’re already enrolled in Auto Pay with your Amex, this deal will probably work for you as well. Link and description below:
https://enroll.amexnetwork.com/US/costco/
To receive a $10 Costco Cash Card, enroll any eligible American Express Card by filling out the information below. Then, sign up to pay your eligible wireless bill automatically on the same American Express Card – it’s as simple as that.
Automatic bill payment is a convenient solution that helps ensure that your bills get paid on time every time. Plus, you can earn rewards if your Card is enrolled in a rewards program*
Offer good from now until December 31, 2010. Please see the additional Terms & Conditions.
July 20th, 2010 Insider July 20th, 2010 Insider
In Frederick, MD, a woman went into Costco to buy some food, bedding, and treats for her dog. Meanwhile she allegedly left her dog in her car, where it likely reached 130 degrees internally (104 degrees outside). According to the Washington Post, “She intended to just be 15 minutes or so.” Apparently she hasn’t been shopping at Costco in a while, because there’s NO WAY she could get in and out of a Costco in 15 minutes. My shortest trip to Costco ever was probably half an hour.
It then gets worse. Upon returning to her car, she finds the dog dead and then immediately goes back in and returns the items she just bought. I’m all for using the return policy, but shouldn’t she have been just a little emotionally distressed at that moment? Thankfully one of the Costco employees called the Animal Control. Good work, Costco.
