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K_and_I's avatar
K_and_I
Explorer
Sep 09, 2018

Costco vs Sam's Club

The DW and I are planning a trip to Alaska next summer. We are members of Sam's Club as they are the only wholesale club in our area. As I read trip reports from others on an Alaska journey, I can't help but notice that more people report shopping at Costco than Sam's. Is this because of availability of Sam's in the area? We could join Costco for the year if there is any real benefit to doing so. I've never been in a Costco, so I just don't have anything to judge this on. What say ye (or y'all)?

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  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2018
    Since you are traveling....and since you probably won't need the large quantities that are what Costco is all about....I'd skip it...

    Unless you need items like 5 gallons of pickled artichoke hearts on you trip to Alaska...
  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2018
    Since you'll be transiting Canada, there aren't any Sam's Club stores up here, that I know of, any more. Started shutting them down in 2009.
    Maybe that's why Costco gets more mentions?
    Unless you meant specifically when you reach Alaska.
    Costco is true cross border shopping, one membership works in Canada and the USA.
  • chindog's avatar
    chindog
    Explorer
    Sep 10, 2018
    Costco is very much like Sam's Club. You don't have to buy TV's or bottles of wine in six packs.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 09, 2018
    Other than possibly gasoline you likely would not find much to buy there. They typically sell in bulk not one off.

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