Kurt M.
Yelp
It seems that most of the negative reviews pertain to A) the parking situation (it's often horrendous), B) the huge crush of shoppers clogging the aisles and competing for a space in the check out lines, C) the near impossibility of reaching the store by phone and D) the limited availability (or discontinuation) of favorite items and/or the frequent relocation of stock items making things difficult to find.
As a Costco veteran, having joined shortly after this location opened in November of 2000, I will respond to the above thusly:
A) If one selects a spot at the furthest edges of the extensive lot, it's usually easy in, easy out. Yes, you will need to remember where you parked (I admit to occasionally forgetting leading to some mildly irritating meandering). And, as you return to your vehicle you will push your fully laden cart across a seemingly vast expanse while dodging impatient motorists who are darting about aggressively vying for closer in spots. But you still avoid many headaches and bonus, you might just be able to skip that trip to the club because you've already had your aerobic workout.
B) As others have observed, try to shop in the middle of the week or during Vikings games or whenever it may be slightly less frantic. If peak times cannot be avoided, take a few deep breaths, relax and just know that you could be there a while.
C) This is a discount warehouse. It isn't Nordstrom, Lund's or even Target. Answering calls from customers just isn't a priority. I get that you may want to check on availability of an item or custom order a cake but many times you may just have to pay a visit.
D) I mourn the loss of a number of items that had become household favorites. But again, this is the nature of the beast. Things change. Some newer selections have become suitable replacements while others have not. So too, I find myself just going with the flow when things have been moved around. In such cases, when something can't be located the staff is often very helpful.
I keep renewing every year because I think Costco offers generally good value. Not everything is a screaming bargain. And few people need 55 gallon drums of ketchup or a gigantic jar of cajun seasoned pistachios. But the Kirkland label almost invariably means exceptional quality at a fair or below market price.
The meat selection is great. Prepared items like salads and pasta dishes are very, very good. Rotisserie chicken is wonderful. Baked goods excellent. Tire department is well run and offers decent selection at a good price. Seasonally, name brand clothing (Polo, Eddie Bauer, North Face, Under Armour, etc.) can often be had for a relative song. Just too many other things to mention in this review or it would run on for pages.
Oh, but don't forget the high quality gasoline often sold considerably cheaper than any other place in the metro.
Because Costco treats its employees well (full disclosure, my son worked there for several years), the staff seems always helpful, courteous and friendly.
Costco is not for everyone. But to me, putting up with the occasional hassle (while trying to mitigate stressful circumstances to the extent possible) is a price worth paying for the ability to shop there.
