Back to Europe for the last time in the “International Series” (Costco in Canada (International Series #1)); (Costco in South Korea (International Series #2)); (Costco in Iceland (International Series #3)); (Costco in Australia (International Series #4)); (Costco in the United Kingdom (International Series #5)); (Costco in Japan (International Series #6)); (Costco in France (International Series #7)); (Costco in China (International Series #8)); (Costco in New Zealand (International Series #9)); (Costco in Sweden (International Series #10)); (Costco in Taiwan (International Series #11)); (Costco in Mexico (International Series #12))) for the Costco experience in Spain.
This post will comment on observations from a visit to the store in Getafe (in Madrid), one of the four warehouse stores in Spain.
1. Appearance and Layout
The article describes the store as industrial, mentioning the high ceilings, cement floors, and stacks of products stacked in bulk along wide aisles. Apparently, although many members are initially surprised by the experience, they soon appreciate the organization and cleanliness.
Not a surprise that the stores look the same across countries.
2. 60% of the Products are Food
According to the article, almost 50% of the store products in Getafe are packaged food and 10% are fresh-food products. The non-food items include appliances, rugs, mattresses ,and children’s toys.
Not a surprise. I might have expected a slightly higher percentage of fresh foods but I don’t know what counts as “packaged”. Would something in the refrigerator section in a package (e.g., hummus; salsa) be counted as fresh or packaged?
3. No Coffins Sold
The author discusses the surprise among members that Costco stores in the US were selling coffins. Coffins are not sold in Spain.
Coffins are definitely one of the oddest products sold at Costco. It is especially hard to imagine them being a big seller given that they are sold in a pack of three. So I can certainly imagine that members in other countries would find it surprising that Costco stores in the US sell them.
4. Diamond Jewelry Available
The article mentions the availability of diamond jewelry at Costco.
I find diamond jewelry to be another odd item for Costco to sell but it is sold in the US as well
5. Many Local Products
Apparently, more than 40% of the products in the store come from Spanish vendors.
Not too surprising.
6. Many Products Sold in Bulk
The article highlights the large size of most items, ranging from the double sized carts to the products sold in bulk.
Of course! This is Costco…
7. Some Products Sold in Smaller Sizes
The author points out that the store is trying to offer some smaller packaging. She explains that, because large containers may be too large for members, the store may provide the same quantity of the product but divided into smaller packaging.
I don’t know if stores in the US have focused on making smaller packages. I suspect they have, as there are several items where each container is “normal-sized” but one must buy several containers at once (e.g., guacamole). I certainly prefer multiple smaller containers because they are less likely to go bad than huge containers that I cannot finish quickly enough. The smaller sizes are one of the benefits of shopping at BJs I wrote about when comparing the different warehouse stores (Costco vs. Sam’s vs. BJs: part 4).
8. Low-cost Gas
The article mentions that this Costco in Spain sells low cost gas to attract nearby residents and potential new customers.I have written about the good deal on gas at Costco in the past (Got gas?). Although not all warehouses have gas stations, when offered, it is a good idea to fill the tank there.
9. Not Accessible by Public Transportation
The author points out that members need access to a car in order to shop at this store.
Although it would be nice to have easier access to Costco, as I have noted in the past, I don’t think it would be very practical to shop at Costco when one has to carry the items on public transportation (Costco in Japan (International Series #6)); (Costco in China (International Series #8))).
10. Lower Membership Fees
The difference between Costco and regular supermarkets is that you have to pay a membership fee before you can shop. Annual dues are €36 for private consumers and €30 for professionals.
Not knowing the Euro-to-dollar conversion, I looked it up. I learned that the prices are the equivalent of $40 for individuals and $33 for professionals (which I’m guessing means businesses). These fees are clearly less than in the US and show that, as in some other countries (but not the US), there is a difference between individual and business memberships.
11. Lower prices than Competitors
The article mentions that the store sells brand name items (e.g., Levi jeans; wine) at lower many prices are lower than one could find elsewhere.
Again, not a surprise given the Costco business model.
Are you surprised by this information about this Costco in Spain? Have you been to this store or one of the other stores in the country?
Cruising Costco 