I am very interested in differences among Costco stores in different locations–both domestically and internationally ((Costco food courts around the country and the world); (10 ways to know you are obsessed with Costco: Part 1); (Benefits of a nearby Costco on a beach vacation: Part 2 of 2); (On a Road Trip? Stop at Costco!). Therefore, in addition to 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); (Costco in Spain (International Series #13))), when I see articles comparing different stores within the US, I will discuss them.
This post discusses an article by someone who compared Costco warehouse stores in Wisconsin (where she grew up) vs New York City (where she currently lives). (She is actually the same person who compared US Costco stores Costco to the store in Iceland (Costco in Iceland (International Series #3)). Specifically, she went to the stores in Grafton, Wisconsin and East Harlem, Manhattan in NYC.
Similarities and Differences Between Wisconsin and New York City Costcos
1. Size of store
The author commented on the size difference between the stores. Whereas the Wisconsin warehouse is larger than the average Costco store (151,000 square feet vs 144,000 square feet), the NYC store is much smaller (110,000 square feet). She commented on the greater difficulty maneuvering her way throughout the smaller aisles in the NYC Costco.
It is certainly not a surprise that the NYC store is relatively small. I am actually surprised that it is even this large. I wonder if it sells fewer items or just has fewer of each item on the floor.
2. Parking
The article points out that, whereas the parking at the Wisconsin store is a free parking lot, members wanting to park at the NYC store have to pay $6 for up to two hours.
Although paying for parking is never fun, it makes sense that a garage would be more practical in NYC. It is a more practical use of space, especially because this Costco is part of a larger complex with other stores.
3. Crowds
The author noted that the Wisconsin store was not crowded on the Thursday afternoon on which she visited the store. There was room to walk through the store and short and quick-moving lines for both self checkout and cashiers. In contrast, members in NYC were waiting in line to enter the store before it opened on a Friday morning. Consistent with the more crowded store, the lines were longer for people trying to check out from both types of checkout.
I don’t know which days and times (outside of weekends) are more crowded in general. However, I would expect the stores to be busier in NYC because there are many more people in the city.
Similar items
Both stores were selling warm clothing during these two winter visits. They also both sell the rotisserie chickens for $4.99. However, apparently, they sold much more quickly in NYC.
It is certainly not a surprise that both stores would sell winter items in the winter. Regarding the chickens, they really do appear to be a staple of all Costco stores ((Costco Questions); (An assortment of Costco facts (Part 1 of 2)); (How Costco Gets Members to Spend More)). It is not clear from the article if they sell more quickly in NYC because of what the different shoppers are seeking or because, as mentioned above, there are larger crowds in the NYC store.
Bakery
The author notes that the bakery in the NYC Costco is certified kosher.
I am not surprised that the bakery in NYC would have a kosher bakery, given the large number of Jewish individuals in NYC. Even in MA, the two Costco stores that I go to the most often (Dedham and Waltham) have kosher bakeries. All Costco stores are likely to sell some kosher packaged items. However, I like when the in-store bakery is kosher so that I can buy the muffins, cakes, and cookies. I would not be surprised if the broader selection of “Jewish food” is also larger in NYC. I imagine they sell a lot of the kosher products ((Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe); (Product Review: Bluehill Bay Smoked Whitefish Salad); (Product Review: Blue hill Bay smoked whitefish); (Product Review: Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon); (Product Review:Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon); (Product Review: Golden Taste Cole Slaw); (Product Review: Galil Organic Roasted Chestnuts)) that may not be found in other parts of the country.
Signs
The article mentions that there were some differences among signs between the stores. Specifically, it mentions that the Wisconsin Costco indicated “fresh produce,” while the New York Costco just said “produce.”
I don’t see the difference on signs as a big deal (not do I think the author did). However, I did think it was a little funny to think that it was a subtle (or not so subtle?) way of indicating that the NYC produce is not fresh. (I’m just kidding. I know the produce at Costco is very high quality; ((What Food Experts Purchase at Costco); (Product review: grape tomatoes); (Product Review: Blueberries); (Product Review: Cal-organic Baby Carrots); (Product Review: Russet Potatoes); (Product Review: Watermelons))).
Local foods
The author comments on the availability of some local products (e.g., cheese curds; coffee beans) in the warehouse in Wisconsin that are not offered in NYC.
It certainly makes sense that there would be some different products offered in different locations and we saw this a lot in the “International Series” (e.g.; Costco in Canada (International Series #1)); (Costco in Australia (International Series #4)); (Costco in Sweden (International Series #10))). Also unsurprisingly, she reports that, despite the lack of cheese curds, the store in NYC has a large cheese selection (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco).
Samples
The author noted that, although samples were offered at the Costco in Wisconsin, there were none provided during her visit to the warehouse in NYC. However, the article explains that samples are offered in NYC but were not yet set up when the store first opened in the morning (when the author visited).
It would be very surprising if samples were not offered in NYC given how much they are a part of the Costco experience! ((A day in the life of a “Sample Giver”); (Samples return to Costco!); (What kind of “sampler” are you?)).
Food court
Apparently the food menu and prices are the same across stores. They were both selling pizza, chicken bakes, sandwiches, hot dogs, churros, and ice-cream sundaes. However, the author noticed minor differences among beverage choices. She mentions that the Wisconsin soda fountain included Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Tropicana lemonade, and Starry lemon-lime soda whereas the NYC food court sold Brisk iced tea instead of Starry. According to the article, allergen information was available in the Wisconsin but not the NYC store.
Although I would expect many similarities among the food court offerings, I am surprised that the food menus are exactly the same. I would expect a few differences, especially because the article mentions sundaes which are not offered in MA (although I have commented that they should, not even knowing they were on the menu at other locations (Free Samples Gone “Too Far”???)). (It was also interesting to see churros mentioned because when I read this article, I had just posted about it the replacement of churros with chocolate chip cookies (Changes Planned for Costco in 2024.)) Regarding the drinks, I have written before about different soda fountain options in different areas of the country. I was also surprised about the allergy information being provided in Wisconsin but not NYC. I think it should be available everywhere and now I want to check if it is available in my local stores. I also wonder if the nutrition information is provided and if so, where (not that people may want it (Food court nutrition: Info you may not want to know)).
Overall experience
The author described her different experiences in the different stores. She felt more relaxed in Wisconsin, whereas NYC felt more crowded and “hectic”. However, she concludes that she would shop at Costco anywhere due to the products offered at the good prices.
I have been to Costco stores that sell different products but have not experienced any vast differences. I’d certainly agree that any warehouse is worth a visit!
Are you surprised by any of these similarities and differences across the stores? Have you been to either (or both) store(s)?
Cruising Costco 