Costco prices so much higher?

[cnj]

Has anyone else noticed in the last year, how much Costco has raised their prices? I was shocked when I went there yesterday.

Tuna last year, around $12, now $14.

Roses used to be $13, now $17

Dunk in donuts coffee used to be $15 a bag, now $20.

25 pound bag of Rice used to be $7 now it is $10

Oreos used to be $5 now $7

Bacon used to be $10, now it is $12

At least their rotisserie chicken is still $5!

I think they have raised their prices far more than regular grocery stores. It seems to be at least 20% on things our family buys a lot of. It is making me reevaluate my membership. Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[cjnix29]

I've noticed too. And don't forget that they raised the price of their memberships! When ours expires, we will probably join Sams instead.

 

[mrsklamc]

I don't find them to be more than grocery store prices, like if you divide out a $2 increase in tuna by the number of cans of tuna in the case...

 

[furb & dez]

They are a wholesaler. They negotiate to buy large quantities of products at or slightly below wholesale prices.

If the wholesale price of an item goes up, guess what? The price goes up for the consumer.

It's not rocket science, people.

 

[Swimalie]

They advertise that they limit the mark-up on items at 15%. If the prices they are charged go up, then their prices go up.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

I think Clark Howard said their max mark up was 14% and Sam's was 22%.

 

[happygirl]

All food prices have went up. It everywhere

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes I noticed prices just went up.

But for OVER three years, at least, prices were stable. I kept a price book for 2 years, and have noticed prices for another year or so, and the prices were solid, never-changing.

I think that they are allowed to *finally* raise their prices, years after the grocery stores started their price-raising.

 

[apnep]

Yes, but things like milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, salads, fruits, veggies, have pretty much stayed the same.

I do notice that the boxes of cereal an shrinking. I went to get a box of the Special K with Strawberries because it was on rebate and noticed the priced went up about as much as the rebate. And I said goodbye to my Dunkin Donuts coffee last year when it went up to $20. But groceries are expensive everywhere and I don't think it's Costco's fault. I still loves me some Costco!

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Food prices are increasing everywhere--restaurants, groccery store, Aldis...Costco is not exempt.

 

[rockiesfan]

I joined Costco three years ago because their price on a 2-lb block of sliced Tillamook cheddar cheese was $5.99. I saved enough on cheese to pay for the membership and any other savings was a bonus. Over the past year, I've been watching the price on the same item rise. Yesterday I paid $8.49 for it. I think I have to switch brands.

 

[cnj]

I recognize that Costco is not exempt from the rising food prices and that Costco has never been the best place to buy certain items (ex: cereal). However, they used to have great prices on quite a few items and I have noticed a significant increase in price in the last year.

I could name you the price of everything we buy on a weekly basis at every store and what sale price to get it at. I can still get my cereal on sale for the same price I paid 3 years ago at the grocery store. This would also apply to bread, yogurt, cookies, produce and meat.

I have a weekly flower budget and Costco used to be the place I would buy my flowers, but now I buy most of them at Trader Joes (although I could not resist 6 dozen yellow roses at Costco two days ago ).

I was just wondering if any of my other fellow price watchers had noticed this increase. I am glad that I am not the only one.

 

[JoiseyMom]

I have found that Sams is more expensive then Costco. I do hate how the prices of eggs flucuate like gas prices though. My Sam's rot. chicken are now 5.99, where my Costco is still 4.99. One item I used to buy at Sam's, bacon bits has gone up over 2.00 a package. I just told DH, he will do without, I am not buying it anymore. I am sorry I didn't stock up!

But prices for food are up everywhere. The sales on items aren't as good either.

 

[dawnandnala]

I joined Costco three years ago because their price on a 2-lb block of sliced Tillamook cheddar cheese was $5.99. I saved enough on cheese to pay for the membership and any other savings was a bonus. Over the past year, I've been watching the price on the same item rise. Yesterday I paid $8.49 for it. I think I have to switch brands.

The Tillamook loaves here are now 2 1/2 lbs. Weird huh? The regular grocery stores are still 2lbs so it is still cheaper than the regular grocery.

 

[Lewisc]

Supermarkets always run "loss leader" sales. Sometimes cereal. Sometimes soda. Paper towels etc.

COSTCO doesn't compete with "loss leaders". Running a "loss leader" promotion means the supermarket needs to make up for the loss by charging more for other items.

I've noticed a lot more Kirkland branded items over the last year or so.

 

[GA Gal]

I have also noticed the price increases, i stock up with the costco coupons. Also the organic food prices are better than Wholefoods.