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SALT LAKE CITY -- Costco shoppers will soon have to pay more money just to shop there. The company will raise its membership prices by ten percent. In this economy, the hike has some questioning if it's still worth paying for the membership.
The price hike didn't seem to faze some shoppers we spoke with. In fact, for some of them, warehouse and bulk shopping is a sort of a past time. Mac MacQuoid is the Social Director in his house. He's grocery shopping for a book club party tomorrow.
It's going to be more than they need. So i have to say 'oh what other function are we going to do next week to justify getting a lot of grapes and a lot of cheese," said MacQuoid.
If you're a coupon user or want to use coupons, grocery store shopping will win out every time. But, if you're not a coupon shopper, you're going to find a lot of great deals at Costco.
–Melea Johnson
The Park City resident shops at Costco and other grocery stores at least a couple of times a week. He admits he doesn't always save money.
"I don't want to be in here and not have a set agenda because i will buy things i don't need," he said.
MacQuoid isn't bothered by Costco's decision to raise its membership rates by ten percent.
Starting November 1, 2011: A costco membership will cost between $55 to $110 depending on the membership Sam's Club membership prices range from $35 to $100.
"A lot of people think with Costco or big other warehouse store you have to buy big in bulk to save money. But most of the time you want to buy smaller amounts with coupons to save the most amount of money," said shopping expert Melea Johnson.
Johnson said since warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club have the same idea, you'll have to do the leg-work to receive the savings, which includes shopping at regular grocery stores.
"So if you can figure out the price per ounce and divide it out with your cellphone, your calculator on your cell phone, you can figure out what is the better deal," she said.
And for some, like Salt Lake resident Sally, it is worth it to pay a hundred dollars a year to shop at both Sam's and Costco mainly because:
"I just find things here that i don't find there and i don't find things there that I find here."
She shops here twice a week to get meds, meat, and produce. For her the savings is worth the membership. "I figure I'm still saving that much money or more."
But Johnson said the savings really depends on what items you plan to buy.
If you're a coupon user or want to use coupons, grocery store shopping will win out every time. But, if you're not a coupon shopper, you're going to find a lot of great deals at Costco."
Johnson also said were great Costco buys were their Kirkland brand baby formula, trash bags, electronics, and gas. She suggests people try out the trial membership before buying in to the warehouse stores.
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