Which Big Box Store?


 
I am a huge Costco fan for a bunch of reasons - they pay their employees well, provide health insurance, etc. I personally think Wal-Mart is a bad corporate citizen, and I would not shop there even if their products and prices were superior.

As for meats, their steaks are excellent (especially the ribeyes), ribs, chicken - all awesome.

Where I shop in Northern Virginia they sell single pork butts in cryovac. They are all de-boned, and I have to say I notice a difference. If I want a good butt I go to Harris Teeter.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Paul Kastner:
There is very little difference between big box and big chain grocery store meat. They all come in cryovac. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In terms of my region what my regional grocery chain sells is Standard grade (and sometimes I think it looks like commercial) while pretty much everything I've seen at my local Costco is Choice grade. Generally speaking Costco's prices are comparable to what the grocery store is selling the Standard grade for, maybe a little less in some cases. You can upgrade to Harris Ranch (Choice or Prime) at the grocery store but what they're charging for it is ridiculous. Again, I don't buy meat at Costco as I can get the same grade cheaper at the meat market I go to but I do look at Costco's meat counter whenever we visit (was just there last night). If I didn't have the other options I'd be buying my meat at Costco vs. the local grocery store. Again, I'm only speaking to my region, YMMV.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I don't see where this gives me any other advantage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldn't rule out a membership club just based on meat and I hope my comment didn't imply not to get a membership. We use our membership extensively for TP, soaps, cleaning supplies, Coffee, Olive oil, wine, liquor, vitamins etc. Other stores in my area cannot touch their prices on these items when I'm buying in bulk. Just so happens that in the meat department I have better local options.

PS Costco also saved my A$$ when my daughter changed her mind on a gift on December 23rd. Try finding a Nintendo DS two days prior to Xmas. Costco had several left. Also purchased a Wii and XBox 360 at Costco when they were difficult to find elsewhere. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey Larry - no it didn't. My response was in terms of the meat department as a key driver. I am still interested and watching the dialog. No kids at home now, so bulk buys aren't really that much of a driver either. Pricing would be. It's been a long time since I've stepped inside one. Used to belong to BJ's but that was way back when the big box club store were first cranking up, kids were young and using up a lot of stuff ;-)You can't by wine or liquor in any of these stores in PA AFAIK, due to the PLCB control of all liquour sales in the state.

AFA meat the local small chain meat supplier sells a great quality Choice grade. Very nice lamb and veal, etc. Usually special orders are not a problem, until my recent attempt to get tri tip. Which started me looking around. BJ's does carry them. I also have a high end butcher shop that sells prime angus beef and higher grades of pork, lamb, etc. Higher priced but not all that bad given the quality. Costco looks like it might be another option for Choice cuts.
Still considering a membership for overall buying.

Ray
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by r benash:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I don't see where this gives me any other advantage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldn't rule out a membership club just based on meat and I hope my comment didn't imply not to get a membership. We use our membership extensively for TP, soaps, cleaning supplies, Coffee, Olive oil, wine, liquor, vitamins etc. Other stores in my area cannot touch their prices on these items when I'm buying in bulk. Just so happens that in the meat department I have better local options.

PS Costco also saved my A$$ when my daughter changed her mind on a gift on December 23rd. Try finding a Nintendo DS two days prior to Xmas. Costco had several left. Also purchased a Wii and XBox 360 at Costco when they were difficult to find elsewhere. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hey Larry - no it didn't. My response was in terms of the meat department as a key driver. I am still interested and watching the dialog. No kids at home now, so bulk buys aren't really that much of a driver either. Pricing would be. It's been a long time since I've stepped inside one. Used to belong to BJ's but that was way back when the big box club store were first cranking up, kids were young and using up a lot of stuff ;-)You can't by wine or liquor in any of these stores in PA AFAIK, due to the PLCB control of all liquour sales in the state.

AFA meat the local small chain meat supplier sells a great quality Choice grade of beef. Very nice lamb and veal, etc. Usually special orders are not a problem, until my recent attempt to get tri tip. Which started me looking around. BJ's does carry them. I also have a high end butcher shop that sells prime angus beef and higher grades of pork, lamb, etc. Higher priced but not all that bad given the quality. Costco looks like it might be another option for Choice cuts.
Still considering a membership for overall buying.

Ray </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I don't see where this gives me any other advantage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldn't rule out a membership club just based on meat and I hope my comment didn't imply not to get a membership. We use our membership extensively for TP, soaps, cleaning supplies, Coffee, Olive oil, wine, liquor, vitamins etc. Other stores in my area cannot touch their prices on these items when I'm buying in bulk. Just so happens that in the meat department I have better local options.

PS Costco also saved my A$$ when my daughter changed her mind on a gift on December 23rd. Try finding a Nintendo DS two days prior to Xmas. Costco had several left. Also purchased a Wii and XBox 360 at Costco when they were difficult to find elsewhere.[/QUOTE]

Hey Larry - no it didn't. My response was in terms of the meat department as a key driver. I am still interested and watching the dialog. No kids at home now, so bulk buys aren't really that much of a driver either. Pricing would be. It's been a long time since I've stepped inside one. Used to belong to BJ's but that was way back when the big box club store were first cranking up, kids were young and using up a lot of stuff ;-)You can't by wine or liquor in any of these stores in PA AFAIK, due to the PLCB control of all liquour sales in the state.

AFA meat the local small chain meat supplier sells a great quality Choice grade of beef. Very nice lamb and veal, etc. Usually special orders are not a problem, until my recent attempt to get tri tip. Which started me looking around. BJ's does carry them. I also have a high end butcher shop that sells prime angus beef and higher grades of pork, lamb, etc. Higher priced but not all that bad given the quality. Costco looks like it might be another option for Choice cuts.
Still considering a membership for overall buying.

Ray[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">What my regional grocery chain sells is Standard grade (and sometimes I think it looks like commercial) while pretty much everything I've seen at my local Costco is Choice grade </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

In the midwest it is normal for the chains to sell choice not select. Also if you go to more upscale stores(not whole foods) they sell only prime and american kobe. I was only stating facts from my region. I have shopped in other states and did not notice select meats in the counters. As a side note when Sams first came to St. Louis they sold choice and select. The select did not last too long.
 
I've never shopped at Sam's, so I can't comment on them, however, I've been a Costco member for many years, and have always been shopping there. Also, I second Kent Walker's comments about how Costco treats their employees. First rate company!

Steve
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
In terms of my region I must respectfully disagree </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul, I must apologize, I was going through some of the posts I've participated in recently and I reread this one and I really come across as an a$$. I didn't mean for my comment to come across so poorly. Again my apologizes - Larry
 
Thanks again for all the input. Gave me good info regarding the meat departments and another perspective regarding membership in general.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
I was going through some of the posts I've participated in recently and I reread this one and I really come across as an a$$. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>By the way, you can edit your previous posts by clicking the little eraser icon in the bottom right corner each post.
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Regards,
Chris
 
Thanks Chris, now can you install one of these to edit the drunken toast I made at my sisters wedding I'd be set
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Larry,
FWIW, I did not have a problem with any of your recent posts. I have read many of them, and have much respect you. IMO, you are a great asset to this forum...Yes, I did say ASSET...
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Steve
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LarryR:
In terms of my region I must respectfully disagree </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul, I must apologize, I was going through some of the posts I've participated in recently and I reread this one and I really come across as an a$$. I didn't mean for my comment to come across so poorly. Again my apologizes - Larry </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
 
Larry I understand the differnece between the written word and the spoken. No harm no fould. I just wanted to clear up why my opinion was as stated.
 
I have used both and they are ok. I have a place call top choice poultry. It is where a lot of restraunts get thier meat and chicken. You buy most of it by the case about 40lbs.

You can get wings, breast, whole and half chickens. butts and even some other stuff.
 
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