[makeitdouble]

To note, Costco doesn't make much sense in most places outside of the USA (and doesn't have to. No shop needs to cater to the whole world).

It still exists in select locations in some countries, but are more exotic experiences than anything else. Shopping for weeks of groceries at a time is IMHO crazy niche, it requires a level of isolation and buying power that is seldom combined.

[senbrow]

I think your main point is right, but there are many Costco members who are NOT shopping for "weeks of groceries" at a time, and many of them live in suburban or urban areas with high density. For example, I shop at Costco once a week for just my girlfriend and I; we don't buy outrageous quantities. We live in a populous area.

Our situation is pretty common; it's just a normal grocery store in effect for lots of people. The weird stereotype of Costco shoppers driving for miles to buy huge carts of food just doesn't line up with the typical case for my area.

[smithclay]

As someone who lives in central San Francisco: Costco is amazing with a cargo bike (or Waymo off-peak).

Haven't had Amazon Prime for 2+ years and don't miss it, but would definitely miss my Costco membership.

[newsoftheday]

Agreed. We have two Costco's within 6 minutes driving distance, my wife visits them once a week, like Walmart and Whole Foods. We also shop regularly on Amazon. We don't buy weeks of food at a time.

[btheunissen]

I’m in Australia and I love going to my local Costco with my wife monthly to load up on meat we re-portion and freeze. Calling it an exotic experience is a little much, they operate in 14 countries, I’m just there for the bulk savings with a hot dog or two.

[sevenseacat]

I mean I'm also in Australia and given how few Costcos we have over here, it pretty much is an event because it's not on your way anywhere, you generally have to make a special trip of a decent distance so you want to make it worth the trip.

I think I've been like... three times?

I do have a mate that makes pretty regular trips, but even then they're just that, trips to Costco for some specific purpose or product.

[alfg]

I now live in Tokyo and still make my Costco runs at least once a month. It's nice to have access to most of the same inventory since moving from Los Angeles.