Thursday, June 28, 2018

#TBT The Short Lived Costco Self Scan Checkout

Happy Thursday! On this #TBT I want to highlight a short lived feature a few warehouses around the US tested in 2013 & 2014: self scan checkout.


How It Worked:
You scanned your membership card to obtain a scanner which you then used to scan each item's barcode as you added it to your cart. 



All of the carts were equipped with holsters for the scanner so they were readily accesaible while you shopped.


The scanners were fairly intuitive and easy to use. TVs mounted above the self scan kiosk had a short video that walked you through how to use the scanners. Also, there was always a knowledgable employee standing by if you had questions. 


If you accidentally scanned something twice, or decided not to buy an item, you could easily remove it from your scanner.


The scanner kept a tally of how many items you scanned. You could easily browse your scanned items to make sure you hadn't forgotten to scan anything.


Checkout was a breeze because you didn't have to unload everything in your cart at the registers. Instead, you left all of your items in the shopping cart and used separate self-scan-only registers. An employee would confirm the items in your cart matched the list on your scanner, ensuring everything had been scanned. Then, they would scan your list to the register so you could pay as usual. If you were purchasing any age-restricted items, the register would prompt the employee to enter your ID info. Self scan checkout accepted electronic payments only (debit & credit cards), but if you needed to pay using cash or check, the employee could move your transaction to a regular register.


My Experience:
I loved being able to load up my cart knowing I would only have to unload it once - into the the back of my car. I also enjoyed the faster checkout. To me, the only real downside was the scanner did not keep a running tally of my total cost, which seemed like a missing feature. But I guess I understand why Costco excluded the total - if you could see how much money you were spending, you might be inclined to put some items back!


Why It Ended:
When self scan disappeared, I asked several different employees why it had gone away and was told everything from "it was just a trial that was never intended to be permanent" to "there was too much shrink (e.g. theft)."


While it didn’t last, it was fun to try while it was around!

#costco #costcofinds #selfscan #costcobuys #costcodeals #costcofind #costcohaul #throwbackthursday #throwback #TheCostcoConnoisseur




Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur
#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur




Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Celebrate #InternationalSushiDay with Costco!

The 18th of June is #InternationalSushiDay - established in 2009, the goal is to spread the love for sushi all over the world!

Did you know some Costco warehouses have SUSHI!? Obviously warehouses in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have sushi, but in the US there are only a handful of warehouses I know of that make fresh, delicious sushi daily. Most of these 'sushi counters' if you will can be found at Costcos in Hawaii, and in select warehouse around the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas.

Even if you aren't lucky enough to live near a Costco that makes fresh, delicious sushi daily, I hope you can still find some sushi to enjoy to celebrate today!


Here are some examples of different kinds of sushi you can get at US Costcos:

Ahi Sashimi Tray:

Ahi & A'u Sashimi Tray:

California Rolls:

Futomaki Rolls: 

Shoyu Tuna Rolls:

Smoked Salmon Rolls and Shrimp Crunch Rolls:

California Rolls with Dungeness Crab:
*Note: These are older photos from the last time I was in Hawaii and San Francisco ;)


🍣

#Costco #InternationalSushiDay #CostcoSushi #Sushi #CostcoFinds #CostcoBuys #CostcoDeals #CostcoFood #TheCostcoConnoisseur #GoingToAllTheCostcos


Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur

#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur



Costco #MarkDownMonday Finds: 18 June 2018



Before I get into this weeks #MarkdownMonday finds I want to again clarify a few things in response to some questions I have received. I do not have any control over what or when Costco marks items down. (Remember, I am not a Costco employee, just a Costco super fan.) 
I just use the #MarkdownMonday hashtag to highlight marked down items that I come across during my Costco outings. It is my understanding that most markdowns are made at the discretion of each warehouse manger based on sales, so markdown prices and item availabiliy vary from each Costco warehouse. I hope that clears up any confusion, but if anyone has questions feel free to send me an email or leave a comment below :)
Now, on with this weeks finds...



Schools are out, summer is getting into full swing and it’s time to hit the pool! Save on these heavy duty dipped Deluxe Pool Noodles, marked down to just $12.97.
Features:
•triple dipped vinyl ensures resistance to UV rays, pool chemicals and salt water to prevent fading
•soft, luxurious foam conforms to the body
Choose from two color combinations: pink & orange or green & blue.
#costcopool #summertime #pool #poolparty #beach #beachtoys #pooltoys



How much fun does this Bestway Inflatable Family Pool With Slide look!? At over over 12' long, it holds a whopping 101 gallons of water, and it is marked down to just $29.97.
Features:
•extra wide walls
•1 inflatable slide
•1 inflatable bench
•1 inflatable backrest
•2 drink holders
#costcopool #summertime #pool #poolparty #bestwaypool #backyardfun



Create shade anywhere you need it - no tools required - with a Coolaroo 13’ x 7’ Rectangle Shade Sail, marked down to $19.97.
Features:
•blocks out 90% of UV Rays
•Choose from three colors: pebble, mocha, terra-cotta
#summertime #shade #coolaroo #coolarooshade #pool #beach #camping #sunsoutbunsout #funinthesun #sunsafety


With a powder coated finish and 2-prong staked base, this Decorative Metal Flower will bring rustic charm to your garden or patio. Each flower is 54.7” tall, 11.6” wide, and marked down to $12.97.
 #garden #patio #costcogarden #costcopatio #backyard #costcobackyard


This set of 3 Decorative Glass Jar Lights is marked down to just $9.97. Each set contains one silver, one gold and one rose gold jar with mini LED lights. Three AAA batteries are required per jar. Batteries not included.
#garden #patio #backyard #costcogarden #costcopatio #costcobackyard


This 8.5’ long (2.6m) Copper Plated Tulip Rain Chain has 11 tulip shaped cups, and is a beautiful alternative to a boring, builder grade downspout. Marked down to $24.97.

#rainchain #rain #garden #patio #costcogarden #backyard #costcobackyard #costcopatio 


Remember, prices and a selections vary by warehouse.
And don't forget one of the Costco general rules of thumb: if you see a markdown grab it because chances are it will be gone before the next time you come back!



Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur

#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur


Monday, June 18, 2018

Get Washington Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup Championship Apparel at Costco!


At Costco warehouses in the Washington D.C. Metro area you can score authentic, NHL licensed fan apparel that won't break the bank!

Show your team spirit & celebrate the Washington Capitals historic Stanley Cup Victory with a t-shirt or performance polo from this limited time NHL Special Event.


This Men's performance golf polo, 100% polyester, is just $19.99:

These t-shirts are just $16.99 each - about half the price of what similar t-shirts are selling for at Dicks Sporting Goods, Fanatics.com, and the NHL shop. This dark gray one, 50/50 cotton, polyester blend, lists the team roster on the back:



This red t-shirt is made of pre-shrunk 100% cotton:


While not a Championship shirt, this light gray tee, made of a 90% cotton & 10% polyester, is a classic throwback to Hockey in D.C:


Don't forget about the kiddos! Costco also has this 100% cotton youth sized Stanley Cup t-shirt:


(Sizes and selections vary by warehouse - hurry before they sell out!)


Costco is also carrying a selection of commemorative memorabilia - like these special issue magazines, which of course are offered at special Costco only prices that are 30%+ LESS than the cover price!


#Costco #ALLCAPS #capitals #washingtoncapitals #hockey #NHL #SportsIllustrated #TheWashingtonPost #StanleyCup #Champions #SthanleyCupChampions #costcofind #costcofinds #costcodeals #costcobuys #TheCostcoConnoisseur


Until next time,
the Costco Connoisseur

#GoingToAllTheCostcos


P.S.
Follow me on Twitter! @CostcoConoiseur
Follow me on Instagram! @theCostcoConnoisseur