Costco had to re-think its real estate, merchandising and warehouse design to succeed in Japan, which is now its largest market outside of North America.
There is one quite near our place (about 15 minutes drive). Been a member for a few years, mainly to get their big bags of espresso coffee beans.
I don't really like it though. Too big, too many people gawking at stuff. The product sizes are too large for our needs and the prices not much better than local supermarkets.
I won't be renewing when my membership runs out this month.
It's relatively popular but I have never had to queue to get into the parking lot or the store.
Fair enough. Re: my membership in Canada, it would be worth 100x more if I had a second fridge/freezer. Still get decent value on the monthly shop and the missus wants it, so thats that haha
I think the value proposition in Japan is access to products that aren't otherwise available, or for people with big families/hosting parties/who own fridge freezers 😁
I don't know which American retailing monstrosity I hate more, Costco or Walmart. I absolutely hate Costco, only going grudgingly after being dragged in there by female companions. I only go to Walmart if there is absolutely nothing else available. Being old enough to remember the wonderful department and grocery stores of the past, Walmart and Costco are the equivalent of shopping in hell. As the US sinks beneath the waves, we can only pray that their retailing monstrosities do to. Good riddance to bad garbage.
Visited the Fukuoka Costco in 2015. Only thing I remembered was Herman Miller Aeron chairs going for 90000 yen. Should've hand carried it.
Damn, they giving em away!
That's an amazing profound article, thank you so much!
Appreciate the read, Anton!
Fukuoka Prefecture is not just outside Tokyo but rather on the island of Kyushu about 1,000 km away from Tokyo.
Thanks Ben! Have updated. What's your verdict on Costco Japan?
There is one quite near our place (about 15 minutes drive). Been a member for a few years, mainly to get their big bags of espresso coffee beans.
I don't really like it though. Too big, too many people gawking at stuff. The product sizes are too large for our needs and the prices not much better than local supermarkets.
I won't be renewing when my membership runs out this month.
It's relatively popular but I have never had to queue to get into the parking lot or the store.
Fair enough. Re: my membership in Canada, it would be worth 100x more if I had a second fridge/freezer. Still get decent value on the monthly shop and the missus wants it, so thats that haha
I think the value proposition in Japan is access to products that aren't otherwise available, or for people with big families/hosting parties/who own fridge freezers 😁
Thanks for the shout-out! I still love our local Costco resale shop, if only for the rotisserie chicken!
Such a great piece, thanks Mark! How about the Bulgogi Bake?!
Oh! Now you're making my mouth water! Our little pre-sale shop doesn't have those…yet.
I don't know which American retailing monstrosity I hate more, Costco or Walmart. I absolutely hate Costco, only going grudgingly after being dragged in there by female companions. I only go to Walmart if there is absolutely nothing else available. Being old enough to remember the wonderful department and grocery stores of the past, Walmart and Costco are the equivalent of shopping in hell. As the US sinks beneath the waves, we can only pray that their retailing monstrosities do to. Good riddance to bad garbage.