Since about 2006, we've been big box warehouse store members. When we were in California, we went to Costco because it was convenient to our home. Here in Florida, there are both stores and we enrolled in Sam's because of its proximity to our house. While we did save money being members, I've seen the savings wane over the past year. The reasons have been numerous:
1) Max potty trained and no longer needed diapers after 6 months into our membership.
2) Simone enjoyed washing her hands and was tall enough now to turn on and off the faucet.
3) Sam's Club has very little organic choices. Correction: They have only 1 organic choice. Carrots.
4) The Commissary at the military base nearby has more organic choices: Strawberries, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, celery, blueberries, jelly, peanut butter, yogurt, milk, and tofu, to name a few!
5) The Commissary has something Sam's Club does not - Kale!
6) The particular Sam's Club that we frequent does not have a gas station, one of the advantages of having a membership.
I would go to Sam's once a week and found myself not really needing anything. Or if I did need something, it was usually just a loaf of bread, which is something I can get at the Commissary. It is a few cents more at the base, but I save money that money on gas.
I've contemplated Costco and even traveled to one to see if their selection was worth it. They did have organic beef - whatever that means - but that sole grocery item is not worth the 30 minute trek.
It feels almost scary to not have access to a big-box store - as if I'm going to miss out on a deal. But as I look at the picture above and see what Sam's has to offer, I feel better because many of the selection there is not healthy. We did stock up on toiletries before our membership ended, but it won't last us a whole year. Luckily we have the Commissary. Next year might be a different story if we're not near a military base.
For now, au revoir, Sam!
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