I know I do not need mayonnaise in bulk; almost nobody does, and even if they do, there are ample choices for finding it in Ann Arbor. Both Sam’s Club and Gordon’s Food Service, located on Carpenter Road, carry bulk-sized warehouse items beyond my wildest needs.

But when I read today about the possibility of Costco coming to nearby Pittsfield Township, I could almost hear a collective yelp of glee from the area bargain hunters.

What other store do you know that has its own youtube video paying tribute to its virtues?

People I know with Costco memberships are fiercely loyal to the place. Here are some of the reasons they give as to why:

• Selection and variety. There is a mind boggling assortment of meat, vegetables, books, furniture, housewares, tools, and everything in between. The selection is always changing, so many shoppers check in at least once a week.

• Name Brand and Organic Foods: Unlike other warehouse stores, Costco carries a wide selection of well established brands at better than sale prices. Some favorites: Organic ground beef, chicken, milk and eggs, Stonyfield Farm smoothies, Bounty paper towels, Kleenex, Sabra Hummous, Stacy's Pita Chips, Starbucks Coffee, Bulk seasonings and spices.

• Reliable Store Brand. The Kirkland brand is often times just as reliable as the better name brand merchandise they sell. Paper products and cleaning supplies are especially well liked.

• Prices. By and large the very best sited reason for Costco shopping is price. Even after paying a membership fee, members are amazed at the deep discounts they can find with regularity. Fine cheeses are priced surprisingly well. Quality bedroom furniture is another area where members can really find a great deal.

• Deep Clearance Prices and Coupons. Because the selection is always changing, their clearance prices cannot be beat. Men’s casual clothing and seasonal products are sometimes unbelievably discounted. Costco also sends out special coupons for members to rake in additional savings.

• Return Policy. Costco is still one store that makes returning products easy and hassle free. Though the policy has recently been amended, returns can still be made without a receipt and even by non-members, even on items that are no longer in stock.

• Customer Service. The return policy is just one piece of the customer service, in which Costco employees seem to excel. The employees tend to be genuinely friendly and enjoy the store as much as the rest of us.

• Food Court. Where else can you get a huge hot dog or Polish sausage with a drink for $1.50? Their generous pizza slices and chicken wraps, and smoothies are also a deal. A family of 4 can take in a lunch for under $10.

• Samples. If the food offerings are not enough to fill your tummies, Costco shoppers can also peruse the aisles for prepared samples of new and best selling items.

So if it comes, do I join? Most longtime members also warn of the spending sprees that seem inevitable with membership. A quick stop for toilet paper ends with a $150 receipt listing stuff you didn’t even know you needed. The dangers of overspending seem to
get lost among the bargains.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.