I've never even been to a Costco. I had a membership with Sam's club from work that really helped when buying for a family of 6 and tires were cheap not to mention the electronics and other homeware.
I also used GFS stores for good deals. They are part of the food service supply chains that offer brick and morter grocery type stores to the open public and provide bulk foods at slight markup over restaurant supplier prices. With a family of 6 it was easy to use up a huge can of beans or a side of beef.
As a single, buying and eating for one, with barely an appetite, I find it hard to buy small quantities. I have way more food than I can eat before it goes bad. I wish there were a savings store dedicated to single servings. Ever try to buy a quarter head of lettuce? One sub bun? A half a loaf of fresh bread?
There are some things I buy in quantity, toilet paper, paper towels, stuff like that. But, as for foods, there isn't many stores geared to the single shopper. Most deals are geared for family packs and people with high consumption rates.
One thing that really hurts me is my tendancy to buy "just in case" quantities. I'm a SHTF prepper. I keep two of most things that can be stored. If I have a can of chicken soup, I have two. If I have a bottle of BBQ sauce, I have two. Not only two of one flavor but two of each flavor. When I am wanting to try out a new cooking sauce, I buy two, Just in Case I like it. My cupboards and pantry are stocked full to the brim.
Problem is, I can't control myself. I have way more than I eat. I love cooking but I have nobody to cook for.
If I ever find someone, I certainly won't have a problem feeding her.
Which brings me to expiration dates.
I fight expiration dates.
Its amazing how much food I throw away based solely on its expiration date.
I could donate it to local food banks but if I won't eat it because it might have gone bad, how can I expect someone else to.
Luckily, I'm not really hurting for money.
Just for curiosity I did a seach for local Costco warehouses. The closest is in lower Louisiana (appx 90 miles from me. The next closest is in Mobile, AL (appx 120 miles from me). I wouldn't make that trip even if I had a need. By comparison, there is a Sam's club 30 miles from me. But, with my current buying habits and eating restrictions a membership is a waste of money.