会員証を持たずにコストコに入る方法

Costco is a store that many Japanese seem interested in.  It really showcases North American consumerism – Costco stores are huge box stores that resemble a warehouse and sell large items in large quantities or packages.  Strangely though, we don’t find the prices to be any better than going say, to a No Frill supermarket or Chinatown, but in Canada, Costco is convenient for families.  You can buy groceries, electronics, and household items in one trip.  On an average weekend, a Costco parking lot is crazy… really crazy.

To get into a Costco, you usually need a membership.  However, provincial laws in Canada require that all pharmacies be open to the public.  So, if you tell the door greeter that you’re going to the pharmacy, they will have to let you in without a membership.  However, you can’t buy anything other than items in the pharmacy.  You can, however, walk around and try the free samples (best on weekday afternoons).

If you actually have to buy something at a pharmacy, it’s a good deal, since Costco has the lowest medicine dispensing fees.  If you don’t believe this, here is the pharmacy exception on Costco’s website:

If you want to buy something without a membership, you can do this if a Costco member buys you a gift card.  You can use the gift card without a membership.

Here are some items we do find interesting or cheap at Costco:

The Cafeteria.  The large beef hotdog and drink combination is only $1.50.  In Vancouver’s downtown Costco, you can go to the cafeteria without a membership as it’s located on the outside of the store.

Printing Photos.  Costco has the lowest prices in Canada for printing photos.  You can get enlargements for as low as $3.

Montreal Smoked Meat.  You don’t have to go to Montreal anymore to get smoked meat!  Schwartz’s smoked meat can be purchased in Costco now.

Wine And Beer (Quebec). In the province of Quebec, wine and beer can be sold in supermarkets, so you’ll find good prices and selections for these items in Costco, especially the Quebec craft beers.