She also said her pre-existing notion that private-label food might be lower quality has been challenged.
“I started to kind of recognize that the store brand, private label isn’t necessarily less quality,” she said.
Consumers’ perceptions of private-label foods have improved considerably since the last time interest in store brands surged, according to CoBank, which was around the time of the 2008 recession.
This means the increased share of private-label products in shoppers’ baskets is likely to have more staying power this time around, the report said. Empire Co. Ltd., the company behind Sobeys, FreshCo, Safeway and other grocers, said in its 2024 annual report that it plans to continue growing and enhancing its portfolio of store brands.
In its 2023 annual report, Loblaw noted that customers’ increased focus on value “benefited the Company’s sales due to its strength in private label products, discount banners, and personalized promotions.”
The company even launched a new discount grocery banner this year under its No Name brand.
Grocers not only often get a better margin on private-label products but also see them as a sort of “loyalty program” that can keep shoppers coming back, said Chapman.
He thinks retailers will work hard to keep private-label sales strong through new products, marketing, promotions and shelf space.
America is facing two very daunting tasks on the homefront at the moment.
Surely readers have seen the tragic, devastating images and videos coming out of North Carolina (and Georgia and Florida, and parts elsewhere.)
Entire buildings, entire streets, and entire villages have effectively been wiped off the map by Hurricane Helene, and by all indications, help from authorities is slow in coming. (Although that hasn’t stopped workaday Americans from doing what they always do: helping out.)
Then there’s the massive port strike, affecting much of the East Coast and Gulf areas.
Combined, the two are wreaking havoc on the economy, and as you might guess, people are worried. So worried, we’re seeing claims of panic buying crop up on social media.
Panic Buying At Costco?
Several people have shared what they claim is panic – or at least worried – buying at Costco. Obviously, as with anything on social media, take it with a grain of salt.
User WillWng11 shared a video that shows huge lines and carts filled with necessities like water and toilet paper:
User Chelsarita told a similar story, showing that the toilet paper section of her Costco is completely empty.
For regular Costco shoppers, you know there’s normally enough toilet paper to serve the British Navy.
That wasn’t the only Costco where people reported a dearth of toilet paper, either:
Everywhere you look, it seems to be the same story:
The local News 12 in New Jersey reported that clerks are restocking more than normal due to the expected influx of customers:
Is panic buying really necessary? Some say as soon as they heard about the longshoremen strike they headed straight for grocery store shelves where store clerks are already restocking more than normal due to an influx of shoppers. See the full story on @news12nj@news12 🛒🧻 pic.twitter.com/smrMlPDoHO
The port strike trouble stems from some 50,000 members of the International Longshoreman’s union going on strike for higher pay.
Demands reportedly include a 77% pay increase, even as roughly a third of union members make over $200,000 annually.
The strike taking place in the immediate aftermath of a very deadly hurricane on the same coast is a recipe for disaster if the union can’t come to an agreement.
And speaking of that hurricane, how much help those people are getting is an open question. At least one rescue pilot – a former narcotics unit Sheriff’s deputy no less – reported that he was threatened with arrest after saving several people in his helicopter.
No question, we are looking at a perfect storm for a humanitarian disaster if things aren’t cleared up soon.
Lawyers for Washington state will have past grocery chain mergers – and their negative consequences – in mind when they go to court to block a proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger.
The case is one of three challenging the $24.6 billion deal, which was announced nearly two years ago. The Federal Trade Commission is currently fighting the merger in federal court in Oregon, where closing arguments are expected Tuesday. Colorado has also sued to block the merger.
But if the merger goes through, Washington residents would feel the impact more than the people of any other state. Albertsons and Kroger own more than 300 grocery stores in the state and control more than half of grocery sales there.
Under a plan to ease regulators’ concerns, Kroger and Albertsons would sell 579 overlapping stores, 124 of them in Washington, if the merger goes through. That’s the highest number among the 19 states with stores on the list. The state attorney general’s office says the proposed buyer, C&S Wholesale Grocers, has little experience running stores or pharmacies.
Washington seeks to avoid the situation it found itself in a decade ago, when Albertsons bought the Safeway chain. To satisfy regulators concerned about that deal’s potential impact on supermarket competition and consumers, Albertsons sold 146 stores to Haggen, a small grocery chain based in Bellingham, Washington.
But Haggen struggled with the expansion. Within six months, it had closed 127 stores — including 14 in Washington — and laid off thousands of workers. Haggen sold its remaining stores to Albertsons in 2016. Now, 10 Haggen stores in Washington are on the list to be sold if the merger happens.
“It’s pretty terrifying,” said Tina McKim, a founding member of Birchwood Food Desert Fighters, a group that sprang up in 2016 after Albertsons closed a store in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, a Democrat who is running for governor, wants to block the merger not just in the state but nationwide. In its complaint, filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington says eliminating the “robust competition” that exists between Albertsons and Kroger would lead to higher prices, lower quality and, most likely, store closures.
Albertsons and Kroger say the merger would help them better compete with growing rivals like Walmart and Costco. They are trying to get the case dismissed, arguing a state court isn’t the proper venue to consider a nationwide ban.
“Under our federalist system, Washington cannot wield its antitrust law to dictate merger policy for the rest of the country,” Albertsons and Kroger said in a court filing.
Brad Weber, a Dallas-based partner with the law firm Locke Lord who specializes in antitrust issues, said the Superior Court judge could decide to halt the merger nationwide or limit his ruling to Washington. Judge Marshall Ferguson might also order the companies to make changes to their plans to divest stores to preserve competition.
Ferguson may also decide to delay the case until there’s a ruling from the U.S. District Court in Oregon. Weber said. In that case, the Federal Trade Commission has asked a judge to temporarily block the merger until it is considered by an in-house judge at the FTC.
Albertsons and Kroger insist that their plan, including the sale of stores to C&S, will lower grocery prices and preserve competition. But Washington residents like McKim remain skeptical.
In 2016, Albertsons acquired a Haggen supermarket and then promptly closed an Albertsons store about a mile away in Birchwood. When it sold its former store two years later, Albertsons included a restriction: for the next 20 years, no grocery store could open in the Birchwood shopping plaza.
Albertsons says these types of restrictions — occasionally used when there is a store in close proximity to the store that’s closing — can help grocery companies stay competitive.
But it was a huge blow to the community, McKim said. For 35 years, the Birchwood store had served older adults, students, people with disabilities and lower-income residents who suddenly had no easy access to fresh food.
“We were all really shocked by that. How is it possible to deny food access to a neighborhood?” McKim said. “It made it really hard for anyone without a car to be able to go to another grocery store.”
McKim’s group tries to fill the void by collecting food donations and bringing in produce from local farms, but “it’s nowhere near the level of access people need,” she said.
This summer, after an investigation by Washington’s attorney general, Albertsons removed the restriction on the shopping plaza. A Big Lots that moved into the former grocery store is closing soon, McKim said, and she hopes the space will attract another supermarket. But even if it does, the community may never get back the unionized jobs it lost when Albertsons shut its doors, she said.
McKim said her area does have a Walmart, but it’s even further away from Birchwood than the Albertsons-run Haggen store, which is on the list of stores that would be sold to C&S. She’s also not convinced Kroger and Albertsons need to merge to compete with Walmart.
“This city is growing so quickly, the need for food is absolutely critical everywhere,” McKim said. “When you see other stores succeed, it’s because they curate to the neighborhood’s needs.”
Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.
Building your own business is expensive, and it only keeps growing in cost as you expand. Just outfitting your employees with the necessary office supplies (excluding technology) costs anywhere from $922 to $1,106 per employee.
If you’d like to cut those costs down or shop more smartly, it may be wise to consider investing in a Costco Gold Star Membership, especially since it’s priced at only $60 for one year. You’ll even receive a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card* with your purchase, but you’ll have to act now before the price goes up for good.
Find office supplies, food, and tech at great values.
Costco operates over 500 warehouses nationwide that stock bulk merchandise from brand-name snacks and pre-made meals to brand-name office supplies and technology. With its variety of products, you’ll find that Costco is the ultimate one-stop shop for your business.
If you’re shopping at a brick-and-mortar location, don’t forget to take advantage of Costco’s additional services! Drop your car at the Costco Tire Center to have brand-name tires installed while you’re restocking the company drink fridge or office supplies. Pro tip: if your business has recently hit new revenue or growth goals, consider grabbing Costco’s Orange Dreamsicle Cheesecake to show your appreciation to your employees.
Or, stop by the Costco Gas Station to fill your vehicle with gasoline after checking off your restocking list. If you’re frequently traveling for work, the money you save on gas could just pay for your Costco Gold Star Membership.
Deals aren’t limited to Costco’s physical warehouses, either. As a Costco Gold Star Member, you can also enjoy savings on select items on Costco.com. Depending on your location, you could get two-day delivery or even same-day delivery to your home or business for certain purchases.
Maximize your company’s budget by shopping at Costco.
Whether you’re shopping for snacks for your office pantry, tech, or supplies like pen and paper, let Costco be your go-to destination.
New members (and former members whose memberships expired more than 18 months ago) can get a 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership for just $60. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive your $20 Digital Costco Shop Card* via email within two weeks. Act now, as it’s your last chance to join before the membership price goes up!
*Services are provided to Costco members by third parties.
*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.
NEW YORK — Heads up for consumers: the cost of admission is increasing for Costco members.
Starting on September 1, customers will see a $5-10 increase depending on their membership plan. The change applies to both current memberships and renewals.
It is the first time in seven years that the wholesale chain is increasing its membership fee.
According to Costco, the price change will “help to offset operational costs so we can keep our prices low.”
Despite rising inflation in recent years, membership prices had remained steady.
The fee increase comes after the company announced it would crack down on card sharing by requiring shoppers to scan their membership cards to enter stores.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” Costco said in a statement online. “Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.”
Despite the membership fee increase, Costco says its memberships will continue to include one free card for a designated person in the same household who is at least 16 years old.
For more on how you can still save, watch the video above.
Labor Day may be a national holiday, but it’s also a big day for family get-togethers and backyard grilling with friends, often requiring a quick dash to pick up extra hamburger buns or drinks.
The good news is that plenty of retailers will be keeping their doors open on September 2. Others will remain closed on Labor Day — a national holiday in the U.S. since 1894 — while some stores might have shorter hours. Here’s what to know about what’s open and closed on Labor Day 2024.
Is Costco open on Labor Day?
Costco closes its doors for seven U.S. holidays each year, and Labor Day is among them. That means that you’re out of luck Monday if you hope to make a quick run to the discount chain.
Is Walmart open on Labor Day?
Walmart told CBS MoneyWatch that its locations will be open during their regular hours on Labor Day. Walmart locations are typically open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Which grocery stores are open on Labor Day?
Many grocery stores will be open on Labor Day, although some ask that customers check with their local stores to make sure they will be operating with normal hours. Here are some grocery chains that will be operating on September 2:
Albertsons: Albertsons Companies stores will be open on Labor Day, including Safeway, Albertsons, ACME, Shaw’s, Vons and Tom Thumb. However, the company’s pharmacies may be closed or have adjusted hours.
Food Lion: The chain’s 1,100 locations will be operating during their normal hours, although these vary by location. Most Food Lion locations are open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Publix: Its more than 1,400 locations will be open during their regular hours, but its pharmacies will be closed. Most Publix stores are open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Which pharmacies are open on Labor Day?
Some pharmacies will be closed on Labor Day, so it’s best to check ahead for exact hours and operations.
CVS Pharmacy locations will be open on Labor Day, although some stores may have reduced hours. The company recommends that customers call their local store before visiting or check hours at CVS.com.
Publix pharmacies will be closed on September 2.
Rite Aid said most of its stores will be open for Labor Day, though with varying hours of operation. Customers should check ahead for hours.
Walgreens stores will operate during their regular hours on Labor Day, but most of its pharmacies will be closed except for its 24-hour locations and select other pharmacies. Customers should check the Walgreens’ store locator on its website to check local hours.
Is Dunkin’ open on Labor Day?
Dunkin’ told CBS MoneyWatch that many of its locations will be open on Monday, September 2.
“As always, store hours can vary so we encourage guests to check their go-to location’s hours in the Dunkin’ app or by calling ahead before showing up,” a spokesperson said.
Is Starbucks open on Labor Day?
Starbucks said its store hours will vary by location, and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs.
“We recommend customers look for specific store hours using the Starbucks® app or by visiting our website store locator: Starbucks.com/store-locator,” a spokesperson said.
Is McDonald’s open on Labor Day?
The fast-food giant said most McDonald’s in the U.S. are open on holidays, although hours may vary. It recommends that customers use its store locator tool to confirm hours before heading out for a meal.
Is Chick-fil-A open on Labor Day?
Chick-fil-A, which closes its locations on Sundays, said its restaurants will be open on Monday, September 2.
However, the company told CBS MoneyWatch that hours may vary by location, and it recommends using its app or visiting our website and clicking the “Find a Restaurant” link in the top left corner to find local hours.
Is Home Depot open on Labor Day?
Yes, the home-improvement chains ays its Home Depot stores will be open on Labor Day with no adjustment to store hours. However, it recommends that customers check with their local stores ahead of time just in case. Home Depot’s hours are typically 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Is there mail delivery on Labor Day?
No, there is no regular residential or business U.S. Postal Service delivery on Labor Day, as it is a federal holiday observed by the postal service.
Even so, the USPS said its Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year, will be delivered on September 2.
Are banks open on Labor Day?
Because Labor Day is a holiday for the Federal Reserve system, banks will be closed for the day. However, ATMs will remain available and open for transactions.
Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.
Pretty cool, right? But these advanced hearing aids are not cheap. They’re essentially driven by “mini computers,” and there are costs associated with customization, distribution and professional services, says Glista.
At Hotel Dieu Shaver, the independent Niagara Region clinic where I went, non-AI hearing aids range from $3,551 (Phonak L50-R model) to $5,561 (Phonak L90-R model) after the $1,000 Ontario discount has been applied. In contrast, prices for Starkey AI hearing aids range from around $5,000 for the mid-level model (Genesis AI 16) to $7,000 for the highest tech level (Genesis AI 24), again with the $1,000 Ontario discount applied.
Yet another high-cost contributor is that, unlike over-the-counter aids that you purchase directly from the manufacturer, today’s digital hearing aids provided through an audiologist are often tweaked through a computer.
Using hearing-aid fitting software, an audiologist can select, program and fine-tune the hearing aids. “This includes programming related to sound level and frequency-specific adjustments, based on the person’s hearing loss,” says Glista. “Programming customization also includes other measurements such as real-ear measures to capture how large the person’s ear canal is and ensure that the hearing aids deliver the correct amount of amplification at the eardrum.”
When you visit a hearing clinic, ask for a detailed breakdown of costs associated with different treatment options, payment options including insurance and government assistance, and follow-up and support services offered. Some hearing health-care providers bundle follow-up maintenance of the hearing aids into their pricing, says Glista. They may also spend time helping patients to develop a listening strategy they can use at work, at home and while participating in hobbies.
How much does a hearing test cost?
Before you get a pair of hearing aids, you’ll want to get your hearing tested at a clinic, which is also where you’ll buy and be fitted for your hearing aids. Some hearing clinics offer hearing tests for free, while others charge about $100.
Do insurance and government benefits cover hearing aids?
Financial support for hearing aids may be available in your province or territory, as part of a broader program for assistive devices and disability supports. For instance, Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) pays up to $500 per ear toward the purchase of new hearing aids, for approved applications. (You’ll have to pay for the hearing assessment or find a free one, though—the ADP doesn’t cover that cost.) To qualify, you must be an Ontario resident, have a valid health card, and need the hearing aids for at least six months. Income isn’t a consideration for the ADP.
So, if you’re an Ontario resident and you buy a $5,000 pair of hearing aids, the audiologist will deduct the $1,000 paid for by the ADP, bringing your cost to $4,000. (There’s no sales tax on hearing aids.) If you’re in a 20% marginal income tax bracket, after claiming the balance you paid as a medical expense at tax time, your end cost is reduced to $3,200. Note, however, that for the 2024 tax year, you can only claim eligible medical expenses minus 3% of your net income or $2,759 (whichever is less)—so, some or all of your medical expenses save no tax. (Learn more about claiming medical expenses.)
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Costco Wholesale is installing membership scanners at the entrances of all of its locations to discourage non-members from shopping at the stores.
Soon, instead of flashing their cards at employees, Costco members will be required to scan them as they are entering, the retailer said.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse. Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card,” the retailer stated on its customer service page.
Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member in order to enter a store, Costco added.
The discount retailer began testing the technology earlier this year, with Chief Financial Officer Richard Galanti relaying that more people had been sharing memberships since the pandemic in 2020.
The scanners also spare Costco employees from having to ask shoppers for membership cards at registers and self-checkout, speeding up the process of entering and checking out, the Galanti told CNN.
The retailer recently began asking for shoppers’ membership cards, along with a photo ID, at self-checkout registers, a policy the company also applies at regular checkout lanes.
“We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” Costco stated at the time.
Costco said last month it was hiking its basic membership fee for the first time since 2017, increasing the annual charge to $65 from $60. The roughly 8% cost increase takes effect on September 1, the warehouse club announced. The cost of a premium membership is rising to $130 from $120. Costco also said the maximum annual 2% reward for its executive membership will rise to $1,250 from $1,000.
The pricing change affects about 52 million memberships. Costco operates 882 warehouses, including 609 in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Costco’s crackdown on membership-sharing is taking things to the next level. The retailer has announced plans to add card scanners at the entrances of its warehouse stores in the coming months, with members required to scan in before they start shopping.
Don’t have a card or using an expired membership to get a cheap rotisserie chicken? An employee at the door will steer you to the customer-service desk so you can sign up or renew your account. And all guests will need to be accompanied by a valid member.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” the company said on its customer service website. “Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.”
The only exceptions to the entry rule are people who are visiting the pharmacy or who have an appointment with an in-house optometrist (though you’ll need a membership if you plan to purchase glasses or contacts there).
Costco began experimenting with card scanners (instead of the long-standing practice of just flashing a card at the store employee on duty) in January. A post on Reddit at the time noted that once members scanned their card, a display would show the face on file for the employee to check. If the cardholder was obviously not the member, they could be turned away.
The use of the facial scanners did not replace the photo ID verification at check-out at those locations testing them.
Costco has been adamant about cracking down on membership-sharing, saying in a statement to media last June: “We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members. Costco is able to keep our prices as low as possible because our membership fees help offset our operational expenses, making our membership fee and structure important to us.”
Last month, Costco announced it was increasing the price of membership by $5, raising the price of a basic Gold Star card to $65 per year.
Update 8/2/24: Deal is back for $20 savings on Costco Membership of $60 or $120. (This likely won’t stack with the Groupon deal since that deal brings the price down to $59.99/$119.99.)
The Offer
Check your Bank Amerideals for the following offer:
Get $10 back when you purchase a Costco membership of $60+
The Fine Print
Offer valid one time only
Offer expires 11/19/21
Our Verdict
Stack this with other Costco deals to make it even better. Best current stack can be found here.
Costco is my go-to store for just about everything. The warehouse giant offers bulk grocery essentials at hard-to-beat prices — prices that get even better with Costco’s monthly deals. It’s where I make major tech purchases too: I know I’m getting a great deal and Costco extends the warranty on qualified tech items.
That’s why I’m so excited about Costco’s new July promo. Join as an Executive member online using our exclusive promo code PARA24 at checkout and enroll in auto renewal of your annual membership and you’ll receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card, plus a promo code for $60 off a Costco.com order of $200 or more. This promotion expires August 4, 2024. (You can read all the fine print below.)
You can spend your Digital Costco Shop Card like cash on just about anything Costco has, though some exceptions apply. Given that a Costco Executive Membership is $120 per year, this is like getting your first year of membership for just $20. Plus, since you’ll be earning a 2% Reward on your yearly Costco purchases with an Executive Membership, you’ll save even more.
Tap the button below to take advantage of this Costco membership offer and join now. Remember to use code PARA24.
Why become a Costco member?
Bloomberg/Getty Images
I love Costco— I’ve been a member for more than 24 years. I do much of my household shopping there. It’s my go-to store for paper towels, garbage bags, laundry detergent and all those other household essentials I don’t want to buy regularly at a supermarket. It’s also where I stock up on groceries such as milk, coffee and eggs (they’re much cheaper at Costco than at my local supermarket). Costco is a great place to stock up on wine too. I recommend Kirkland Signature™ brand boxed wines — it’s a solid combination of high quality and low price.
I also make sure to pick up a $4.99 rotisserie chicken when I’m at Costco. It makes a great dinner entree, with plenty left over for making sandwiches or chicken salad the next day. And the price can’t be beat — you’ll pay way more buying a whole chicken to roast at home.
Costco is a great place to find household goods — think furniture, small appliances, bedding and more. And Costco extends the warranty on select electronics to two years at no added cost. Costco has a much friendlier return policy than other retailers, as well.
When I need gas, I stop at the station attached to my local warehouse. The price there is typically lower than nearby stations. Don’t be discouraged by long lines — most Costco gas stations have more pumps than your average gas station. Lines move quickly.
And, of course, every time I visit Costco I stop by the food court. It’s hard to go wrong with the $1.50 hot dog-and-soda combo. Try it the next time you visit. Or take a fresh-baked $10 pizza home for the whole family.
Why I love Costco:
Costco has all the grocery essentials I need at a great price.
Costco is a great place to find new snacks and treats, including local favorites.
Costco has regular savings on essentials like vitamins, coffee and detergent.
Costco has high quality standards, especially when it comes to its own Kirkland Signature brand.
REMINDER: To get your Digital Costco Shop Card, sign up for an Executive Membership and use code PARA24 at checkout.
If you want to take your Costco savings to the next level, I recommend upgrading to a Costco Executive Membership. It costs an extra $60 per year over a standard membership, but you’ll start earning a 2% Reward on your yearly Costco purchases, including vacations purchased through Costco Travel. The annual 2% Reward is mailed with your renewal notice, two months before the renewal date.
Remember to use code PARA24 at checkout.
Why I love the Costco Executive membership:
If you spend more than $3,000 on qualified purchases at Costco per year, you will receive more than $60 for your Reward.
If you’re not satisfied with your Costco Executive Membership, you can convert your membership to a Gold Star membership or cancel your membership at any time and get a refund.
What’s the fine print on the Costco membership offer?
Promotion expires August 4, 2024. To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa® card at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to enroll in auto renewal at the time of sign-up, incentives will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Not valid for renewal or upgrade of an existing membership. To qualify as a new member, an existing Costco membership must be expired at least 18 months or more. Limit one promotion per household. Promotion is non-transferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed to the email address provided by the Primary Member at time of sign-up within 2 weeks after successful sign-up and enrollment in auto-renewal. Costco is not liable for incentives not received due to entry of an invalid address during sign-up. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Wash or Food Court Kiosk. Use the provided single-use promo code when entering your payment information. (Note: You will see a $0.01 deduction on your membership cost after the promo code is entered. This indicates that your promo code has been successfully processed so your incentive will be emailed.) A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.
Promo code for $60 off an order of $200 or more on Costco.com will be emailed separately within 2 weeks of new Executive Member sign-up and enrollment in auto renewal; the promo code will be emailed separately from the Digital Costco Shop Card to the email address provided at time of sign-up. The promo code must be used by October 6, 2024. Code restrictions apply. Promo code is not valid in the warehouse. One promo code per Costco member. Only one (1) $60 off promo code can be used per member per transaction. Promo code will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Promo code amount will not be reissued if merchandise is returned. Ineligible purchases include new Costco memberships, Costco membership renewals, Costco membership upgrade, Gift of Membership, Costco Shop Cards, custom installation services, and Same-Day Grocery Delivery. Not valid for orders at the online Pharmacy, Costco Travel, or Costco Business Delivery. The merchandise total in your cart must equal $200 or more before tax and shipping to receive the promo code for $60 off. The promo code must be entered in the promo code box at checkout to be valid. May not be combined with any other promotion.
Managing editor Fox Van Allen is an expert in tech, laptops and computers, toys and video games for CBS Essentials. When he’s not writing about (or playing) the Nintendo Switch and PS5, Fox’s hobbies include reality TV podcasting, designing board games and hanging out in his favorite warehouse stores.
Shoppers are switching stores or travelling farther for better deals
For some Canadians, saving money on groceries involves switching stores—something the major grocers have taken note of, as they’ve been expanding their discount store footprints to capture demand for better deals.
Some shoppers are travelling a little farther for their groceries, even going to multiple stores to take advantage of all the available promotions, while others are trying to prioritize spending their money at independently owned grocers.
Craig Treulieb in Kitchener, Ont., said instead of doing the bulk of his shopping at Superstore, he has diversified his shopping trip. He now takes a bit more time, hitting up Food Basics and local independent stores.
“We used to not be super concerned about shopping deals and generally found Superstore’s prices to be OK, good enough. And it was convenient doing one shop,” he said.
Treulieb has also signed up for a weekly farm vegetable box, and is buying more in bulk at Costco.
Michael Ianni in Vancouver said he grew frustrated with the prices at his nearby Safeway, and has started travelling farther to go to independent small stores in his area.
“I go and take a nice stroll on Commercial Drive, and I find other stores, and there’s sometimes cheaper prices or comparable,” he said.
“For me, it just feels better to support them. And sometimes if you look, you can find better deals.”
So, is the new CIBC Costco Mastercard the best one to use in store and online? Read on to learn the details of the CIBC Costco Mastercard and of seven attractive alternatives.
CIBC Costco Mastercard review
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CIBC Costco Mastercard
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Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer:This card does not have a welcome bonus at this time.
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Card details
Interest rates
20.75% on purchases and 22.49% on cash advances
Income required
$15,000 per year
Credit score
560 or higher
The pros
The CIBC Costco Mastercard is a no-fee cash back card (just like its predecessor, the Capital One Costco Mastercard). It offers 3% cash back at restaurants and Costco gas stations, 2% cash back at other gas stations—which is handy when you’re on the go—and 2% back when you shop at Costco.ca. For all your other purchase categories, you’ll earn 1% cash back (including at Costco).
This card also comes with mobile device insurance, with up to $1,000 of repair or replacement coverage when you charge or finance the price of a mobile device on your card. With certain eligible purchases, you can also get security insurance and extended warranty insurance. If you meet certain requirements, like having a person income of over $50,000 per year, you may qualify for the CIBC Costco World Mastercard, which is essentially the same card, but includes World Mastercard benefits like car rental insurance, travel perks and more.
The cons
There are a few drawbacks to the CIBC Costco Mastercard. While there is technically no annual fee, to truly reap the benefits of this card, it’s worth noting that you (obviously) have to have a Costco membership, which is $60 or more per year. Another point: there’s no limit on how much you can earn throughout the year. But, the cash back earn rate you receive does come with a cap. When you reach your annual spend in a certain category, you’ll still earn cash back—it will just be at the 1% rate for the remainder of the calendar year in that category. For gas, you will receive the 3% cash back rate (and 2% cash back rate at other gas stations) only on the first $5,000. After that, you’ll earn the 1% cash back rate. For Costco.ca purchases, the cap is $8,000 before you return to the 1% base rate.
The cash back redemption process might be considered a downside, too. While some cards pay out cash back earnings monthly, straight onto your statement or into your savings account, the CIBC Costco Mastercard gives them to you the form of gift certificates, issued in January, that you can redeem for anything in the Costco warehouse.
While Costco’s official credit card benefits Costco members, there might be other Mastercard products, all of which can be used at Costco, that will better meet your needs. This no-annual-fee card doesn’t match the perks of some of the cards we’ll discuss below.
The best Costco compatible credit cards in Canada
Best no-fee credit card for cash back
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Rogers Red World Elite Mastercard
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Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: This card does not have a welcome bonus at this time.
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Card details
Interest rates
20.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, 22.99% on balance transfers
Costco has anew promotion for its Gold Star and Executive memberships. You can get a $40 Digital Costco shop card for the $60 membership, or a $40 Digital Costco shop card and $60 off $200 online for the $120 membership.
You need to use code CJGPNMBR at checkout. You will see a $0.01 deduction on your membership cost after the promo code is entered. This indicates that your promo code has been successfully processed so your incentive will be emailed.
Gold Star Membership
Sign up for a $60 Costco Gold Star membership and enroll in auto-renewal and get a $40 Digital Costco shop card when you use promo code CJGPNMBR.
Executive Membership
Sign up for the $120 Costco Executive Membership, and enroll in auto-renewal of your annual membership to receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card and a promo code for $60 off a Costco.com order of $200 or more, when you use promo code CJGPNMBR.
Costco is running a promo to get $40 Costco Shop Card when you sign up for the $60 basic Goldstar membership tier.
They are also offering two deals when you sign up for the upgraded $120 Executive membership tier: $40 Shop Card and $60 discount coupon on $200 order at Costco.com.
Use promo code CJGPNMBR at checkout on Costco and you’ll see $.01 get deducted which confirms the promo is successfully applied (This particular promo code is from Groupon; there are others out there as well for the same deal.)
Our Verdict
You need to opt-in for auto-renewal to get these deals; you can always change that afterward, just be sure to mark yourself a reminder. Also, this deal only works for someone who has not been a Costco member for 18 months.
I’m thinking of finally becoming a Costco member for the first time in my life. I’m unsure whether to do the Executive membership or the basic Goldstar membership. For someone who like shopping online at Costco.com, the executive deal seems like a no-brainer since you’ll get back the $60 from the online coupon discount on a $200 shopping.
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