When we entered, a host at the door reminded people to take out their membership cards. We walked past the Membership Center, where potential clients can register.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
As we walked past the carts and hosts, we entered the gigantic Costco warehouse.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
At my house, there are large electronic devices on display near the entrance, with televisions stacked on huge shelves.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
There is never a single element, they seem to go on almost endlessly.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
The caps are extremely high and the stocks of products are stretching almost to the end. Many of Costco’s bigger products are located along this side wall.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
You can outfit an entire home with Costco appliances, including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and more.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
Then there are dozens of types of small home appliances, like toaster ovens, coffee makers, and instant pots.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
Finally, along this wall are mattresses.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
Then we finally made our way to the food. The branded snacks were mainly the central displays, sitting on pallets.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
The products are loosely organized by type, like snacks with snacks or baked goods with baked goods, but it’s so overwhelming that it’s good to come up with a game plan.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
For the most part, each section is inside the main warehouse itself, but dairy and some fruits and vegetables have their own separate sections from the main area.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
The rooms look like a smaller version of the main area, with shelves along the walls and pallets in the center. The room is kept cooler than the rest of the store to keep produce fresh.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider
Back in the main warehouse is the bakery with fresh, packaged products.
Mary Meisenzahl / Insider