Costco vs. Sam’s Club — What’s the Difference? A Complete Guide for Asheville & WNC Shoppers

Warehouse club shopping — buying in bulk at discounted prices through a membership — has become a go‑to savings strategy for many households. For years, even though Sam’s Club is here, some folks in Asheville and Western North Carolina still drive out of town to shop elsewhere. Soon, Costco is coming to Candler, NC, and that has a lot of people wondering: What’s the difference between these two giants? Let’s break it down.

Origins & Ownership

Sam’s Club was founded by Sam Walton — the same founder of Walmart — and opened its first warehouse in April 1983 in Oklahoma as Sam’s Wholesale Club. It is still owned by Walmart Inc. today and operates about 600 locations across the U.S.

Costco also opened in 1983 — originally as part of Price Club under a different model — and soon became Costco Wholesale Corp. It’s a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: COST) and has grown into one of the largest membership warehouse retailers in the world.

Memberships & Costs

Both clubs require a paid membership to shop, but Sam’s Club generally has lower pricing on membership:

• Sam’s Club:
  • Club – ~$50/year
  • Plus – ~$110/year
• Costco:
  • Gold Star – ~$65/year
  • Executive – ~$130/year (with extra rewards)

While the prices above can change over time, Sam’s Club usually wins on lower entry cost, but Costco often has higher perceived value for frequent shoppers and larger spenders.

Products, Brands & Prices

Both warehouses sell bulk groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, and more, but they have different private labels:

• Costco’s brand: Kirkland Signature — widely known for premium quality and often excellent value.
• Sam’s Club’s brand: Member’s Mark — also offers budget‑friendly goods.

In general, Sam’s Club tends to have cheaper grocery prices overall, while Costco’s Kirkland items are sometimes seen as higher quality. But pricing can vary based on product, location, and membership perks.

Return Policy & Customer Perks

Both clubs offer generous return policies and member perks (travel deals, insurance offerings, etc.), though specifics vary. Costco is often praised for a very generous return policy, even on electronics in many cases. Sam’s Club recently introduced convenience features like Scan & Go checkout and curbside pickup, which some shoppers love for quick trips.

Customer Experience & Service

Costco generally gets higher marks for customer service and overall member satisfaction, while Sam’s Club regularly wins on membership cost and some tech conveniences like a robust app.

Shoppers often report:

• Sam’s is a bit cheaper and easier to get in and out of
• Costco frequently has better quality products and overall member satisfaction
  – But preferences vary widely with individual needs.

Staff & Wages

Work culture and employee treatment also differ:

• Costco is widely known for higher average wages, stronger benefits, and lower employee turnover than many in retail — contributing to higher morale and often better service.
• Sam’s Club also offers competitive benefits and has been increasing wages, but reviews and ratings indicate it sometimes lags behind Costco in employee satisfaction.

Interesting Facts

• Both clubs launched in 1983 and have competed ever since.
• Costco once merged with Price Club, an earlier innovator in the warehouse model, giving it an edge in scale and membership base.
• Sam’s Club often runs discounted membership deals, especially around holidays, whereas Costco rarely discounts its memberships.

So What Does It All Mean for Asheville?

If you’re already a Sam’s Club member, you know the value of bulk savings close to home. But with Costco on the way in Candler, Asheville shoppers will have a huge new option. Many locals already drive out of town to shop Costco — soon that convenience and choice will be here at home. Each club has its strengths, so you’ll be able to decide which fits your budget, shopping style, and lifestyle best.

✨ Whether you’re stocking up for your family, buying business supplies, or just excited for Costco to join the WNC scene — this rivalry gives shoppers more value and more choice than ever before!

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