Latest news with #affordableproducts
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 products you should always buy at Costco — and 4 you should avoid, according to an expert
In a time where many Canadians are feeling the weight of the high cost of living, some are turning to Costco to find the products they need at an affordable price. While most grocery stores carry approximately 30,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), Costco warehouses only carry about 4,000 SKUs. It's part of its strategy to streamline the sale of high quality products; by limiting the variety of products it sells, Costco is able to negotiate lower prices with vendors. However, stepping into Costco can sometimes feel overwhelming. With everything from groceries to furniture, how can shoppers know what items are worth buying and what is better to pass on? Tina Chow is a Canadian content creator who has amassed a large social media following for her account, Costco Lovers Canada. Her videos about Costco products have garnered millions of views online and there's no shortage of new products for her to share and review. Chow spoke to Yahoo Canada to share her expertise on the best products to pick up on your next Costco run, and what you should leave behind. Chow stated that over-the-counter medications are one of her 'key' items that she picks up at Costco under the store's private label brand, Kirkland Signature. Costco controls the sourcing, production and retail price of Kirkland Signature products, which are usually more affordable than name brand competitors. A package of Kirkland Signature ibuprofen is currently priced at $13, and includes two bottles containing 500 tablets per bottle. Kirkland Signature extra strength acetaminophen is also on sale for $16 and is available over-the-counter. For those who take these medications frequently, these are worthwhile deals that will last. While Costco is known for its low-price products, they also carry a variety of high-end products that can help you save on your next high-end designer purchase. An example that Chow lists is a women's Burberry Kensington Heritage trench coat, which is currently priced at $2,400 on the Costco website, compared to its full price of $3,290 on the official Burberry website. When making pricey purchases like the highly coveted Dyson Airwrap for $800, Costco shoppers can take advantage of the store's return policy. Although there are some restrictions, a majority of products can be returned at anytime with or without the original receipt. If you're looking to invest in clothing or designer items, it's helpful to know you can get a full refund at anytime. Costco is a great place to shop and save on personal care items, like razor blades, at a significantly lower price than its competitors. Currently, Costco is selling Gillette Fusion5 razor cartridges containing 18 cartridges for $65, compared to the $109 price that Walmart is selling them for. That's a 40 per cent difference in price, and those savings add up over time. Costco carries a diversity of skincare products of well known brands like Clarins, the celeb go-to La Mer and K Beauty available for purchase online. Chow said shoppers can also find La Roche Posay products behind counters at select Costcos. Costco's flexible return policy allows shoppers to try out skincare products and bring them back if they find the product unsuitable for their skin type. Chow said Costco's rotisserie chicken is one of one go-to products that makes an affordable, healthy and versatile option for meals. 'I will drive to Costco for that chicken because it's better priced; it's bigger, it's juicer,' said Chow. Currently, one 1.2kg Kirkland Signature seasoned rotisserie chicken is priced for $9, and can be delivered to your doorstep through Costco's same-day delivery service. A sought-after option among shoppers is Rummo pasta, a product that Chow said people 'flipped out over' when it hit Costco shelves. Online, a Rummo variety pack containing six packs of pasta is priced for $20. The Costco website is currently limiting shoppers to purchasing two units per purchase, showing its popularity. Another option available is Welth protein rotini pasta, containing 22 grams of protein per 100 grams, and alongside being gluten-free is also halal, non GMO and vegan. There are three flavours available; it's original flavour, spinach and beetroot. Although there are plenty of products that make a trip to Costco worthwhile, there are certain items that you might want to avoid adding to your shopping cart. Let's take a look at inventory that may be best to leave behind. While Costco's Tire Centre can be convenient for some, there are a few downsides to the service. 'I won't do my tire stuff at Costco, I do that at local branches because I know you can save a bit of money,' said Chow. She also acknowledges that the waitlist to get tires fixed at Costco is quite lengthy since 'people are constantly trying to get appointments,' which leads to prolonged wait times. In addition, Costco's customer service page for their Tire Centre states that a tire order typically arrives in approximately five to 10 business days from the date of purchase, which can be a lengthy wait for an urgent fix or replacement. Costco's Tire Center page also states that tires are only available to be installed on Costco-purchased tires only, which can be a tricky work-around for those looking to use these services. While buying products in bulk is Costco's bread and butter, there are instances where it is safer to not buy certain products en masse, one of which being sunscreen. Chow particularly pointed to Boo Bamboo Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen as an example, where currently a package of three bottles consisting of 214g each for a price of $50. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreen usually expires after three years and should not be used after its expiration date. Health Canada requires visible expiration dates on sunscreen products available over-the-counter. While it is a product that is essential in the summertime, buying excessive amounts of a product could be more of a waste. 'I've got a ton of sunscreens, but are we really going to use that much?' Chow said. If you are looking for healthy options and prevent spoilage, it might be better to pass on packaged salads during your next Costco trip. The portion size sold can be a downside to bulk shopping. Not every household may benefit from the portion sizes of pre-packaged salads or produce in general. In some cases, people might be saving money — but having their products go to waste. Depending on your needs, Chow said it might make more sense to buy salad as-needed at your local grocery store rather than wait for a trip to Costco. Also, the kinds of salad available can be limited to what the stock in your location has, so there is no guarantee that a kind of salad you once bought is still present. Chow said butter is another product she usually tends to avoid purchasing at Costco because of how much product comes with one purchase. However, if you have a large family or do a lot of baking, Costco might be an economical option. It all depends on your needs.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 products you should always buy at Costco — and 4 you should avoid, according to an expert
In a time where many Canadians are feeling the weight of the high cost of living, some are turning to Costco to find the products they need at an affordable price. While most grocery stores carry approximately 30,000 stock keeping units (SKUs), Costco warehouses only carry about 4,000 SKUs. It's part of its strategy to streamline the sale of high quality products; by limiting the variety of products it sells, Costco is able to negotiate lower prices with vendors. However, stepping into Costco can sometimes feel overwhelming. With everything from groceries to furniture, how can shoppers know what items are worth buying and what is better to pass on? Tina Chow is a Canadian content creator who has amassed a large social media following for her account, Costco Lovers Canada. Her videos about Costco products have garnered millions of views online and there's no shortage of new products for her to share and review. Chow spoke to Yahoo Canada to share her expertise on the best products to pick up on your next Costco run, and what you should leave behind. Chow stated that over-the-counter medications are one of her 'key' items that she picks up at Costco under the store's private label brand, Kirkland Signature. Costco controls the sourcing, production and retail price of Kirkland Signature products, which are usually more affordable than name brand competitors. A package of Kirkland Signature ibuprofen is currently priced at $13, and includes two bottles containing 500 tablets per bottle. Kirkland Signature extra strength acetaminophen is also on sale for $16 and is available over-the-counter. For those who take these medications frequently, these are worthwhile deals that will last. While Costco is known for its low-price products, they also carry a variety of high-end products that can help you save on your next high-end designer purchase. An example that Chow lists is a women's Burberry Kensington Heritage trench coat, which is currently priced at $2,400 on the Costco website, compared to its full price of $3,290 on the official Burberry website. When making pricey purchases like the highly coveted Dyson Airwrap for $800, Costco shoppers can take advantage of the store's return policy. Although there are some restrictions, a majority of products can be returned at anytime with or without the original receipt. If you're looking to invest in clothing or designer items, it's helpful to know you can get a full refund at anytime. Costco is a great place to shop and save on personal care items, like razor blades, at a significantly lower price than its competitors. Currently, Costco is selling Gillette Fusion5 razor cartridges containing 18 cartridges for $65, compared to the $109 price that Walmart is selling them for. That's a 40 per cent difference in price, and those savings add up over time. Costco carries a diversity of skincare products of well known brands like Clarins, the celeb go-to La Mer and K Beauty available for purchase online. Chow said shoppers can also find La Roche Posay products behind counters at select Costcos. Costco's flexible return policy allows shoppers to try out skincare products and bring them back if they find the product unsuitable for their skin type. Chow said Costco's rotisserie chicken is one of one go-to products that makes an affordable, healthy and versatile option for meals. 'I will drive to Costco for that chicken because it's better priced; it's bigger, it's juicer,' said Chow. Currently, one 1.2kg Kirkland Signature seasoned rotisserie chicken is priced for $9, and can be delivered to your doorstep through Costco's same-day delivery service. A sought-after option among shoppers is Rummo pasta, a product that Chow said people 'flipped out over' when it hit Costco shelves. Online, a Rummo variety pack containing six packs of pasta is priced for $20. The Costco website is currently limiting shoppers to purchasing two units per purchase, showing its popularity. Another option available is Welth protein rotini pasta, containing 22 grams of protein per 100 grams, and alongside being gluten-free is also halal, non GMO and vegan. There are three flavours available; it's original flavour, spinach and beetroot. Although there are plenty of products that make a trip to Costco worthwhile, there are certain items that you might want to avoid adding to your shopping cart. Let's take a look at inventory that may be best to leave behind. While Costco's Tire Centre can be convenient for some, there are a few downsides to the service. 'I won't do my tire stuff at Costco, I do that at local branches because I know you can save a bit of money,' said Chow. She also acknowledges that the waitlist to get tires fixed at Costco is quite lengthy since 'people are constantly trying to get appointments,' which leads to prolonged wait times. In addition, Costco's customer service page for their Tire Centre states that a tire order typically arrives in approximately five to 10 business days from the date of purchase, which can be a lengthy wait for an urgent fix or replacement. Costco's Tire Center page also states that tires are only available to be installed on Costco-purchased tires only, which can be a tricky work-around for those looking to use these services. While buying products in bulk is Costco's bread and butter, there are instances where it is safer to not buy certain products en masse, one of which being sunscreen. Chow particularly pointed to Boo Bamboo Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen as an example, where currently a package of three bottles consisting of 214g each for a price of $50. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreen usually expires after three years and should not be used after its expiration date. Health Canada requires visible expiration dates on sunscreen products available over-the-counter. While it is a product that is essential in the summertime, buying excessive amounts of a product could be more of a waste. 'I've got a ton of sunscreens, but are we really going to use that much?' Chow said. If you are looking for healthy options and prevent spoilage, it might be better to pass on packaged salads during your next Costco trip. The portion size sold can be a downside to bulk shopping. Not every household may benefit from the portion sizes of pre-packaged salads or produce in general. In some cases, people might be saving money — but having their products go to waste. Depending on your needs, Chow said it might make more sense to buy salad as-needed at your local grocery store rather than wait for a trip to Costco. Also, the kinds of salad available can be limited to what the stock in your location has, so there is no guarantee that a kind of salad you once bought is still present. Chow said butter is another product she usually tends to avoid purchasing at Costco because of how much product comes with one purchase. However, if you have a large family or do a lot of baking, Costco might be an economical option. It all depends on your needs.


Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Southeast Asia's Mr.DIY to open in South Africa
Southeast Asia's home improvement store, has announced its entry into the African market, with its first expansion into South Africa. The retailer will open its first store in the country in Pretoria at the end of June. an Malaysian retail brand, has grown from its first hardware store in 2005 to having nearly 5,000 stores across Asia and Europe. Today, it has a global footprint in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, and Bangladesh, as well as Türkiye, Spain, and Poland. South Africa becomes the fourteenth country in global network and marks its latest continental expansion into Africa. Anchored on its promise of offering everyday essentials in convenient locations and at 'Always Low Prices', the retailer carries a broad range of more than 17,000 types of products, including hardware, household items, electrical goods, stationery, toys, and more, offering an enjoyable shopping experience for the whole family. first store in South Africa will open its doors at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria, on 28 June 2025. Commenting on its entry into South Africa, South Africa's head of business development Jamie Williams said, 'We are thrilled to expand our global presence into South Africa, representing our first expansion into the African continent. South Africa is a dynamic and growing market, with increasing demand for affordable, high-quality household and lifestyle products. As consumers become more value-conscious, our business model, built on a broad product range, 'Always Low Prices' promise, and a convenient shopping experience, is well-positioned to meet their needs. With a strong global presence, Mr D.I.Y. is known for delivering value, operational excellence, and a commitment to customers. We look forward to bringing this same commitment to South African shoppers and contributing to the country's evolving retail landscape.' Williams also announced that aims to have a total of six stores across the country by the end of 2025. 'This expansion will provide customers with a wider range of value-driven options and generate new job opportunities, creating a lasting benefit on local economies, demonstrating our dedication to making a meaningful impact in every community we serve,' said Williams. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
LOT strengthens its footprint in Sharjah with new flagship store at LuLu Hypermarket
LuLu's value concept store, LOT, has strengthened its footprint in the UAE with the launch of its newest and largest branch in Sharjah at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Wahda Street. This strategic expansion underscores LOT's mission to make high quality products affordable and accessible to a wider customer base. Yusuffali MA, chairman of LuLu Group, inaugurated the new LOT store in the presence senior officials from Lulu. The new 47,000 sqft outlet marks LOT's 14th store in the GCC and the 7th in the UAE, making it the biggest LOT to date. "This expansion is part of our vision to provide customers with quality products at budget-friendly prices. Our growth in Sharjah reflects the increasing demand for value-driven shopping experiences. We are on a track to operate 50 LOT stores by 2025," said Yusuffali MA. The LOT offers a lot of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below Dh19. This new initiative ensures that everyone can access high-quality products, including household essentials, kitchenware, fashion for men, women, and children, and more. The occasion was graced by the presence of Saifee Rupawala, CEO of LuLu; Salim M A and Shabu Abdul Majeed, directors of global operations; Anand A V, director of LuLu International Holdings; Mujeeb Rehman, director of Buying; along with several other dignitaries.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daiso, a popular Japanese store chain, is opening the first of 3 locations in Utah — What to know
MIDVALE, Utah () — It's official: The first store in Utah is set to have its grand opening on May 17 and May 18. Here's what you should know. The Beehive State's first Daiso store will be located in the Shops at Fort Union in Midvale (1110 E Fort Union Blvd) and will be holding a grand opening event from 9 a.m. on May 17 until 9 p.m. on May 18. The event is the chain's . The first 200 customers who make a $20 purchase on May 17 at the Midvale store will receive an exclusive tote bag. On Sunday, May 18, every $20 purchase will come with a 'special gift,' while supplies last. How to visit Utah's 'Mighty Five' national parks in one trip The store will be open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Two other Daiso locations are set to open later this year, according to Daiso's : One in Park Plaza in Clinton/Clearfield (both cities are listed on Daiso's website) and one in Provo's Riverside Plaza, with both stores set to open later this summer. 'Daiso is a Japanese value store with unique, affordable products, from household goods to stationery, beauty, snacks, and more,' the company explains in the . The company is family-owned and operates more than 6,000 stores across the world — with more than 150 open in the United States, according to . The store boasts more than 100,000 products and offers 'quality merchandise at affordable prices.' The stores are known for their low prices — items without a price tag are a standard price of about $1.75, but prices may vary by location. The stores often have conversion charts for customers to see what the price in Yen (Japanese currency) would be in USD. According to one of the , products may range from under $2 to just over $15. However, low prices also mean no returns or exchanges — unless the item is and you have the receipt, the store says. To learn more about Daiso and its offerings, visit the Midvale store after it opens or look at its . Daiso, a popular Japanese store chain, is opening the first of 3 locations in Utah — What to know Crews investigating house fire in South Jordan How to visit Utah's 'Mighty Five' national parks in one trip Republicans unveil steep cuts to Medicaid in portion of Trump tax bill 8 injured in 2-car crash, Salt Lake intersection closed Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.