Product Selection and Quality: Kirkland Signature vs. Member’s Mark
Perhaps the most important factor in the Costco vs Sam’s debate is the products themselves. The savings don’t matter if you don’t like what you’re buying. Here, the biggest difference comes down to their approach to store brands versus national brands.
The Power of the Store Brand
Costco has built a massive following around its private-label brand, Kirkland Signature. The brand is known for its exceptionally high quality, and it’s an open secret that many Kirkland products are made by the same top-tier companies that produce well-known national brands. From coffee co-branded with Starbucks to batteries made by Duracell, Kirkland Signature items often offer name-brand quality at a significant discount. For many loyal Costco shoppers, the Kirkland brand is the primary reason they belong to the club.
Sam’s Club has its own store brand, Member’s Mark, which has improved dramatically in quality over the years and is very competitive. They offer a wide range of products, from groceries and paper goods to clothing and outdoor furniture. While it may not have the same cult following as Kirkland, Member’s Mark consistently delivers excellent value and solid quality. If you’re not wedded to a specific national brand, trying the Member’s Mark version can be a great way to save money.
The Comfort of National Brands
This is where Sam’s Club often pulls ahead. If your household is loyal to specific brands—whether it’s Hellmann’s mayonnaise, Tide laundry detergent, or Kellogg’s cereals—you are generally more likely to find them at Sam’s Club. They tend to carry a wider variety of national brand items compared to Costco, which often prefers to offer just one national brand option alongside its Kirkland Signature counterpart.
For seniors who have relied on certain brands for decades and don’t wish to switch, this can be the single most important deciding factor. Before committing to a membership, it’s a wise idea to visit the store (you can often get a guest pass or walk in to look around) or browse their website to see if they carry the specific brands that are “must-haves” on your shopping list.
Key Categories for Seniors
Beyond general groceries, certain departments are especially important for older shoppers. Both clubs excel in these areas, but with slight differences.
Pharmacy and Prescriptions: Both Costco and Sam’s Club pharmacies offer some of the lowest prices on prescription medications, often beating traditional drugstores even for those without insurance. You do not need a membership to use the pharmacy at either club, but members may receive additional discounts. This is a critical money-saving service for anyone on regular medications.
Optical and Hearing Aid Centers: This is another area of huge potential savings. Both clubs offer comprehensive optical services, including eye exams and a wide selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses at very competitive prices. Their hearing aid centers are also highly regarded, providing high-quality, modern hearing aids for thousands of dollars less than specialty retailers. The services and product offerings are very similar, so the best choice may simply be the one that’s more conveniently located for you.
Health and Wellness: Costco often has a slightly larger selection of organic foods, vitamins, and supplements. If organic produce and specialty health items are a priority for you, Costco’s selection might be a better fit. However, Sam’s Club has been expanding its healthy and organic offerings under the Member’s Mark brand and is very competitive on price for staple items.
