Costco Or Sam’s Club – Which Is Las Vegas’ Best Club Store

Author Shawn Tempesta

January 14th 4:16 PM

Which card are you carting in with? Costco or Sam's Club?

iPhone vs Android. Democrat vs Republican. These are the biggest fights of our times, but perhaps the biggest one can be summed up by where you shop. The cult-like fascination between Costco and Sam’s Club has people choosing alliances. Are you team red, or team blue? Lets go down the list of pros and cons of each.

Costco vs Sam’s Club: Locations

The first thing you learn about real estate is “location, location, location.” If the store isn’t close to you, you’re likely going to skip it. While Costco Wholesale has four locations (and a fifth “Business Center” location near downtown that you shouldn’t sleep on, there are Costco deserts out there. Summerlin, Henderson and the northside get love. But the northwest, and southwest towards Rhodes Ranch and Mountain’s Edge are left having to haul for a while.

Meanwhile, Sam’s Club and their six valley locations are a little more evenly spread out. Three on the east side, three on the west side. Why drive from Mountain’s Edge to Summerlin when you could stop by Rainbow & the 215?

While the rumor is Costco may come to Blue Diamond Road in the years to come, it’s not today. We give the edge to Sam’s Club.

Costco vs Sam’s Club: Cost Of Membership

The cost of the entry level “Gold Star” membership at Costco recently increased to $60 a year. Sam’s Club? Only $50 a year. Costco allows you to add one household member to your account, as Sam’s Club does. But the added benefit is Sam’s Club lets you add eight additional members for a lower $45 a year, and those members get to have a second household member as well.

Sam’s Club also often offers discounted memberships (like this one) on their website and via Groupon. Costco also occasionally ends up on Groupon, but it is more few and far between.

Sam, you win again.

Costco vs Sam’s Club: The Food Court

Costco wins, hands down. Sure, Sam’s Club has the hot dog, but the bun is lacking. Sure, Sam’s club has the churro that Costco just got rid of. But… it all pales in comparison. $1.50 for a massive hot dog on a fresh bun and a drink. America is the best.

Costco vs Sam’s Club: Selection & Prices

This… is a tough one. While Sam’s Club has more name-brand items, Costco features their legendary Kirkland brand which, often times, is made by the name brands. If having to have Kraft-brand mac and cheese is important to you, Sam’s Club is your place. If having to save an extra couple pennies (literally) is important to you, Sam’s Club is your place. But there seems to be a little more variety (and even organic) available at Costco. It’s too close to call for us.

Costco vs Sam’s Club: Convenience Of Shopping And Departure

Have you ever shopped with Scan & Go? Life changer at Sam’s Club. Sure, Costco keeps the lines moving as fast as they can. But Sam’s Club, in their quest to never pay a human again, make it easy to scan items you put in your cart from your phone, pay and just leave. No lines. No fuss. Just scan… and go.

And the “go-ing” is getting even easier in the weeks to come. Sam’s Club just announced they’ll be using AI, not receipt checking humans, to ensure you left with what you bought (and not what you didn’t buy).

We love humans. But we hate lines. Sam’s Club.

Do you agree with the list? Who do you think takes the cake? Sometimes we think Sam’s Club gets dunked on because it is connected to Walmart. But they are doing some big things over there and it has me questioning everything.

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

11 Valentine's Day Things You Need From The 99 Cents Only Stores

Valentine’s Day is coming up on February 14 and you may be thinking, wasn’t it just Christmas? And the answer is yes. The days are going faster and faster as we get older.

Now if you’re not a shopper or a fan of Valentine’s Day, you may just want to scroll through the photos to see what to get for those you love. The best part about the 99 Cent Only Store is that the décor is relatively discounted. Plus, they offer really cute options. Now, if you’re a shopper of the 99 Cent Only Store, you know what were talking about. And for the ones who don’t, not everything is $0.99. Some items range from $0.99 to prices as high as $39.99. We don’t make the prices but we search for items that are priced right even at our local dollar stores.

99 Cent Only Stores Valentine’s Day Items

Furthermore, if you a baller on a budget, you need to check out your nearest store as the shelves have been recently stocked with new red and pink everything. We sent our digital shopper to get a sneak peek at what’s to expect.

Additionally, items include lovey-dovey mugs, heart-shaped dishes, studded animals, door hanger hangs, heart jars, mini heart classroom exchange cards and many more! Gift baskets for the kids could easily be made for under $20.00. Cards are also a great way to say “I love and care about you” without spending your entire paycheck. The card selection is wide and pretty heartfelt. Show the ones you love this Valentine’s Day with some cute items.

99 Cent Only Stores Locations And Times

Even so, there are 18 locations around the Vegas valley and Henderson combined, so there’s a chance for you to find some of the hot items listed below. Besides, most locations are open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. so those of us who work the 9-5 lifestyle can go after work.

Circle Colorful Trays
These trays are great for holiday parties or even atop of your work desk. They can eaily hold candies and other sweet treats,

These pink, white and red trays are great for candy, cupcakes and small bites.
Purple Heart-Shaped Tinsel
Colorful tinsel is always an easy décor item. Spruce up your home or work place with a little Valentine’s color-pop.

These are soft to touch and brightly colored. These are great for offices.
Plastic Heart Colorful Baskets
If you’re a teacher, these plastic heart backets are perfect for storing holiday cards and treats. Parents, show your child love with a stuffed basket of cute things.

These are perfect for making loved ones a lil package full of goodies.
Beaded-Valentine's Heart Shaped Wall Décor
These beaded hanging décor items were a big hit in 2023. Use them to brighten up your doors, walls or outside porches.

These heart shaped beaded hanging pieces are adorable. They are perfect for doors, walls and outside porches.
Valentine's Day Cards
These are great for students during holiday parties. They are also great for work places to show your “love” or appreciation during Valentine’s Day.

A variety of themed Valentine cards are easy to choose from. These are great for students to pass to each other.
Cute Stuffed Animals
These adorable stuffed animals are great for the stuffy-lover in your life. There all different kinds and colors to choose from.

These cute cuddly creatures are perfect for hugging.
Really Cute Valentine's Day Mugs
We really love how cute these mugs are. The different sayings are perfect for all kinds of individuals. We are a fan of the “Bee Mine” mug.

These mugs are all unique with their own prints. The “Bee Mine” is our favorite.
Coffee Mugs With Lil Teddy Bears
The perfect mug with a two-in-one present. It’s not only a mug but also a cute little teddy. This item is great for coffee and tea lovers.

These coffee mugs feature two gifts in one. A cute coffee/tea mug and a lil teddy bear.
Adorable Heart-Shaped Top Jars
These heart-shaped top jars were so sought after in 2023. They have new colors in purple and red. Get yours while you can.

These glass jars are a bit smaller than their 2023 predecessors but still very cute.
Heart Shaped Gum Ball Machines
These are tiny heart-shaped gum ball machines. You don’t have to add gum balls to them though. The tiny heart candies may work… (try at your own risk)

These are cute for kids or teachers. Easy to fill candy in them.
Colorful Heart-Shaped Bowls
We love these heart-shaped trays. These are great for light treats, candy and or work-supplies. Add some bright color to your desk or countertop.

These are easy to use for candy, dips and light snacks.