Going the extra mile to save money on groceries is just part of being American in 2023 — even for the Amish.
Costco superfans David and Susan Schwartz spent the last seven years visiting more than 200 stores all over the world — countless $1.50 hot dogs and sample cart stops later, one of the most surprising things they’ve taken away from their bulk buy adventure, the couple says, is the retailer’s popularity among the horse and buggy set.
That’s just one tidbit you’ll learn from reading the Schwartz’s new book, “The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z,” — released in time to honor the 40th anniversary of the opening of Costco’s first warehouse store near Seattle.
The company has opened stories in eight countries and developed a cult-like following thanks to their free tastings, cheap, flavorful prepared food and vast selection of items sold in large quantities.
After traveling to hundreds of locations, the Schwartz revealed some insights into why the brand has earned so many fans — including the Amish, a Christian subculture with roots in Europe’s Anabaptist movement, known for rejecting modernity.
But turning their back on tech doesn’t mean the plain folk aren’t on board with a good bargain — the Schwartz’ visited the Costco in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the historic hub of the bonnet-wearing culture in the United States, and learned that while they may dress 18th century, Amish shopping habits can be surprisingly modern.
One major draw? The Lancaster store provides special parking for the community’s main mode of transportation.
“There is a shed in the parking lot for them to park their horses and buggies, and it’s just fantastic,” David told Insider.
The couple also noted that the store’s many affordable bulk packaging is also appreciated by the religious community, who traditionally welcome large families.
“They have large families and they’re looking for ways to save money and they’re looking for quality goods,” David said of the Amish.
“Costco provides a very convenient way for buying large quantities for large Amish families.”
David noted that Costco’s accommodation of the Amish community isn’t particularly unique — the company is said to takes account of who the locals are when opening a store.
“They’re responsive to the needs of their neighborhoods,” David said of Costco.
Costco is a membership-based warehouse chain “dedicated to bringing our members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise” providing “a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one,” according to their website.
The store is well-known for its enthusiastic following — earlier this year, cost-cutting brides who catered their weddings at the wholesaler caused a stir on social media when they shamelessly shared how much money they saved.
Not everyone’s a fan, however. One disgruntled ex-member went viral recently with her list of reasons why joining the club was a bad decision.
And some Americans struggled to accept recent news that the retailer had brought back their famous prepared chili, made with beans and ground beef, a style that confused Texans and Ohioans and others from parts of the US where beans aren’t typically included in the recipe.
“I don’t know what that is, but it’s not chili … still looks pretty good though,” said one skeptic.
