INSIDER
The key to all-in-one holiday shopping: this Costco Gold Star Membership that comes with a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Read full article: The key to all-in-one holiday shopping: this Costco Gold Star Membership that comes with a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card*Get a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card* when you sign up as a Gold Star Member ($65 per year). Find savings on groceries, household staples, gas, and more!
Oil prices fall as reality of weak global demand overtakes risk of wider war in Middle East
Read full article: Oil prices fall as reality of weak global demand overtakes risk of wider war in Middle EastGlobal oil prices are falling sharply after a retaliatory strike by Israel over the weekend targeted Iranian military sites rather than its energy infrastructure as had been feared.
Peloton plans to sell its deluxe stationary bike at Costco to reach holiday shoppers
Read full article: Peloton plans to sell its deluxe stationary bike at Costco to reach holiday shoppersPeloton plans to sell its deluxe stationary bike at Costco this holiday season as the struggling connected-exercise company seeks to broaden its customer base.
US consumer sentiment slips in October on frustration over high prices
Read full article: US consumer sentiment slips in October on frustration over high pricesAmericans’ outlook on the economy soured a bit after two months of small gains, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday.
Joining Costco as a Gold Star Member costs just $60 and you’ll get a $40 Digital Shop Card*
Read full article: Joining Costco as a Gold Star Member costs just $60 and you’ll get a $40 Digital Shop Card*If you want to make one-stop shopping a reality, grab a 1-year Costco Gold Star Membership, which also comes with a $40 Digital Shop Card.
Become a Costco Gold Star Member and get a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* all for $60
Read full article: Become a Costco Gold Star Member and get a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* all for $60That's why you may want to act fast and get a Costco 1-Year Gold star Membership plus a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* for $60, only available until August 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Online marketplace eBay to drop American Express, citing fees, and says customers have other options
Read full article: Online marketplace eBay to drop American Express, citing fees, and says customers have other optionsOnline marketplace behemoth eBay said it plans to no longer accept American Express, citing what the company says are “unacceptably high fees” and that customers have other payment options to shop online.
For $60, you can get a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership and a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Read full article: For $60, you can get a Costco 1-Year Gold Star Membership and a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card*Start shopping at over 500 Costco warehouses nationwide when you're looking for fresh products, delicious baked goods, and more.
US consumer sentiment drops to 6-month low on inflation, unemployment fears
Read full article: US consumer sentiment drops to 6-month low on inflation, unemployment fearsConsumer sentiment fell sharply in May to the lowest level in six months as Americans cited concerns about stubbornly high inflation and interest rates and fears that unemployment could rise.
A one-year Costco Gold Star Membership is now $60 and comes with a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Read full article: A one-year Costco Gold Star Membership is now $60 and comes with a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card*From cleaning supplies to yummy eats to household must-haves, Costco has a wide range of products that members can discover at a greater value.
Become a Gold Star Member and get a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card*
Read full article: Become a Gold Star Member and get a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card*Get a $20 Digital Costco Shop Card* when you sign up as a Gold Star Member ($60 per year!). Find savings on groceries, household staples, gas, and more.
US inflation slows but remains elevated in sign that price pressures are easing only gradually
Read full article: US inflation slows but remains elevated in sign that price pressures are easing only graduallyConsumer inflation in the United States cooled last month yet remained elevated in the latest sign that the pandemic-fueled price surge is only gradually and fitfully coming under control.
CDC expands warning about charcuterie meat trays as salmonella cases double
Read full article: CDC expands warning about charcuterie meat trays as salmonella cases doubleFederal health officials are expanding a warning about salmonella poisoning tied to charcuterie meat snack trays sold at Sam's Club and Costco stores.
High gas prices push up inflation, but prices overall are slowly moving in the right direction
Read full article: High gas prices push up inflation, but prices overall are slowly moving in the right directionInflation jumped last month largely because of a spike in gas prices, while other costs rose more slowly, suggesting price pressures are easing at a gradual pace.
US inflation has steadily cooled. Getting it down to the Fed's target rate will be the toughest mile
Read full article: US inflation has steadily cooled. Getting it down to the Fed's target rate will be the toughest mileOver the past year, inflation in the United States has tumbled from 9% all the way to 3%, softening most of the price pressures that have gripped the nation for more than two years.
US price and wage increases slow further in the latest signs of cooling inflation
Read full article: US price and wage increases slow further in the latest signs of cooling inflationSigns that inflation pressures in the United States are steadily easing emerged Friday in reports that consumer prices rose in June at their slowest pace in more than two years and that wage growth cooled last quarter.
Is Costco all that? I finally bought a membership, and here’s what I learned
Read full article: Is Costco all that? I finally bought a membership, and here’s what I learnedI finally did it. I am officially a card-carrying Costco shopper. After more than 18 years working as a consumer investigative reporter, comparison shopping and helping you all find the best ways to save money, I bit the bullet and shelled out $120 for an Executive membership. This article explains what deals I found on my first trip to the warehouse retailer.
An inflation gauge tracked by the Federal Reserve falls to its lowest point in 2 years
Read full article: An inflation gauge tracked by the Federal Reserve falls to its lowest point in 2 yearsAn inflation index that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve tumbled last month to its lowest level since April 2021, pulled down by lower gas prices and slower-rising food costs.
Inflationary pressures continue to ease, producer prices drop 0.3% from April to May
Read full article: Inflationary pressures continue to ease, producer prices drop 0.3% from April to MayWholesale prices in the United States dropped 0.3% from April to May, another sign that inflationary pressures continue to ease in the face of repeated interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areas
Read full article: Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areasConsumers picked up their spending modestly in April from March, particularly in dining out and online, buoyed by a solid job market and easing inflationary pressures.
Asian stocks follow Wall Street up ahead of US jobs update
Read full article: Asian stocks follow Wall Street up ahead of US jobs updateAsian stock markets are following Wall Street higher ahead of a U.S. job market update that traders hope might encourage the Federal Reserve to ease off plans for more interest rate hikes.
Frozen fruit recalled at Costco and Trader Joe’s due to risk of hepatitis A contamination
Read full article: Frozen fruit recalled at Costco and Trader Joe’s due to risk of hepatitis A contaminationThe CDC has confirmed three hepatitis A cases, with two more suspected, among people in Washington who reported eating frozen strawberries.
Don’t buy these foods at Costco, experts say
Read full article: Don’t buy these foods at Costco, experts sayCostco can be a great place to find good deals on the foods you eat every day. But there are a few areas where your local grocery store or a big box store like Walmart and Target can offer better value for your money.
LIST: Houston-area grocery stores open, closed Christmas weekend
Read full article: LIST: Houston-area grocery stores open, closed Christmas weekendLuckily some Houston-area stores will be open on Christmas Eve for that final rush, whether you need that final ingredient, or need to pick up a whole meal, or even a Christmas gift
Which stores are open, closed on Thanksgiving? Check our list!
Read full article: Which stores are open, closed on Thanksgiving? Check our list!It’s not every day that you prepare a feast as big as a Thanksgiving dinner, so it’s easy to forget something. Half-and-half. Butter. That pesky can of cranberry sauce.
🔒Bulk-buying over the holidays: Insiders, these are the best ways to save this season
Read full article: 🔒Bulk-buying over the holidays: Insiders, these are the best ways to save this seasonSince our bulk buying series this summer, we’ve kept an eye on Sam’s Club and Costco and the ways to save through the seasons.
🔒 Don’t shop in bulk? These Costco, Sam’s Club perks might make a membership worthwhile anyway
Read full article: 🔒 Don’t shop in bulk? These Costco, Sam’s Club perks might make a membership worthwhile anywayWholesalers like Costco and Sam’s Club appeal to shoppers because they give members the ability to buy in bulk, which can mean securing better per-item prices that can lead to significant savings. But what if bulk buying doesn’t work for you?
🔒 Get the goods: 16 shopping tips from one Costco shopper to another (and some social media experts) to make your next visit less expensive, simpler
Read full article: 🔒 Get the goods: 16 shopping tips from one Costco shopper to another (and some social media experts) to make your next visit less expensive, simplerCostco may be a wonderland of big bulk items, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if it’s your first time.
Comparing popular leggings: Costco vs Sam’s Club vs Lululemon
Read full article: Comparing popular leggings: Costco vs Sam’s Club vs LululemonKnock-offs, dupes, imitations or whatever you want to call them, but finding a product that works or looks like the brand name original can save a lot of money. It’s why when we heard some store-brand workout pants fit just like the much pricier brand for a fraction of the cost, we had to check them out.
Ask Amy show notes: Costco vs Sam’s Club
Read full article: Ask Amy show notes: Costco vs Sam’s ClubAmy Davis teams up with KPRC2 producer Andrea Slaydon to talk about saving money at membership clubs. You’ll learn some unique ways to save money at Costco and Sam’s club. Plus, ways you can shop without a membership and some things you might want to just skip.
🔒 Crazy for Costco, Sam’s Club and buying big: Insiders, check out these social media accounts worth following that celebrate purchasing warehouse-style
Read full article: 🔒 Crazy for Costco, Sam’s Club and buying big: Insiders, check out these social media accounts worth following that celebrate purchasing warehouse-styleThese are social media users and accounts that celebrate the worlds of Costco, Sam's Club and buying products in bulk.
Here are creative ways 2 save with Costco, Sam’s Club memberships
Read full article: Here are creative ways 2 save with Costco, Sam’s Club membershipsWith the increased costs of gas and groceries, we are all looking for ways 2 save money. If you have Sam’s Club or Costco memberships, you may not be getting all of the savings you can. We are looking into the unique ways you can save money with a discount club membership.
Sam’s Club raises annual membership fee for the first time in nine years
Read full article: Sam’s Club raises annual membership fee for the first time in nine yearsWalmart-owned Sam’s Club said Wednesday it will raise its annual fees this fall, as the warehouse club’s membership hovers at a record high and inflation-pinched shoppers seek deals on bulk items.
Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilience
Read full article: Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilienceU.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in April, a solid increase that underscores Americans’ ability to keep ramping up spending even as inflation persists at nearly a 40-year high.
12 things you can do right now to save money on gasoline
Read full article: 12 things you can do right now to save money on gasolineAs gas prices keep going up, we are all looking for ways to save money at the pump. You may be wasting the gas in your car without even knowing it. We found checking a few little things could add up to help save you money.
EU court annuls Intel's 2009 billion euro antitrust fine
Read full article: EU court annuls Intel's 2009 billion euro antitrust fineChipmaker Intel scored a decisive legal victory in a long-running battle against European Union competition watchdogs after a court reversed itself and threw out a billion euro antitrust fine issued more than a decade ago.
Woman missing in wildfire was last seen trying to save dogs
Read full article: Woman missing in wildfire was last seen trying to save dogsAuthorities say investigators are working to determine whether some small bone fragments found during the search for a 91-year-old woman who tried to save her dogs from a wildfire in suburban Denver could belong to her.
US consumer prices surge in June by the most since 2008
Read full article: US consumer prices surge in June by the most since 2008Prices for U.S. consumers jumped in June by the most in 13 years, signaling that a swift rebound in spending has run up against widespread supply shortages that have escalated the costs of many goods and services.
US economy grows 6.4% in Q1, and it's likely just the start
Read full article: US economy grows 6.4% in Q1, and it's likely just the startThe U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.4% rate in the first three months of this year, setting the stage for what economists are forecasting could be the strongest year for the economy in possibly seven decades.
Consumer prices up 0.4% last month but core prices moderate
Read full article: Consumer prices up 0.4% last month but core prices moderateThe Labor Department reported on Thursday, Dec. 10, that the gain in the consumer price index followed an unchanged reading in October and matched the 0.2% September advance. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices increased 0.4% in February, the biggest gain in six months, led by a sharp jump in gasoline prices. The Labor Department said Wednesday that the February advance in its consumer price index followed a 0.3% rise in January and was the largest advance since a similar 0.4% increase in August. Consumer prices are up 1.7% over the past year, a still moderate performance for inflation which is running below the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for price increases. Gasoline costs have been climbing since December, reflecting rising costs of crude oil.
Costco to raise starting hourly wage to $16; end hazard pay
Read full article: Costco to raise starting hourly wage to $16; end hazard pay(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)(AP) – Costco will increase its starting wage to $16 an hour, surpassing most of its main competitors. Jelinek said the starting wage for Costco employees would rise to $16 next week, up from $15 the company instituted two year ago. The starting wage scale puts Costco above competitors, including Amazon, Target and Best Buy, which have $15 minimum wages. Walmart's starting pay is $11 an hour. AdThe federal minimum wage is currently $7.25.
US consumer spending fell 0.2% in December in face of virus
Read full article: US consumer spending fell 0.2% in December in face of virusSince making a brief bounce-back from the viral pandemic last spring, consumer spending has barely grown. Friday's government report on consumer spending showed that inflation by a measure preferred by the Fed rose 0.4% in December after no change in October and November. AdThe savings rate remained at an elevated 13.7% of after-tax income in December, up from 12.9% in November. In the final three months of 2020, consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of the economy, grew at a 2.5% annual rate. Ad“We believe increased vaccinations, stable household finances and rebounding confidence will lift consumer spending growth” this year, Daco said.
US consumer confidence rebounds in January
Read full article: US consumer confidence rebounds in JanuaryA sales associate helps customers as they consider the purchase of a big-screen television at a Costco warehouse on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, in Sheridan, Colo. U.S. consumer confidence fell to a reading of 96.1 in November as rising coronavirus cases pushed Americans confidence down to the lowest level since August. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer confidence rose in January as Americans became more optimistic about the future. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index increased to 89.3, a rebound from December when it dipped to 87.1. The present situation index weakened further, however, reflecting concerns over the resurgence of COVID-19. “The slow rollout of the vaccines and the still raging pandemic continue to depress consumer confidence despite the prospect of further fiscal aid and a brighter and a brighter health situation,” said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics.
Consumer prices up 0.4% in December led by higher gas prices
Read full article: Consumer prices up 0.4% in December led by higher gas prices(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON – U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% in December, led by a sharp rise in gasoline prices. For December, energy prices rose 4% with gasoline prices surging 8.4%. Even with that big jump, gasoline prices are 15.2% below where they were a year ago, when people were still commuting to work. Food costs rose 0.4% in December and are 3.9% higher than a year ago. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy, rose a slight 0.1% last month, and just 1.6% over the past 12 months.
During crucial holiday season, US consumer confidence slumps
Read full article: During crucial holiday season, US consumer confidence slumps– A closely-watched gauge of U.S. consumer confidence tumbled in December as rising coronavirus cases dragged American optimism to its lowest level since the summer. However, rising pessimism is now spreading during the crucial holiday season, which could make or break a number of retailers, airlines, restaurants other sector that have been hammered financially during the pandemic. It may be an ominous sign for an economy in which consumer spending accounts for 70% of all economic economic activity. The index measuring consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions also fell sharply, from 105.9 last month to 90.3 in December. It remains to be seen how Congress' $900 billion relief bill, which was passed Monday and too late for the survey, will affect consumer behavior this winter.
Q3 GDP estimate gets a slight upgrade to 33.4% growth
Read full article: Q3 GDP estimate gets a slight upgrade to 33.4% growthThe U.S. economy expanded at a 33.4% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 delivering the last of three estimates on the economys third-quarter performance. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, file)WASHINGTON – The U.S. economy expanded at a record 33.4% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, delivering the last of three estimates on the economy’s third-quarter performance. But it's likely that a resurgence in coronavirus cases slowed growth sharply during the last three months of 2020. Employers slashed 22 million jobs in March and April, then began to steadily recall furloughed workers. But the United States is still 9.8 million short of the jobs it had February, and hiring has slowed every month since June.
Christmas Day 2020: The Houston-area stores open, closed on the holiday
Read full article: Christmas Day 2020: The Houston-area stores open, closed on the holidayIt’s not every day that the Big Man in Red makes a visit, so it’s easy to forget some things in the excitement. Most area grocery stores and retailers will not operate on Christmas Day, but there are a handful of options for the forgetful. Scroll below to see the operating hours for some of the Houston area’s most popular retailers and grocery stores. ALDI: ClosedCostco: ClosedCentral Market: ClosedCVS: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Hours vary by location)Food Town: ClosedH-E-B: ClosedLowe’s: ClosedKroger: ClosedHome Depot: ClosedRandalls: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Sam’s Club: ClosedStarbucks: Most locations will open on Christmas. Call ahead for specific hours.
Fun advent calendars you’ll want to snatch up this holiday season, guaranteed
Read full article: Fun advent calendars you’ll want to snatch up this holiday season, guaranteedIt’s not guaranteed that the store listed below will have these advent calendars in stock, so just note that you may want to call ahead to ensure your local Costco has the products we’re referencing. This advent calendar is perfect for anyone who loves to watch the movie during Halloween or Christmas. Trader Joe’sNot only does Trader Joe’s have advent calendars for your pup, but also for the kitty cat in your life. AldiAldi is the KING of advent calendars. The month of December is already pretty magical with the holiday spirit in the air, but these adult advent calendars just make it even better.
Costco’s got a 3-liter bottle of Prosecco for $30, just in time for peak 2020
Read full article: Costco’s got a 3-liter bottle of Prosecco for $30, just in time for peak 2020HOUSTON – Just in time for the holidays, Costco customers are in for a treat and could have many wine lovers running for a temporary membership after the company brought back its fan-favorite -- a 3-liter bottle of prosecco. Costco_empties posted a photo of the Kirkland Signature Prosecco. Each bottle equals four 750mL bottles for $29.99. The only thing we suggest? Drink responsibly.
Thanksgiving 2020: Here’s which Houston-area grocery stores are open, closed on the holiday
Read full article: Thanksgiving 2020: Here’s which Houston-area grocery stores are open, closed on the holidayLuckily, many area grocery stores will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. Scroll below to see the operating hours for some of the Houston area’s most popular grocery stores. ALDI: ClosedCostco: ClosedCentral Market: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.Food Town: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.Foodarama: Hours vary by location. H-E-B: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.Lowe’s: ClosedKroger: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.Randalls: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sam’s Club: ClosedTarget: ClosedTrader Joe’s: ClosedWalmart: ClosedWhole Foods: Hours vary by location. Do you know any other Houston-area grocery stores operating on Thanksgiving Day?
VIRAL VIDEO: Man yelling ‘I feel threatened’ to Costco customer after mask argument
Read full article: VIRAL VIDEO: Man yelling ‘I feel threatened’ to Costco customer after mask argumentFORT MYERS, Florida – A viral video of a man yelling after being told to wear a mask at a Florida Costco is quickly making rounds on social media. According to Storyful, the argument began when the man and an elderly customer confronted each other over mask wearing. The situation escalated when the man started to yell “I feel threatened” at the customer who confronted him. Not long, his employer, Ted Todd Insurance issued a tweet stating that the man in question has been terminated from his job. Their behavior in the video is in direct conflict with our company values and their employment has been terminated.
VIDEO: Costco customer refused service for not wearing a mask
Read full article: VIDEO: Costco customer refused service for not wearing a maskA customer who refused to wear a mask while shopping got kicked out of a Costco Warehouse in Colorado. The Costco employee then tells the customer he must leave the store, and walks away with his shopping cart full of items. The customer whose video of the incident went viral spoke to Storyful about his altercation with the store employee who denied him service, MSN reported. According to the report, the customer told Storyful that he has been isolating at home for the past two months and does not have COVID-19. According to MSN, a Twitter user who claims to be the Costco employee in the video said, “People of Twitter, thank you for all of the support.
Are you a first responder? You can cut the line at Costco
Read full article: Are you a first responder? You can cut the line at Costco(CNN) – Costco is giving first responders and healthcare workers priority admittance into their warehouses. The company recently started limiting the number of people into each store. Since then, Costco customers had to wait in long lines to get in. Beginning Wednesday, first responders such as police officers, paramedics and firefighters in addition to healthcare workers that are members can cut the line with proof of identification. Other changes include earlier closing times and limiting the number of guests a member can bring in to two people.
Here is how Walmart, H-E-B, Costco and other major stores are changing their hours and policies in response to coronavirus
Read full article: Here is how Walmart, H-E-B, Costco and other major stores are changing their hours and policies in response to coronavirusAs the new coronavirus continues to spread despite great social distancing efforts, grocery stores are stepping up to do more in their stores. Fiesta• Fiesta stores will be opened for the adjusted store hours of 8 a.m. -10 p.m. until further notice. Kroger• Adjusted store hours from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. in the Houston region. Sprouts• Stores are open for the adjusted hours of 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.• As of March 18, all sales are final. Whole Foods• Whole Foods stores will be open the adjusted hours based on location.
Report: H-E-B tops another list, recognized for customer satisfaction
Read full article: Report: H-E-B tops another list, recognized for customer satisfactionAccording to the American Customer Satisfaction Index Retail and Consumer Shipping Report, Texas’ favorite grocer is tied with Trader Joe’s and Wegmans for customer satisfaction. In the supermarket category of the report, both Trader Joe’s and Wegmans were the top two companies in 2018. H-E-B tops Trader Joe’s as No. Trader Joe’s: 2019 - 84; 2018 - 863. The grocery chain was named as the top U.S. grocery retailer in a report by dunnhumby, which was cited nationally.