I do think that is location dependant ....in our town i would say its the other way
True enough; but our local Costco - and it's the only one I know, ever - is a bit cleaner, with people a LOT more friendly, than I find in our local Albertson's, or one of two regional chains. Now, this is true even though this is Montana, which is like socially going back 25 years. It's apparent Costco people like their jobs, want to do them well and want to help you.
They do check everyone. Their scanners are manned. The registers or cashiers (they have staffed and self-serve registers) check again when you check out; and then a third time when you leave. Not intrusively - they just look at your register receipt. I suppose if they had a suspicion, they'd go down the list.
But the aisles are clean, well lit, well-laid out. Unfortunately, a lot of what they stress in their offerings, I don't want. I don't own a tevee; don't want a tevee. They have every kind of soda pop known to Man, and I don't drink any. They have packaged, individual-bottle drinking water, but no bulk bottles. And no distilled - I use a lot of that, CPAP and other needs.
Their beef is mediocre - as it is everywhere, now. It's priced fairly; I'm gonna try some Adolph's tenderizer. Which is just enzyme; does the same thing that decay does to meat. But since I don't know anyone with cows, and can't store a half-steer, I have to buy it butchered retail.
The auto section has a good list of tires, and fair - but not always the best - tires. Helpful clerks there - I was shopping for tires for the truck.
The line for their hot dogs is always so long, it's ridiculous. I'm not that in love with hot dogs that I'll waste 45 minutes to get a cheap one.
Nice store, all told. I don't like the lack of brand choice, but I understand what they're doing. Their Kirtland store brand is fine, in most selections.