# Went to Costco This Morning. Was a Little Bit Scary. **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [March 11, 2020, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294 "2020-03-11T18:58:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2020, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/361 "2020-04-29T20:48:01Z")
My store sells Mountain House in the sporty goods area and it’s listed in the store database as “hiking food” (also called that on your receipt). So far, the hoarding hordes haven’t figured out that it exists and where it’s hiding. I’m debating whether or not to get more of it, or just stock up on canned goods that I am willing to eat. I don’t expect to have to leave my residence, in which case weight is not an issue. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2020, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/362 "2020-04-29T23:02:09Z")
I went to Krogers today, Wednesday, about 3:30PM. I’ve been going on Friday’s at about the same time. A store employee was cleaning carts or at least spraying them with something. Beef, chicken and pork all were available in all the usual configurations. They had a big selection of frozen potato products even though I just heard yesterday that these were getting really hard to find. Paper towels, bathroom tissue available, not the “normal” selection but pretty good. I saw and bought some hand sanitizer. First time I’ve seen it there since this all started. Wasn’t the usual store brand (70% alcohol), this stuff is 62%. Still **no** thermometer batteries, Lysol disinfectants or similar, disinfecting wipes, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide. About 20-30% mask usage but Kroger must have cracked down on employees, I believe they all had masks today. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/363 "2020-04-30T00:02:49Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Costco liquor is magnitudes cheaper than anywhere else, that defeats part of the purpose of a Costco membership! Not around here. The city rejecting the license was due to volume, not price. Our state controls distribution, as well as minimum legal price. They even publish the list monthly. Most of the smart liquor stores advertise prominently “state minimum,” because it’s too easy to check. So the corner liquor store has the same prices as Coscto. What’s interesting, though, is that the coveted Kirland brands of liquor are available at liquor stores. Not everyone carries it, of course, but you see it here and there. The idea is, if Costco wants to sell it, it has to be distributed by the state, which makes it fair game for any of the distributors, which makes it fair game for any retail outlet. Sure, you can go into Costco without a membership in order to buy liquor, but there’s not really much point, here in Michigan. None of this applies to non-distilled stuff, FWIW. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/364 "2020-04-30T01:38:15Z")
> [@](#): > > It’s mostly an online order thing, but sometimes the bring it in the store to advertise, I don’t know how regularly but coworkers were discussing maybe in Jan or Feb this year. There’s [only one online right now](https://www.costco.com/mountain-house-30-day-outdoor-adventure-meal%2c-180-servings.product.100282427.html), 90 pouches for $490. That’s pretty interesting. I have fond memories of Mountain House from backpacking: one can stuff a day bag with some of that, a camping stove, water, a spork and some extra clothes and hike up a frosty mountain to take pictures of the crystals blowing off the peaks into the alpine lakes. Brrr! Fire up the stove and in less time than you and your pal can smoke a joint, you are eating hot peas, or some hamburger helper thing. Lots of choices and pretty much everything comes out as good, tasty food vs mere rations. I made enough extra money playing the yo-yo market that I could buy the jumbo pack with my earnings. Hard to tell exactly what is included viewing on my phone though. Thanks for the tip! ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/365 "2020-04-30T01:40:00Z")
So what’s the “yo-yo market”? ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/366 "2020-04-30T02:51:43Z")
The yo-yo market is this high-volatility stock market. Down 30+%? Yah ok, I will buy some of that. Now, suddenly up 25%? Hey, pigs get slaughtered, man, take a profit. But while some people are making billions off this historic event, I am making hundreds. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/367 "2020-04-30T03:12:11Z")
Do you have a face mask? > [@](#): > > Face Mask Requirements > > To protect our members and employees, effective May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition. > > The use of a mask or face covering should not be seen as a substitute for social distancing. Please continue to observe rules regarding appropriate distancing while on Costco premises. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. [https://www.costco.com/covid-updates.html](https://www.costco.com/covid-updates.html) ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/368 "2020-04-30T03:20:59Z")
I have a cloth mask I always wear out if I can’t get a medical-grade one. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/369 "2020-04-30T05:12:26Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Not around here. The city rejecting the license was due to volume, not price. Our state controls distribution, as well as minimum legal price. They even publish the list monthly. Most of the smart liquor stores advertise prominently “state minimum,” because it’s too easy to check. So the corner liquor store has the same prices as Coscto. > > What’s interesting, though, is that the coveted Kirland brands of liquor are available at liquor stores. Not everyone carries it, of course, but you see it here and there. The idea is, if Costco wants to sell it, it has to be distributed by the state, which makes it fair game for any of the distributors, which makes it fair game for any retail outlet. > > Sure, you can go into Costco without a membership in order to buy liquor, but there’s not really much point, here in Michigan. > > None of this applies to non-distilled stuff, FWIW. I’m not sure Kirkland liquor is covered except the vodka, their branded stuff is pretty mediocre from what I’ve tried. But like Bulleit handles (1750 ml) are cheaper than liquor store fifths (750 ml). Michigan does seem to have some unusually conservative laws for a northern state, like Pennsylvania though they might be worse. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/370 "2020-05-03T11:30:11Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Michigan does seem to have some unusually conservative laws for a northern state, like Pennsylvania though they might be worse. We’re pretty much an extension of yankeedom by heritage, but state government isn’t immune to the allure of that money it makes by having total control. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/371 "2020-05-03T14:15:47Z")
you can also get a prescription at Costco without being a member here in NC. I guess it’s probably true in all states. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/372 "2020-05-03T15:18:50Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > you can also get a prescription at Costco without being a member here in NC. I guess it’s probably true in all states. It’s true in CA. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/373 "2020-05-03T17:44:41Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > you can also get a prescription at Costco without being a member here in NC. I guess it’s probably true in all states. Yes, and other things like use the optometrist, who is never a Costco employee. But you can’t buy stuff at the neighboring optician. Zenni is cheaper anyways. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/374 "2020-05-04T10:52:58Z")
Costco does not sell liquor in NC , only state run stores sell it. They sell wine and beer here and you don’t have to be a member to buy it but they don’t advertise that. ---
**Author:** ![sps49sd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@sps49sd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sps49sd)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/375 "2020-05-06T16:34:33Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Yes, and other things like use the optometrist, who is never a Costco employee. But you can’t buy stuff at the neighboring optician. Zenni is cheaper anyways. I get my vision prescription at no extra charge from myexcellent optometrist at Kaiser, then after going to Costco for a pair of glasses I get the IP distance that Kaiser leaves off, and can then order glasses from wherever. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/376 "2020-05-06T17:20:46Z")
> [@sps49sd](#): > > I get my vision prescription at no extra charge from myexcellent optometrist at Kaiser, then after going to Costco for a pair of glasses I get the IP distance that Kaiser leaves off, and can then order glasses from wherever. Why don’t you just do all that at Kaiser? I’m 95% certain that while they don’t give you that number, they have to by law give it on request. Granted, you already have the numbers, so no need to do it again. ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2020, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/377 "2020-05-06T17:48:46Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Why don’t you just do all that at Kaiser? I’m 95% certain that while they don’t give you that number, they have to by law give it on request. Granted, you already have the numbers, so no need to do it again. At least in my state, nope, it is NOT a requirement, because the pupillary distance is not considered part of the prescription here. Some states do, but certainly not all. (The FTC only [says](https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-eyeglass-rule) that optometrists “may want to include the patient’s pupillary distance” in the prescription, but it’s not required under federal rules.) ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/378 "2020-05-06T22:07:08Z")
Found batteries (Energizer #392) to fit my thermometer today at Walgreen’s. Haven’t seen any since this all started. 97F WooHooo! Not sure how accurate the thermometer is but at least I have a baseline to compare. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2020, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/379 "2020-05-07T06:22:01Z")
> [@slash2k](#): > > At least in my state, nope, it is NOT a requirement, because the pupillary distance is not considered part of the prescription here. Some states do, but certainly not all. (The FTC only [says](https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/complying-eyeglass-rule) that optometrists “may want to include the patient’s pupillary distance” in the prescription, but it’s not required under federal rules.) Ah, looks like it’s only about 3 states that require it. Not mine, but I’ve never had a problem requesting it at places like Costco. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2020, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294/380 "2020-05-07T13:28:40Z")
The last three ophthalmologists I’ve gone to provided it without it being either asked or required. My most recent one not only provided it, she made sure I knew what everything in my prescription meant so I could get a spare or replacement properly made whether it was through her office or through someone else. I like my current eye doctor. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/went-to-costco-this-morning-was-a-little-bit-scary/849294.md?page=20)