5 Reasons Gen Z and Millennials Choose To Buy Food at Costco During the Summer
Costco is undoubtedly a fan favorite across multiple generations, but data shows that some age groups are more inclined to shop the members-only warehouse for food during the summer than others.
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A recent GOBankingRates survey of nearly 1,000 adults found that more than 50% of Gen Zers and Millennials said they shop at Costco in the summer for food, snacks and drinks.
Of the respondents that were said they were Costco shoppers, the results were even more staggering. According to the survey, between 69% and 76% of Gen Z and millennial Costco shoppers said their summertime must-buy was food.
We asked Dr. Michael O. McKinney, a doctor specializing in nutrition and preventive health, to provide insight into these distinct shopping behaviors. Here are 5 reasons he says these generations choose Costco to shop for food during the summer months.
Cost-Effectiveness and Value
Costco is known for its good prices, especially when it comes to bulk items.
“Cost is one of the key drivers for these younger generations to shop at Costco in large numbers. This is because summertime means more socializing events, outdoor activities and vacations, and therefore food consumption increases,” said Dr. McKinney, who is also the primary physician at Healthy Outlook.
“Consequently, [Gen Zers] and Millennials prefer using bulk options that Costco provides to buy larger quantities of different products at lower per-unit prices thus making it cost-effective when it comes to purchasing essential commodities.
“Additionally, this aspect is highly appealing, especially considering the financial hurdles faced by most young adults such as student debts coupled with high living costs.”
Product Range With a Difference
As Dr. McKinney explained, Costco is famous for its various kinds of unique and difficult-to-find snacks, drinks and foods.
“For health-oriented people, Costco has lots of organic, gluten-free or non-genetically modified products to choose from,” he continued.
“One brand that has gained a huge following among consumers is Kirkland Signature because it offers high-quality products at low prices. This attracts millennials and Generation Z who want to find out about new trendy items and companies that match their way of life.”
Kirkland is by far one of the most successful private labels of any grocer. It has a distinct following that inspires new TikToks and YouTube videos on a near-weekly basis. Most Kirkland Signature products receive rave reviews and are a huge moneymaker for the big box retailer. It reportedly accounts for approximately 30% of Costco’s total sales.
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Timesaving and Convenient
Costco has become a weekly stop for many households. The wide variety of products, coupled with fair prices, has people of all ages flocking to the warehouse superstore.
Young and middle-aged adults are seemingly not immune to the accessibility of the store. When something saves both time and money, it’s a win-win, no matter what generation you belong to.
“One-stop shopping is very convenient,” said the Jacksonville physician. “During summer’s busy times, a person can buy fresh fruits, healthy snacks, grilling necessities and liquor in one go which is quite beneficial.
“As young adults, this results in more time spent on summer activities instead of several shopping trips being made by them.”
Focus on Health and Wellness
Dr. McKinney also remarked that younger people are becoming more concerned about their health, which is also reflected in the range of products that Costco offers.
With everything from healthy snacks full of necessary elements to nourishing beverages and supplements, Costco stocks a variety of products that can help you maintain a balanced diet.
Furthermore, Dr. McKinney said, “the presence of fresh organic produce and sustainably sourced products meets the ethical and health concerns of Millennials and Gen Z.”
Community and Experience
“The community environment and shopping experience at Costco make it more attractive,” explained Dr. McKinney.
“Lots of Gen Zers or Millennials love searching for what they want in Costco stores because they will stumble upon new things. They share this experience with their families and friends creating a sense of belonging during social months like summer.”
Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed 999 American women aged 18 and older from across the country on between May 3 and May 7, 2024, asking twenty-two different questions: (1) What will you spend the most on this summer?; (2) Has inflation impacted your summer vacation or travel plans this year?; (3) If you’re going on a vacation, how do you plan to travel? (select all that apply); (4) If you’re going on a vacation, where do you plan to stay? (select all that apply); (5) How much do you expect to spend on vacation this summer?; (6) What’s the best way to save money on vacation costs?; (7) If you are a parent, how much will you spend on summer activities/camps for your child(ren)?; (8) If you are a parent, how much will you spend on weekly child care costs this summer?; (9) Which retailer do you shop at most for your summertime needs?; (10) Which retailer do you think has the worst deals on summertime essentials?; (11) If you shop at Dollar Tree, what’s your summertime must-buy? (select all that apply); (12) If you shop at Costco, what’s your summertime must-buy? (select all that apply); (13) If you celebrate Memorial Day, how much money do you plan to spend?; (14) If you celebrate the Fourth of July, how much money do you plan to spend?; (15) If you celebrate Labor Day, how much money do you plan to spend?; (16) If you’re shopping during Memorial Day weekend, what are you planning to buy? (select all that apply); (17) If you’re shopping during the Fourth of July, what are you planning to buy? (select all that apply); (18) If you’re shopping during Labor Day weekend, what are you planning to buy? (select all that apply); (19) Do you plan on working a side hustle this summer to cover expenses?; (20) What are some ways you plan to save extra money this summer? (select all that apply); (21) How do you plan to build your wealth this summer? (select all that apply); and (22) Which summer purchase is worth every penny, in your opinion? (select all that apply). GOBankingRates used PureSpectrum’s survey platform to conduct the poll.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Reasons Gen Z and Millennials Choose To Buy Food at Costco During the Summer
