Grocery stores: Target vs. Costco Wholesale

Quick Verdict

Costco is better for bulk buying and high-quality meat and seafood, but requires a membership. Target offers a more accessible retail experience with a flexible return policy and store brand options.

Costco requires a membership fee but offers bulk buying, high-quality store brand products, and a flexible return policy.
Target offers a more standard retail experience with store brands like Good & Gather and a tiered membership program.
Costco excels in meat and seafood quality, bakery goods, and prepared food options, while Target's strengths lie in its return policy and store organization.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Target	Costco Wholesale
Price of staple goods (milk, bread, eggs)	Not available	Competitive prices, often selling in bulk.
Organic produce selection	Offers organic fruits and vegetables, often sourced from local farms. Looking to expand their organic produce selection.	Good selection of organic products.
Meat and seafood quality and freshness	Good & Gather beef options are better than other grocery store brands. Meat department is better than some local grocery stores.	High quality and value, often better than grocery stores. Variety of fresh fish, fillets, salmon, oysters, and mussels.
Store brand quality and variety	Store brands include Good & Gather, Market Pantry, and Favorite Day. Good & Gather has over 2,500 products and is a more premium alternative to Market Pantry. Up&Up offers high-quality, affordable everyday essentials.	Kirkland Signature is consistently rated as high as its branded counterparts. Guaranteed to meet or exceed similar name-brand products.
Bulk buying options	Offers a variety of bulk items, including household essentials, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples.	Known as the best store for bulk buying. Wide range of products in large quantities, providing discounts per unit.
Pharmacy services	Offers pharmacy services.	Affordable prescription medications, immunizations, and various healthcare services. Available to both members and non-members in most states. Specialty pharmacy care.
Optical services	Target Optical provides eye exams (by independent Doctors of Optometry in most states), prescription glasses, and contact lenses.	Optical centers staffed by trained opticians. Eye exams from independent doctors of optometry. Membership needed to purchase glasses or contacts.
Tire services	Target Tire offers consumer, commercial, and farm tires, as well as auto repair services in select locations.	Tire sales and installation services. Tire purchase includes installation at no charge. Additional services include rotation, balancing, inflation checks, and flat repairs. Road hazard warranty.
In-store bakery quality	Only SuperTarget locations have on-site bakeries. Most Target stores offer packaged cookies that some consider overprocessed.	Known for muffins, breads, croissants, and cakes.
Prepared food options (deli, rotisserie chicken)	Not available	Wide selection of prepared meals, including rotisserie chicken, salads, soups, and entrees. Popular options include the rotisserie chicken, enchilada bake, and chicken noodle soup.
Return policy	Most unopened items can be returned within 90 days for a full refund or exchange. Target-owned brands can be returned within one year with a receipt. Target RedCard holders get an additional 30 days for returns.	Very flexible return policy. Allows returns and refunds for both products and memberships if you're not satisfied.
Membership fees (if applicable)	Target Circle 360 is a paid membership program that costs $99 per year or $10.99 per month. Students and government assistance recipients may be eligible for a discounted rate of $4.99 per month.	Annual membership fees, starting at $65 per year for a Gold Star membership. An Executive membership is $130 per year.

Overall Comparison

Costco: Membership starts at $65/year. Target: Circle 360 membership at $99/year or $10.99/month. Target: 90-day return policy (1 year for owned brands).

Pros and Cons

Target

Pros:

Good & Gather beef options are better than other grocery store brands.
Many Target store brand products are considered as good as or better than name brands.
Target's return policy is generally considered simple and flexible.
Target stores are generally considered well-organized and visually appealing.

Cons:

The quality of baked goods from Target's in-store bakery can be inconsistent.
Packaged cookies are considered overprocessed.

Costco Wholesale

Pros:

Competitive prices on staple goods
Good selection of organic products
High-quality meat and seafood
High-quality store brand (Kirkland Signature)
Excellent bulk buying options
Affordable pharmacy services
Optical services available
Tire services with installation included
Good quality in-store bakery
Wide selection of prepared food options
Flexible return policy

Cons:

Requires a membership fee to shop
Bulk buying may not be suitable for everyone

User Experiences and Feedback

Target

What Users Love

Shoppers have stated that Target's Good & Gather beef options are better than other grocery store brands.
Many Target store brand products, like Good & Gather items and Up&Up paper towels, are considered as good as or better than name brands.
Target's return policy is generally considered simple and flexible, with most items returnable within 90 days.
Target stores are generally considered well-organized and visually appealing.

Common Complaints

The quality of baked goods from Target's in-store bakery can be inconsistent.
Some find the cakes delicious and well-decorated, while others find the croissants dry and disappointing.
Packaged cookies are considered overprocessed.

Value Perception

Target aims to offer competitive prices on everyday items, including organic produce.
The Target Circle 360 membership may be worth it for frequent Target shoppers who can take advantage of the free same-day delivery and other perks.

User Recommendations

Shoppers have stated that Target's Good & Gather beef options are better than other grocery store brands.
One customer mentioned that the meat department at Target is better than their local Safeway.
Many Target store brand products, like Good & Gather items and Up&Up paper towels, are considered as good as or better than name brands.

Costco Wholesale

What Users Love

Competitive prices on organic produce
High-quality and fresh meat and seafood
Store brand products comparable or superior to name brands
Good quality baked goods
Fresh and varied prepared food options
Easy and customer-friendly return process
Competitive prices on staple items
Clean, well-organized, and spacious stores
Friendly and helpful staff members

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

Membership fee can be worth it based on savings and shopping habits

User Recommendations

Costco meat is considered good quality and value for the price, often better than grocery stores.
Kirkland Signature products are guaranteed to meet or exceed similar name-brand products.
Costco is known as the best store for bulk buying.
Costco has a very flexible return policy.
Costco employees are often described as friendly and helpful.