COSTCO HIGHLIGHTS SPECIALTY ITEMS

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Club store giant Costco uses massive displays and sampling programs to tantalize its shoppers year-round. When it comes to specialty food items, the wholesaler packs a particular punch during the pre-holiday season. This year, however, a select number of seasonal specialty and gourmet items were demoed in Costco's famous "Road Show" format over the summer. Among the presentations, Northwest celebrity chef Kathy Casey exposed her new line of cocktail mixes to the membership. As with other membership warehouse offerings, the formerly retail-only line was bundled into three-packs. In the case of Casey's line, the pre-made cocktail mixes were merchandised alongside sparkling wine aimed at summer celebrations. Casey herself staffed the sampling station to add excitement to the presentation. On display was the Dish D'Lish line of Cocktailor mixes, including Lemon & Lime Sour, Classic Cosmo and Sapphire Mojito.