5 things: Why a third of consumers shop at Costco

Costco wouldn’t have it any other way: In a matter of a few decades, Costco has evolved— from a place residents in Alaska needed in order to survive, to a mecca of must-have items when it comes to unique trends. The New York Times recently published a story looking at Costco’s dominating evolution. When the Costco in Anchorage, Alaska, opened in 1984, it carried staples like peanut butter and tomato sauce. Today you can pull in and carry out neoprene survival suits, meat grinders, and gun safes. And let’s not forget the bars of gold and the apocalypse picnic baskets. Today nearly one-third of consumers shop at Costco. Costco is also among the corporations (not just retailers) shoppers trust the most, and overseas expansion is now on the horizon as Costco has seven warehouses in China. The retailer just has a way with customers, especially when it comes to spending. It’s famously known as “The Costco Effect” where customers come in for a few items and leave with a cart full. Right up there with Walmart in terms of stores that have built America. And apparently, soon it will have a hand in shaping markets on the other side of the world. —Bill Wilson

What about the workers? Maureen Ohlhausen, who headed the Federal Trade Commission from 2012 to 2018, said in

webinar in April that the FTC’s argument that a combined Kroger/Albertsons would hurt labor unions is a “novel approach” in an antitrust case but could become more of a central focus of its effort. The trial kicked off on Aug. 26 in Portland, Ore., and opening statements show that labor will play a big role in the case. The New York Times recently dug deeper with a recent report exploring how workers would be impacted by the proposed merger. The story highlights several workers who would be affected, particularly Leonard De Monte, who worked at a Safeway-owned Vons grocery store in California for more than a decade and was around for the merger with Albertsons. Months after the Vons was sold to Haggen as part of a divestiture deal, the new owner went into bankruptcy and De Monte was out of a job. The story paints an uncertain picture for workers and goes beyond courtroom talking points. —Tim Inklebarger 

Japan goes wild for TJ’s: Nothing says fashion like…a Trader Joe’s bag? Evidently the ultimate in “Amerikajin” fashion, or America-core, in Japan, a thick canvas Trader Joe’s tote bag. Why? It’s a cultural thing, said Kumi Soto, a Los Angeles-based tour guide from Osaka. Soto told BBC Culture that she always takes Japanese tourists to Trader Joe’s. “They buy so many bags,” she said. “In Japan, they have a custom to get souvenirs for their family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. When they travel overseas, they need to get something for them. It’s a big deal.” That, and the U.S. paparazzi photos of celebrities carrying the tote. It’s either a testament to the strength of the TJ’s brand…or the unending hunger for celebrity culture. You be the judge. —Chloe Riley

Vampire shoppers unite: Most grocery stores have regular operating hours and close around 9 or 10 p.m. But don’t tell that to Miami residents, who have become media darlings on TikTok because of their 24-hour grocery shopping habits. The Miami New Times reported that a TikTok user made a recent video of her shopping at 1 a.m., and the post has already received more than 8,000 views. Shopping in the dead of night isn’t the norm in Miami, though, and the video prompted inquiries from residents there wanting to know where the store is located. Spoiler alert: the store in question is a Price Choice Foodmarket in the Midtown neighborhood. The post has also received a flood of comments like this one: “My drunk ass would buy 22 lemons, six bags of grapes, and two boxes of pasta for no reason at 3 a.m.” —TI

Orange is gold: Being “orange” may just spare your life. A Stop & Shop in Southampton on Long Island recently received a shipment of lobsters, and, lo and behold an orange-colored diamond in the rough was spotted. The retailer ultimately reached out to the Long Island Aquarium to find the orange lobster, “Clementine,” a new home. But the aquarium, clearly not seeing the star power behind Clementine, turned down the grocer. The Southampton Animal Shelter then stepped up, contacted the store, grabbed up the lobster, and released it back in the wild. Di Leonardo, who works for the animal shelter, said, “It’s never been easier to keep animals off your plate. Now you can get vegan lobster rolls. You can go to the store and get crabless patties that you can microwave.” Oh, but nothing beats the real thing, Di. But a rare orange lobster? That can be the one that got away. —BW