Costco and Sam’s Club are often compared based on membership prices, product selection and food-court favorites. Those things matter, but they do not tell you much about what it is actually like to complete a shopping trip.

For this comparison, I wanted to go deeper into two specific parts of the experience: checking out and buying gasoline. That includes the mix of cashiers and self-checkout lanes, accepted payment methods, receipt checks, fuel-station layouts, gas prices and fuel quality.

The short version is that neither club wins across the board. Costco provides the better traditional checkout experience, while Sam’s Club makes it faster to leave the building. Their gas stations are close enough that I consider the category a tie.

Checkout Lanes: Costco Wins the Traditional Experience

The biggest difference between the two clubs is how they approach the checkout process.

At the Sam’s Club locations I have visited, most lanes are dedicated to self-checkout, with a much smaller area reserved for traditional cashiers. This works well if you like scanning your own items or using Scan & Go in the Sam’s Club app. However, members who want to pay with cash or prefer having an employee handle the transaction may have fewer lanes to choose from and a longer wait.

Costco generally maintains a more traditional checkout setup, with more staffed registers available alongside self-checkout. Lines can still become long during busy periods, but the process feels better organized for customers who want a cashier.

This category ultimately comes down to personal preference. Sam’s Club provides more ways to avoid a cashier altogether, while Costco offers the stronger conventional register experience. For my typical shopping trip, Costco gets the win.

Winner: Costco

Payment Options: Both Have Frustrating Limitations

Sam’s Club has the advantage when it comes to credit-card choice. According to the company’s current payment policy, its U.S. clubs accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash, checks, debit cards, Walmart and Sam’s Club gift cards, SNAP/EBT and Sam’s Cash are also accepted where eligible.

Costco is more restrictive with credit cards inside its U.S. warehouses. It accepts Visa credit cards, most PIN-based debit and ATM cards, Costco Shop Cards, cash, checks, EBT and several other payment types.

Sam’s Club’s lack of ordinary tap-to-pay support at the register remains an inconvenience for shoppers who depend on Apple Pay or a contactless card. The Sam’s Club app and Scan & Go provide a separate digital checkout option, but that is not the same as tapping your preferred wallet at a standard payment terminal.

So, Sam’s Club accepts a wider range of major credit cards but does not offer standard Apple Pay support at the register. Costco, meanwhile, restricts warehouse credit-card payments to Visa. Each club has a frustrating limitation, which is why neither gets the win.

Verdict: Both fail

Leaving the Store: Sam’s Club Wins Easily

Both clubs verify purchases before members leave, but the experience can be very different.

Costco usually relies on an employee to review the receipt and visually inspect the cart. The system is straightforward, but a line can form near the exit when the store is busy or several customers have large orders.

Sam’s Club has been rolling out AI-powered exit technology that combines computer vision and digital tools to confirm that items in a cart were paid for. Instead of stopping every customer for a traditional item-by-item receipt review, the blue exit arches scan the cart as the member walks toward the door. An employee can then focus on transactions that require additional attention.

In practice, this can make leaving Sam’s Club noticeably faster. It also fits with the company’s broader Scan & Go strategy, which lets members scan products and pay through the app without using a checkout lane.

This is not a close category. Sam’s Club has taken one of the most annoying parts of warehouse-club shopping and made it quicker.

Winner: Sam’s Club

Costco vs. Sam’s Club Gas Stations

The fuel stations share several important features. Both are designed around one-way traffic, which helps keep cars moving in an orderly direction. The pumps also have extra-long hoses, so it generally does not matter which side of the vehicle contains the fuel door. You can pull into the shortest suitable lane instead of waiting only for a pump on one particular side.

Neither club accepts cash directly at the pump. Costco’s current U.S. gas-station payment options include Visa cards, most PIN-based debit and ATM cards, and Costco Shop Cards. Sam’s Club fuel centers accept eligible cards and Walmart or Sam’s Club gift cards, although accepted payment options can vary by location. Sam’s Club members can also use the app’s Scan & Go Fuel feature at participating stations.

Pump Availability Lights Give Costco an Edge

Costco has added red and green indicator lights at many of its gas stations. These lights show drivers which pumps are occupied and which are available, including pumps that may be difficult to see from the back of a long line.

It sounds like a small improvement, but it makes choosing a lane easier and helps traffic move more efficiently. Sam’s Club fuel stations are generally easy to navigate as well, but Costco’s availability lights are a practical advantage.

Gas Prices: Sam’s Club May Be Slightly Cheaper

In my local comparison, Sam’s Club had a slight edge on price. Both clubs were roughly 30 cents per gallon cheaper than nearby conventional gas stations, although prices can change daily and results will vary considerably by region.

That means it is worth comparing the actual price difference before driving out of your way. Saving two or three cents per gallon probably does not justify a special trip. A larger discount may be worthwhile, especially if the fuel station is already part of your regular shopping route.

Fuel Quality: Costco Has the Advantage

Price is only one part of the value equation. Costco’s Kirkland Signature gasoline is certified as TOP TIER fuel. The TOP TIER program sets detergent and performance standards supported by major automakers, and all octane grades sold by an approved retailer must meet its requirements.

Sam’s Club fuel can still be a perfectly reasonable choice, but Sam’s Club is not currently listed among the nationally approved TOP TIER gasoline brands. If the prices are nearly identical, Costco’s fuel-quality certification gives it a meaningful advantage. If Sam’s Club is noticeably cheaper, some drivers may decide that its lower price matters more.

Final Score: Costco vs. Sam’s Club

Here is how the four categories break down:

• Traditional cash-register experience: Costco wins
• Payment options: Both fail
• Receipt check and store exit: Sam’s Club wins
• Gasoline: Tie

Costco offers the better experience for shoppers who prefer staffed checkout lanes and certified TOP TIER gasoline. Sam’s Club is stronger for members who want broad credit-card acceptance, app-based checkout and a much faster exit from the building.

There is no universal winner because the right choice depends on which inconveniences bother you most. If you value a traditional register and fuel quality, Costco probably has the edge. If you prefer self-checkout, Scan & Go and a quicker exit, Sam’s Club may be the better fit.

Which warehouse club gives you the better overall experience?

If you grew up in the ’90s, there are certain things that instantly take you back. Starter jackets are definitely one of them.

Target is leaning hard into ’90s sports nostalgia right now with Starter jackets, Zubaz pants and other retro NFL gear. I spotted the Philadelphia Eagles collection, and the classic Starter pullover immediately stood out. It has the half-zip front, oversized pocket, Starter zipper pull and the kind of bold color blocking that made these jackets so recognizable 30 years ago.

The Eagles Starter pullover is $150, which was enough for Target to put a security tag on the one I found in the store. That initially surprised me, but these jackets have a serious nostalgia factor, and I could easily see certain teams and sizes becoming popular.

Starter Jackets Weren’t Always About Your Favorite Team

One of the funny things about Starter jackets in the ’90s was that you didn’t necessarily wear the team you actually rooted for. Sometimes you just wanted the jacket with the best colors. The Charlotte Hornets were a perfect example. Teal and purple were about as ’90s as you could get. The Miami Dolphins had aqua and orange, the Lakers had purple and gold, the Bulls had red and black, and the Raiders had their unmistakable silver-and-black combination. Starter essentially turned team colors into fashion.

That’s also what made seeing a whole rack of Starter jackets so memorable. Every team offered a completely different look, with oversized logos, contrasting sleeves and bright color combinations. Hornets, Dolphins, Eagles, Bulls, Lakers and Raiders jackets could appeal to kids who weren’t particularly interested in those teams at all. Sometimes the coolest jacket simply won.

Target’s New Starter Jacket Gets the ’90s Look Right

The new Eagles jacket isn’t an exact reproduction of one particular vintage Starter jacket, but that’s probably not the point. It brings back the elements people actually remember.

The half-zip pullover design is there, along with the large front pocket and big EAGLES lettering. There’s also a Starter zipper pull, while the green, black and white sleeves give it the bold color-blocked look you’d expect from a Starter jacket.

It feels familiar without looking like something that has literally been sitting in someone’s closet since 1994.

Old vs. New: The Eagles Starter Jacket

Put an original Eagles Starter jacket next to the new 2026 Target version and you can definitely see the differences. Some ’90s fans will probably say to skip the remake and buy a vintage Starter instead, and there’s an argument for that. The originals have that unmistakable oversized, crinkly nylon appearance, more unusual color blocking and the character that comes with owning an actual piece of ’90s sportswear.

But the new version has some advantages too. It keeps the classic half-zip silhouette and big front pocket while looking cleaner and less wrinkled than many vintage examples. It also appears more substantial, which will likely make it the better choice if you actually want a jacket to keep you warm and wear regularly, rather than something you’re primarily buying as a vintage collectible. The remake isn’t trying to replace the original. It’s a modern jacket that does a pretty convincing job of bringing the old Starter look back.

Zubaz Are Back Too

Starter isn’t the only ’90s sportswear name showing up at Target.

There are also Zubaz pants, including the wonderfully ridiculous tiger-stripe patterns that were everywhere during the era. The Eagles version I found was only $30, making these a much cheaper way to get in on the nostalgia.

There are stonewashed shirts and other throwback pieces as well, including a full button-down Eagles jacket for around $130. But if you’re looking for the item that most immediately screams 1990s, I still think the half-zip Starter jacket wins.

There’s a Good Way to Save If You Want a Starter Jacket

Here’s one tip worth knowing before paying $150.

When I found the jackets, Target was running a buy one NFL item, get a second NFL item 30% off promotion. If the Starter jackets are included and you have a friend who wants one too, buying them together could make the price a little easier to swallow.

Two $150 jackets normally cost $300. Taking 30% off the second jacket saves $45, bringing the total to $255. Split the purchase evenly and you’re effectively paying $127.50 each, saving $22.50 per person.

Target promotions can change, so obviously check the current offer and eligibility before buying.

Are the New Target Starter Jackets Worth $150?

At $150, this isn’t cheap nostalgia. If all you want is the original thing, there’s also a huge vintage Starter market out there, and hunting down an authentic ’90s jacket can be part of the fun.

But I think Target’s version makes sense for someone who wants the Starter look without necessarily wanting a 30-year-old jacket. You get a brand-new jacket, modern construction and a cleaner appearance while still getting the half zip, big pocket, Starter branding and oversized ’90s styling.

More than anything, it’s fun seeing this stuff back on store shelves. Starter jackets and Zubaz sitting together at Target feels like someone recreated a corner of a sporting goods store from 1993.

And if history repeats itself, don’t be surprised if people start choosing their jackets the same way we did back then:

Forget the standings. Which team has the best colors?

I’m always a little skeptical when celebrities put their names on food, drinks, or other products. Sometimes it feels like they simply approved the packaging, collected a check, and moved on.

But after looking at Snoop Dogg’s Rap Snacks, I’m starting to think he may have actually participated in the product development.

The first flavor is Maple Bar-B-Que. That one sounds fairly normal, a slightly sweeter version of a traditional barbecue chip. Nothing too surprising yet.

Then you get to Sour Cream, Cheddar, and Ranch.

That is not one flavor. That is three popular chip flavors packed into the same bag. At this point, it starts to feel like Snoop was sitting in the product development meeting and simply refused to choose.

But the real standout is the combination featuring salt and vinegar, cheddar, barbecue, onion, garlic, and even more flavors.

That is basically the entire chip aisle mixed together.

Whether Snoop actually helped create the flavor or simply approved it, the combination certainly fits his personality. It is bold, unusual, and probably the type of snack idea someone comes up with late at night when choosing just one flavor no longer seems necessary.

Rap Snacks Have Apparently Gone Healthy

The other surprise is that these chips are trying to offer a slightly healthier twist.

The packaging says they are:

• Made with avocado oil
• Gluten-free
• Non-GMO

Of course, they are still potato chips, so nobody should mistake them for a salad. Still, using avocado oil and removing certain ingredients may appeal to shoppers who are paying closer attention to what is in their snacks.

Rap Snacks has managed to create something that feels both over the top and surprisingly modern. You get the ridiculous flavor combinations associated with Snoop Dogg, along with packaging that highlights ingredients such as avocado oil.

Are They Worth Trying?

These probably are not the chips for someone who only eats plain or lightly salted snacks. There is a lot happening in every bag.

But if you enjoy strong flavors, or you have ever wished you could combine several different bags of chips without buying them separately, these may be worth a try.

Celebrity products can often feel forced, but these chips at least seem to match the celebrity attached to them. They are creative, a little excessive, and difficult to ignore.

Thanks, Snoop.

Party City Is Showing Up Inside Staples Stores

Party City is back in business, but this time it looks a little different.

A few weeks ago, Staples began adding a Party City section near the front of some stores. Instead of walking into a full Party City location, shoppers can now find a smaller party supply section inside Staples.

The section includes party favors, piñatas, gift bags, and of course, plenty of balloons.

An Odd Pairing That Actually Makes Some Sense

At first, Staples and Party City may seem like a strange combination. One is known for office supplies, printing, shipping, and business services. The other is known for balloons, birthday decorations, and party supplies.

But when you think about it a little more, the overlap starts to make sense.

Staples already has a print department, and a lot of party and event needs connect directly to printing. For example, if a restaurant is planning a grand opening, they may need banners, signs, balloons, gift bags, and other small event supplies.

Instead of sending customers to multiple stores, Staples may be trying to create a one-stop shop for basic event needs.

Staples Has Been Looking for More Reasons to Bring People Into Stores

Twenty years ago, almost every big shopping center seemed to have an office supply store. You had Staples, OfficeMax, Office Depot, and similar stores in many suburban retail centers.

But online shopping changed the business. A lot of people now order basic office supplies online, and that has made the traditional office store model harder to maintain.

Because of that, Staples has been adding more services that give people a reason to visit the store in person. Things like Amazon returns, shipping services, tech repair, and print services all help bring foot traffic back into the building.

Adding party supplies could be another version of that same strategy.

Some Party Supplies Were Already a Natural Fit

Staples has traditionally sold items like gift bags, greeting cards, gift cards, and other small convenience products. So in some ways, this new Party City section may not be a completely new idea.

Some of these items may have simply been moved into a more organized and branded section at the front of the store.

The bigger change is the addition of more obvious party-focused products, especially balloons and decorations.

Could This Work Long Term?

The big question is whether this is a smart long-term move or just a temporary retail experiment.

On one hand, it gives Staples another reason for customers to stop in. Party supplies are often last-minute purchases, and people may be more willing to buy them in person than wait for delivery.

On the other hand, Staples still has to make sure the section feels useful and not random. If the selection is too small, customers may still go elsewhere. But if Staples can combine party supplies with printing, banners, signs, shipping, and business services, there could be a real use case here.

Final Thoughts

Party City inside Staples may sound odd at first, but it actually fits with the way retail has been changing.

Office supply stores are no longer just about paper, pens, and printer ink. They are trying to become service hubs, with shipping, returns, printing, tech help, and now party supplies.

Whether this lasts or disappears in a few years probably depends on how well Staples can connect the Party City section to the services people already use in the store.

So what do you think? Is Party City inside Staples a smart move, or does it feel like one of those retail ideas that will quietly disappear?