Costco's are like other warehouse stores. Lots of stuff, in bulk, along with some great home items at decent prices. Membership is required, but very much worth it. I could talk about that, but honestly, if you need eight bear fur rugs cheap, this is the place to go. But only if they found a deal on those bear rugs. The stuff in the middle of the store tends to rotate, while everything on the periphery is standard. I do make it a point to stop by here and pick up toilet paper and paper towels bi-monthly or so. Also, you can buy the big bags of cheese and large quantities of Zip-Lock quart bags, and you can package it all up in individual bags and freeze it. Keeps for a long time! There's more than just bulk buying, though. They have a food court, which is accessible even without a membership. I haven't had the hot dogs, but I've made numerous forays from work to pick up pizzas for the crew. Which...damn, this is good pizza. For ten bucks, you get a massive huge pizza. Your choices are pizza, pepperoni, and a combo with a ton of stuff. All for the same price, so it's purely preference. And that price is 10 bucks. Sure, you can get a pizza for 5 bucks at Little Ceasers...or hell, almost anywhere now. But not this big or this good. If it wasn't for the incredibly jammed parking lot and ridiculous check-out lines, this place would be damn near perfect. Just park in the back and walk in. It'll save you time and is good for you and your car anyways. read more

The Food court needs some help. The cashier was wearing gloves and taking peoples cash and with same gloves on she was handing people their cups and lids. The other lady that was doing the food should also be the one handing the cups out. A person who handles money should not be handling anything that is good or drink related. I asked her if she would please not touch my cup or lid because she just handled cash from the person in front of me and she was very nice and washed her hands and put new gloves on. In order for gloves to work if she is going to handle cups and lids and money then she would need to change gloves a lot and wash her hands so I recommend she not do both.. other than that my cashier who rang my groceries up was very sweet and kind so was her partner.. read more

This is one of my favorite places to shop. From prepared meals to bulk grocery items they carry everything. A bonus is the cheap gas.

Recently, I was in the optical department to obtain help with some sunglasses. The woman I dealt with was less than helpful. I spoke with the Optical manager. Twila took care to the problem. I appreciated her quick response and resolution. I have really never had a problem until recently. I appreciate the quick response and resolution. read more

I was waiting for help at the phone stand in the electrician area, and they said they were a little busy and put me on a list. I was next in line, and waited over an hour with no call. I also noticed two people were helping the same person for that entire time. I'm out of time to wait, so I guess I'll try again later. Not happy. read more

Experienced another case of reserve racism with their employee Yuri or something similar to that name in Customer Service. She is doing slight underhanded behaviors to intentionally stick it to customers. Smiling nicely for picture and then she y told me that we were done & then she took the picture afterwards for my membership card. Saw her pettiness and enjoyment to do underhanded BS. So it's not about me, she is on this vibe and it's just leaking out on whomever is the targeted group she is expressing her own jazz on. Not professional. Phony passive aggressive immature unbecoming behaviors. And many employees are not at all courteous. The whole crew isn't bad. Some all stars. The place though could use a new culture to overcome the hurdles I see there. Easy to see that it isn't running as well as it could especially with many really good staff members. read more

This Costco is absolutely ridiculous. We have been loyal shoppers for years now and I can't believe this is happening to us. Management is absolutely rude. The people there accuse you of stealing despite me having everything THERE and my receipt in hand, even after getting it checked and OK'd at self checkout. I understand policies and I do have to admit we have been paying separate with one membership, but the manager there was very rude about it and started yelling at us in front of staff and other customers. I have worked in customer service before and never have I ever treated customers like this as nice or rude as they are. I'm not renewing my membership with this location anymore, and I'm going over to complain about the attitude I've gotten recently. I can't believe I'm going full on Karen on these people. Old staff was so much nicer. read more

My dad says: "The worst Costco in the PNW. Poor access, way undersized for demand, impossible to get gas." When I went in there, it was so crowded and took forever to get out, with only one exit from the parking lot. I can't recommend this, especially when I saw at least one other station with the same price as it/as cheap as it! read more

AVOID THIS LOCATION!! If possible, I would leave a zero star comment, but will leave a 1 star for the nice young man who let us know that the manger we interacted with was Bryan, Holman. I had a Costco membership for over 20 years, but with only 2 of us now it hasn't made sense. Until we needed to spend $1500+ on tires, so we stopped at the Tigard location and a very nice employee in the tire center gave us a quote, he didn't have them in stock and since we live closer to Salem, we went there to determine if we wanted to purchase a membership. Costco used to allow you to go in without a membership to look around, not purchase anything, and evaluate to make a decision. We explained when we entered the store that we were considering membership and just wanted to look around, she said OK and we entered the store. We did not have a basket. We were not holding any items. We were looking around and making a list to see if it would be worth it to us to pay the $60 to join. Side note, the last time I was in a Costco, I was picking up a prescription, and you can enter for that purpose, interesting. Back to our visit yesterday to the Salem Costco. We were over halfway through our tour of the store and had made multiple notes that made it look like it would benefit us to join when we were approached by Bryan Holman asking if we had entered without a card. We explained that yes, we were looking around to determine if we wanted to join. He said they don't do that. I explained that we had been told they did, and I know of other stores that allow it and people what had done just that, we explained we had been told about it by a friend. He said, no, non-members are not allowed in the store. We were stunned, and after a very long pause, he told us we could continue looking today but that it wasn't allowed, FOR SAFETY REASONS... Ummm OK. I asked him if we were unsafe? To which he paused, then said, no that wasn't it, and I said that is what you said. My husband then thanked him and we walked away from him. At that point we determined this was NOT a place we wanted to shop. Even if we had found enough reasons for us to join, Costco, particularly where this Manager, Bryan Holman, and his "safety concerns" worked. It was the most ridiculous comment we had heard in a long time! So we let him know we would be leaving immediately and would NOT be joining. We left the store and went to purchase what we needed at other stores. We spent $1,400.00 on various household items and then made an appointment to have tires installed elsewhere, for $1000 and we still need them for a second car which will probably be another $500+. Obviously, Costco, and this one in particular has no problem losing potential customers and $3000+. They are a huge corporate entity that relies on quantity NOT quality or service. I would rather go elsewhere and pay more that be treated in such a rude way. On their corporate site we found out that Costco does not allow email comments, they have a chat system with 3 options that are no longer available, hence this Yelp review. Customer Service is an art form that is long lost in today's world. We will be taking our money elsewhere and would encourage others to do so as well. They don't care about you, just their bottom line. read more

Looks like your typical Costco. The entrance is a little weird though as you have to go through 2 pull down doors to get inside. The parking lot is also a little smaller than most other Costco's I've been to. read more

Since the opening of this new location, their tire center is pretty bad. On opening day I took my truck in to have my tires rotor, after word my tire vibrated pretty bad. I took it back it back in and they made correction. A few months later I call them to make an appointment, they put me on hold 3 different times and they all got discounted after 5 minutes of wait. I know they get busy a lot of the time but what the F**K. I call again for the fourth time and spoke to a manager and she was gonna transfer me back to tire center for what??? New building shitty service, old place was better.. read more

Stop here during a road trip from Seattle-Hood River-Bend-Salem-Seattle Quick access from freeway(I5) Good quality best value gas I consider it one stop shop during road trips because there is gas, healthier food in the Costco food court and groceries in store Overall very good experience, will stop here again during road trips read more

We absolutely love Costco food, gas and travel! We had the worst time with Salem Costco tire. Dan, receptionist is rude! His exact words were " as I told you yesterday!" It sounded rude. He estimated that my tires would take up to 90 minutes to be done. It was only 20 minutes. Scott our way too much nitrous in my tires! We are elated and happy that we will never get our tires there again! Others have said the same thing. I don't feel my warranty was upheld! Today I noticed that a hub cap is gone since I was there! read more

Still the worst Costco ever! I sure hope the new location that's getting ready to open next month has nicer employees! A majority of employees that work at thr Hawthorn Costco are just RUDE and downright miserable! ( Except the gas attendants, they rock!) read more

Costco is great, they have good prices on things that are often hard to find. The problem? everything comes in overly large sizes. I think that is because I live by myself. It is also why I am not a member any more. That said I do like the occasional visit. Usually this one with a friend of mine who lives close by. Once inside it is a great store, I just never know what I will find. Time it right and you will get a lot of great samples. Good buys are all over the store. I also like buying drinks, snacks, other foods... The big negative here is the parking. Its a big lot but I always wind up with a lousy parking spot. Then there is the parked carts of people inside the store...it can be hard to make my way through. Tip: if you are a guest, they are usually up to take your cash only. Tip 2: if shopping with a friend buy stuff together and split it in half, the package sizes are often just to big. read more

This location is terrible. Not only is the layout awful, I've never seen Costco cashiers work at such a snail's pace. Usually Costco employees have a great sense of urgency and are motivated to move the lines. I think one of the reasons that this Costco is ALWAYS busy is that the cashiers don't move the lines efficiently. I never thought I'd write a poor review about Costco employees but there's something about this location that irks me. When I was going through the checkout the other day, the cashier was having a conversation WHILE ringing me up. And it wasn't the multi-tasking sort of conversation where you can actually do your job, she was stopping to turn around to talk while holding the freaking product. Someone even brought a baby over and she stopped for a good 20 seconds to coo over the baby MID-CHECKOUT. I've never seen a Costco cashier move food over the scanner so slowly. There was zero motivation despite having a long ass line. I'm wondering if the Salem location doesn't offer incentives to their cashiers to move lines like other locations? Terrible experience. I'm limiting my Costco shopping to once a month if I can help it. read more

My experience a few days ago at this location was awful. Let me explain... Everything was going great. My Mom and I had finished our shopping and were at the check out stand. The cashier Steven seemed to be giving an elderly lady in front of us a hard time about a form she had or something. Our turn rolls around. We had a sub total because we were each buying our own things. My Mom very politely mentioned this and Steven says "well where's your Costco card?" My Mom says my daughter in line has her own card which we are using today. He continues to badger her, asking the same question two more times. My Mom politely says she doesn't have one with her and we are using my card today. The whole while, he is talking loudly and almost laughing, and being very sarcastic... As he rings up everything my Mom has, she reminds him that she has cash and I'm using a check for my stuff. Steven responds with "WHAT'S your point??!" My mom and I look at each other in confusion. Again he says "well what's your point?!" My mom politely says that she's just reminding him she has cash. He then blabbers on about how he knows how to do his job!! UNBELIEVABLE! He continues asking Mom the same questions and talking down to her. That's when I jumped in and said "excuse me, you've gone far enough, please stop." He exclaims loudly "OH, COME ON NOW, WE'RE JUST HAVING FUN!!!" I exclaimed oh no we aren't!!! Instead of taking it down a notch he just continues his badgering, only focused on me know. At this point, I try to ignore him, and just want to get out of there. I called the manager when we left. AVOID STEVEN at all costs. He is a troubled man. read more

Ive come to love this Costco. Once you mentally nap out your parking and what sections to hit, shopping is a breeze. I did find the perfect time to come, however, I will not disclose that. The parking is still heavily congested when you come, but like I said before. If you mentally map.. it's a breeze. read more

I'm not a big fan of Costco because the whole place is a lie. Yeah, they sell in bigger quantities so people THINK they are getting a deal, but what the dummies who buy 8 pounds of mayonaise or 72 avacados don't do is figure out the actual price per unit. Usually it's the same or more than what they'd pay at a regular grocery store, but in an unmanageable size. The fact that you have to pay $50 per year to be a "member" is annoying. I have a Costco card yes, but the only reason is because they had the best kosher hot dogs (Sinai Kosher) and they have the best cheesecake in town. I was here two weeks ago and they have STOPPED selling the hot dogs--WTF? I still haven't figured out why this place is always packed. Oh wait, yes I have--Salemites are idiots. They love crowding into a tiny parking lot and fighting for a space so they can pay the SAME price as Fred Meyer for an item, but get it in a container 19x the size. Duh... read more

I can honestly say I have yet to have an experience so bad here that I am traumatized beyond ever coming back. However with that being said, I loathe going. The parking lot is a mess, whoever was responsible for the layout must have had a stroke or something. I've gone at various times through the week-early morning, mid-afternoon, and late in the day. I will never make the mistake again of going on a Sunday, it's everyone's post-church activity. Customers are dressed up, kids running around everywhere, people leaning on their carts while they inspect every item. I've found the best time to go is mid-week, late in the evening, almost at closing. It's also terrible when they have samples. I guess there are too many people on SSI or welfare to get an actual meal, the hotdogs are $1.50 and I'm pretty sure the "homeless, blind, diabetic vet" sitting on the street corner in downtown Salem probably makes 10x that in an hour, although he doesn't have 10 kids either. Pretty sure they sell condoms in bulk, maybe eat samples for a month and then pick up a box or two. The pharmacy is good, I've ordered my dog's medication here. They woman was very knowledgeable and worked to get me some kind of discount card if I filled out the paperwork, which I greatly appreciated. Just remember that the pharmacy hours are different than the main store hours and there is a weird 1-1.5hr break early afternoon if they are low staffed. I would call before going. The main checkout area is slow and painful, the worst I have seen. Most of the time all the registers are open. On busy days they are quick to open more registers but it does not prevent people from backing up into the beef jerky and vitamins. Certain checkers definitely have only one speed, slow. Go enough and you'll learn who to avoid. read more

THEY ARE ONLY FULL OF EXCUSES!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME HERE!!! I'm very disappointed with the entire experience, dishonest, used car sales men persona and they go even as far as to cut you off when asking a question to only tell you off for wanting to clarify about warranty etc. The wait time I was told took 1hr and 15min, so I figured I'd shop for a bit and then come back. It then continued to take an additional 2 hrs. No communication, and even when I asked how much longer so I could leave and come back if need be, I was assured only 15 more min. A few days after I received a call about my tires and was told to stop by, without a reason. Worried I found the number and called them to clarify how soon and Austin, I think was his name, was beyond rude. Told me "if you had bothered to listen to what was told to you, then you'd know why" and proceeded to hang up on me, even though no reason was left in the voicemail. THE ONLY reason I came here is because of the deal they had and the nitrogen tires, but it is worth the extra driving to go to another location. read more

This Costco is pretty much the same as any other Costco in the chain. All are good and have much of the same merchandise. It is interesting that you cannot buy hard liquor in Costco's within the state of Oregon. Oregon has liquor laws that you can only buy hard liquor in state stores which are extremely high in price. Other stores are allowed to carry wine and beer only. read more

If the government ran like Costco. We would all be saving money, every ones ID would be checked for membership, and $1.50 hotdogs for every one. But seriously. You cant beat the prices or the return policy. read more

Update: In the time since I wrote the previous review,Costco's tire shop has degraded remarkably. Their selection is a fraction of what it once was, and now their prices have risen substantially. I couldn't find the tires I wanted, so I went to America's Tire and got what I wanted for about $200 less than what I would have paid. They still have good enough service there to merit a second star for me, though. read more

Please, bring another Costco to Salem!! It is desperately needed! This Costco is pretty standard as far as Costco goes, although I've been to nicer, more updated ones in different parts of the US, making the Salem locale seem a bit outdated & run down. Parking is often a nightmare. Some deals are pretty good (make sure to look at competitor pricing), and Costco is known for their excellent customer service. I have never had any problems returning items, and much of what they sell is on the higher quality end. I also have my auto insurance through Costco, saving me lots of $$, so I can't complain there. Bottom line, another location is needed. Salem's population has significantly grown since this location was first built and it only makes sense to build another store to accomodate (economy boost, anyone?!). read more

Costco is my Disneyland. Executive membership for a year for less than 1 day in a Disney Park! Free samples, $1.50 hotdog & soda, people watching, and excellent gas prices. I go literally every weekend I'm in town. Who cares if it's crowded, take a break on their display furniture and chill with a snack. read more

I find this store a necessary evil. I am addicted to many of their products that aren't available anywhere else. It would get a good 4 stars if it's customers weren't so insane. How is it that I go in to buy baby cucumbers and walk out with $150 dollars worth of mayo, cheese and lunch meat? The Costco dogs are okeydokey. Thank God, I have only buckled under the pressure once and bought one. I burped it up for a good 6 hrs. Pros: I like going there with the kid because of the free samples. They have great products. I adore Kirkland brand anything. Cons: I have an anxiety attack if I go on a weekend or during a holiday rush. I think people's common sense exits the car right as you turn into the parking lot. Is it really that hard to walk an extra few yards or so to the entrance? I spend more than I anticipate when I go in because I have little impulse control. Quick tip: Breathe in your nose deeply, hold, then slowly exhale while parking. It'll help with the heart palpitations. read more

Costco Optical is a terribly run business. I went there 6 years ago and the service from Shelley was horrible. I decided to try it again because it's closer to where I work than the other place I've been going and it was a mistake. The Optometrist is nice and seems great. Everyone else has poor service and strange rules. I've been wearing monthly contact lenses for 20 years. Maybe more. I've never worn dailies. The Optometrist sent me home with dailies to try and I went in today to order some of those and some monthlies. Amanda in the office told me if I wanted monthlies, I'd have to be seen again and PAY for another exam! When I told her I've been wearing those for 20 years, it didn't matter. When I asked her why an optometrist giving me dailies as samples meant I couldn't order monthlies, there was no answer. She started to say that I hadn't been seen recently, and I asked her why that mattered if I chose to order dailies or monthlies. When I asked why no one told me if I took those samples, I couldn't have monthlies, no answer. When I asked if she could call the place I had been going to verify I'd been wearing monthlies, she didn't give me a straight answer. I told them they lost my business altogether. She didn't care. She was not friendly. She didn't proactively offer any reasonable solutions other than paying for another appointment. No, I will not pay for two appointments just to order contacts. And please tell customers if they accept samples of a new lense, they cannot order their old lense. And the gal that initially helped me chided me for not having a number. I pointed out the machine was not there and it was moved behind a sign. There were 0 people waiting. Each of the 3 customers were with someone. It wasn't difficult to see I was the only person needing help. On my way out, I called Keizer Vision Source and they said I can order monthlies and dailies from them. Take a note from them, Costco. read more

Happy to find they have a gas station here, as some do not. That was the sum total of our visit. Good service from friendly associates.

(Only applies to the food court/food stand) So yes, I'm Aaron, and I'm a caffeine addict. (others: "Hi, Aaron!"). My usual drug...er, drink of choice here is the mocha freeze. If those ceased to exist at Costco, I'd be one sad panda. I've known for a while now there was a hot mocha/latte option, so I had a hot latte for starters ($1). Not really one of my better experiences. The latte was weak and barely lukewarm. Where's the assertive, bold espresso? And I shoulda told them to nuke that bad boy until it scalds my mouth. I guess I'll have to get the mocha and rely on that chocolate to make it taste better. Overall, it's still OK because the prices are insanely cheap and I've otherwise been happy with my food/drink purchases there (from the pizza to the Polish dog). read more

Im a fan of Costco, they always have new/different stuff every time I go. I LOVE their food court area, super cheap and everything is good. Unfortunately when we went today the line for the food went almost all the way to the customer service desk. So we did not get anything from the food counter today, if I did it would have been the berry frozen yogurt. This location has a horrific parking-lot/drive-way/gas station situation. Who ever designed this parking area is a moron...Sorry not sorry. If you have been there you know what Im talking about. There is one lane to get in and 2 lanes to get out. Now on the inside its clean and there's always an employee around to help.This is a very busy location though.Its hard to even walk in the store because of all the people there, especially on the weekends. I will still come here, but its a pain in the butt. read more

Love their coffee grinder's location! In other stores, it is located in front of the cashiers next to the restrooms. Here, it is back in the aisle next to the bags of coffee beans. I don't have that senior moment whereupon entering my car I realize I forgot to grind the beans (again). I grind them as soon as I pick up the bag. read more

I don't know if the tire center is over worked or they are just under staffed. Trying to get two front tires was the most insane obnoxious thing. Waiting in line at the desk, two employees came out and told us "be right with you" we waited for over forty minutes and decided to grocery shop and then after we tried waiting again, other grumpy people in line joking that the employees must be on break, a little over thirty minutes later someone comes out and starts helping the line, as he says he says he's going to go look for our tires, the customer behind us says "can I just drop off my keys? I heard you say you're going to to look for something" so he helps her and puts us to the side until another employee comes out and finishes our order fifteen minutes later. They called me to tell me my tires were ready. I missed the call and called for five days straight so decided to go into the location, she told me they could get to my car is 2 1/2 hours. I've been calling all day long to make another appointment, finally getting through to someone he puts me on hold and then it hangs up. Even though I called directly back of course no answer. I would rather pay triple the price then go to Costco for new tires again!!! read more

Where else can you drive up to a well-equipped and ready-to-help Auto Center to have air put in your tires? I'd tried a gas station -- they don't do that anymore​. Then I thought of Costco's Auto Center... sure enough, Josh asked how he could help, then pulled out their extra-long air hose and quickly filled and checked my tires. Thanks to Josh and to Costco...always ready to help! You're the best!! read more

Grew up going to this Costco and it is great! I know have family and friends that work here and love it! They treat their employees really well. You need a membership to shop here but it is worth it. You can get bulk shopping for just about anything! They also have great samples around lunchtime and a delicious food court for a nice treat or a meal before or after you shop! read more

This was only a photo shop visit but they did great. I will post an update when I stop in to shop.

Very simply....Costco is a great place to shop if you have a lot of people to feed, and you can get some great bargains on electronics which I am particularly fond of! read more

Love coming in to see what they have. Love picking up things I need and some I might not need as much as I think I do lol. The problem I have is the help. Not all of them of course, just the cashiers and their helpers. They are always rushing, rushing rushing. As of they get paid by how many customers they check. And then for having things boxed up. OMG you'd think you had just run over their cat. "You want boxes ??%#!!. Oh! they are so rude!! I'm 64 and have to carry my groceries in by myself as my wife is handicapped. So yes.. I WANT SOME DANG BOXES. Jeeze louise. Then after being a member since 1985, they ask me for my drivers license when I write a check for $ 850.00. DO WHAT !! They have all of my info on file, my picture on my membership card (that still looks like me), it's a business check and I guess because I'm wearing my out door yard working clothes (off work this week) and haven't shaved since last Friday, I'm now profiled to be a check kiter. WOW !! Hate to say this but.. it's not my fault they can't buy 800 dollars worth of groceries at a time and I can. This store has always had an issue with their customers, or at least me. Member since 1985. Terminated my membership, as well as my co-members memberships as well 4/7/2021. To bad too, I did so like seeing their goodies that I'd buy and really not need but, everything they sell can be had elsewhere. Se la vi mon ami. read more

Like all Costco's, it's crowded. The staff is helpful at this location. For those that buy gas, there is a gas station.

Best. Store. Ever. Amazing prices, they treat the staff amazing everything about them is awesome. Highly recommend. Oh and their gas prices are almost always less than other places and as everything else with the store the quality of the gas is amazing. You can not go wrong with this place. You should check out the amazingly prices and amazingly yummy food court too. read more