Most people assume that buying anything at Costco requires a membership. The assumption is almost entirely correct — almost. There is one commercially significant exception, and it applies in 14 U.S. states: alcohol. In many states, laws prohibit for-profit companies from requiring a paid membership to purchase alcohol. The specific states where this applies to Costco are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan,

There is a reason Kirkland Signature generates $90 billion in annual sales and commands more consumer loyalty than most of the national brands it sits beside on the warehouse floor. The reason is not just that Kirkland products are competitively priced. The reason is that many Kirkland products are not generic alternatives to famous brands — they are, quite literally, made by those famous brands. Starbucks roasts the coffee. Duracell makes the batteries. Reynolds Brands makes