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Beer at Ontario Costcos

This forum is for discussing everything beer retail: LCBO, Beer Store, Grocery Stores and Indie Stores.

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Cass
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Beer at Ontario Costcos

Post by Cass »

Thought I would start a new thread on this. Josh reports today that all Ontario Costcos will start selling beer this week:

https://www.thestar.com/business/costco ... aec65.html

I have to say I'm somewhat surprised, as the little I know about Costco's business model is they pursue exclusive sizes and packs of goods, and price points, that can't be found elsewhere. As we know about beer in Ontario it's all quite uniform through TBS & LCBO.

I wonder if they'll have unique case offerings from either big or small brewers or discounts from TBS on case sizes. I would again be a bit surprised if they simply sell 24 or 30 packs at the same price from TBS.

Hard to compare to the U.S., but the last couple of trips by car to Michigan I've picked up 24 cases of Two Hearted Ale and Great Lakes Christmas Ale at Costco, both at price points that would be impossible to find elsewhere (and frankly the case size too as grocery stores usually don't carry 24s).

I guess we'll see. If anyone sees anything please report in!

seangm
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Post by seangm »

Just heard about this as well, in fact it looked like they were rearranging stock to make room during my last visit. Like you mention, considering Costco's business model of offering exclusive packaging/pricing/formats, I really hope it means they'll have deals not found elsewhere. Maybe case deals on beers that currently only sell with single pricing? Larger formats like the 30-packs available from some brands? Or exclusive mixed-packs not available elsewhere perhaps.

Of course I'm cautiously optimistic because I'm not going to go back to macro beer if that's primarily what's on offer, so I'm hoping they have some decent options. I've been buying a lot of GLB Lager at $50 bucks a case, would be nice to see something along those lines from other local players.

anthony9
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Post by anthony9 »

This was a decade ago (and not Ontario), but I remember seeing a case of Sierra Nevada for $25 USD in one of the most expensive states in the US. Finally, we will get the chance to technically say, it's kind of like that here.

I predict it's going to be like the selection in Quebec, but with GLB and Amsterdam.

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Tapsucker
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Post by Tapsucker »

It will be interesting to see what they offer. Doesn't the new regulation state a certain percentage has to be Ontario craft?

I've seen 60 packs of swill in Quebec stores. I don't recall if I even looked at the price.

Honestly, the only real "convenience" for me would be if/when they accept returns. Costco is one of the few shopping errands I actually drive to, so that would be one less stop when hauling back empties.

I wonder if they will also add wine? I know they have their own liquor brand in the US that has had some positive reviews. 10 or 20 litre Kirkland box wine would be pretty funny.
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Post by anthony9 »

Tangential

Piece in the star (paywall) highlights some prices and wines at Costco. Some seem to be 10% or so cheaper than LCBO.

Also praises the wine buyer, which I’ve heard about their American stores. Hopefully I’ll be wrong and there will be some smaller producers closer to the warehouse like Town in Oshawa or Collective Arts in Burlington.

seangm
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Post by seangm »

So I haven't found too much yet about price and selection, but Dougie had a little photo op in a Costco and it looks like the Muskoka mixed 24 is $39.99; granted there's tax to be added, but that's still about $45 all in- so not bad. Michelob pricing appears to be about 3 bucks better than the Beer Store for 30 x 355 ml.

Keeping in mind the legal price floor is much lower than pretty much anyone sells for, it looks like there is indeed room for Costco to squeak out better prices. I'm certainly intrigued by options like that Muskoka mix pack since you typically pay a premium for that sort of thing.

https://x.com/fordnation/status/1852003873453424706

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Cass
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Post by Cass »

seangm wrote: Thu Oct 31, 2024 2:17 pm So I haven't found too much yet about price and selection, but Dougie had a little photo op in a Costco and it looks like the Muskoka mixed 24 is $39.99; granted there's tax to be added, but that's still about $45 all in- so not bad. Michelob pricing appears to be about 3 bucks better than the Beer Store for 30 x 355 ml.
Thanks for sharing the find. I was trying to think of who in Ontario would be of the level like Bell's / Ohio Great Lakes who could (and would) do something unique for Costco and Muskoka was one of the ones that came to mind.

But I wish they had some Mad Tom in that pack :)

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S. St. Jeb
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Post by S. St. Jeb »

Just saw this.

“ The Burlington Costco at 1225 Brant is now selling 60 packs of Coors Light, for $84.99.”

It’s only a deal if you want the product. I do not.

The same article said “Other beers on sale at the Brant location include Stella Artois, Landshark, Bud Light, and Steam Whistle.”

I like Steam Whistle now and again, but wouldn’t likely ever want to buy it in a large quantity.

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Tapsucker
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Post by Tapsucker »

S. St. Jeb wrote: Thu Oct 31, 2024 7:31 pm
“ The Burlington Costco at 1225 Brant is now selling 60 packs of Coors Light, for $84.99.”
I'm guessing they are making their money back on the adult diapers to go with this.
Brands are for cattle.
Fans are cash cows.
The herd will consume until consumed.

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