# Why this Costco member never leaves empty-handed

> Eleven years of executive membership, weekly runs, and a short list of items that always make the cart.
- Title: Why this Costco member never leaves empty-handed | Shortify
- Summary: Eleven years of executive membership, weekly runs, and a short list of items that always make the cart. Costco loyalty is built on a handful of repeat buys…
- Keywords: costco, groceries, shopping, budget, kirkland, business, technology, member, never, leaves, empty-handed, Business Insider
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/best-things-to-buy-costco-from-executive-member-mom-2026-9
- Author: Allison Lau
- Published: 2026-09-14T15:11:46.461+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: costco, groceries, shopping, budget, kirkland, business, technology
## Eleven years, one store
She has held a Costco executive membership for over a decade and treats the warehouse as the family's default grocery run.

> Anyone who knows me can attest that I'm a die-hard, loyal Costco shopper.
## At least once a week
The trips are weekly, sometimes twice a week, all to restock the groceries her family actually finishes.

> I visit at least once a week, sometimes twice
## Kirkland is the backbone
Kirkland Signature staples and Costco's lineup of salad kits carry most of the regular food shopping.
## Not just food
The savings extend past the grocery aisles into household necessities and gifts, where the prices beat other stores.

> We've also found unbeatable prices on household necessities, gifts, and more.
## Five constant buys
Out of everything in the warehouse, five items land in her cart on every single trip.

> These are the five items I'll always buy at Costco
## The food court finish
No trip ends without a stop for a cookie at the food court, the small ritual that closes the run.

> before grabbing a cookie from the food court, of course
## Key takeaway

Costco loyalty is built on a handful of repeat buys, not on browsing the whole warehouse.