Skip to content

Shoppers Prefer Walmart Over Costco For This

When it comes to this, the warehouse chain doesn't compare to America's largest retail chain.

There are over 100 million Costco members across the globe and the chain sells over 106 million of its signature $4.99 rotisserie chickens every year. Walmart is a popular shopping destination, too, with at least one store in every state in the U.S. and growing healthcare services. But when it comes to one aspect of the business, Walmart has Costco beat.

According to a new survey conducted by GOBankingRates, Walmart has a better online shopping experience than Costco and other grocery stores. When asked where they like to shop online the most, 42% of participants said Walmart, followed by 31% for Target, and 9% for the warehouse chain.

Related: These Are Costco's Most Popular Items Right Now

This news may not be surprising, considering Costco members have been disappointed with the company's website and app for a while. Some have called it glitchy, outdated, and slow. And although updates are being introduced—like mobile pay and current warehouse inventory—Walmart's online assets still reign supreme, especially at its warehouse store Sam's Club. Some Costco members say they have taken their business to Walmart's counterpart because of the issues.

Heading to the online sites and perks, Walmart also wins thanks to its delivery service Walmart+. Costco's two-day shipping and same-day grocery delivery via Instacart don't rival Walmart's—which usually gets compared to Amazon Prime. (Speaking of Amazon, Walmart recently beat out the online company when it comes to grocery buying.)

The membership-based service is $12.95 a month or $98 a year for free shipping on every order, no matter the price, select prescriptions for as low as $0, $0.05 off per gallon at Walmart gas stations, access to Sam's Club gas stations, Scan & Go checkout in the store, and member-exclusive perks and sales events.

And despite its huge popularity, Walmart is trying to reach even more online customers. The company is opening up additional automated fulfillment centers that can reach customers up to 200 miles away.

Compared to Target, Walmart has a larger selection of items and more vendors offered—72 compared to 100,000+, GOBankingRates says.

In the end, though, no supermarket is totally safe from inflation and shortages—Costco, Walmart, and Kroger Are All Putting Purchase Limits on These Items.

Amanda McDonald
Amanda has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in digital journalism from Loyola University Chicago. Read more about Amanda