Is there Value Shopping at Membership-Only Stores?

If you’re like many folks, you’ve been to your favorite wholesale club at least once this summer to stock up on everything from hot dogs and watermelon to beach towels and pool chemicals. 

According to an article in Forbes last month, while big-box retailers like Wal-Mart and Target struggled last quarter, Costco reported revenue growth of almost 8 percent with new memberships increasing 19 percent last quarter over the same period the previous year.

A recent trip to Costco of our own found us unloading about $300 worth of merchandise – like Rice Krispie Treats, Tide Pods and organic milk – from our car and wondering: Are we really saving money?

We’re still not so sure whether our recent outing saved us any money, but stop by if you need a cup of milk. We’ve got gallons.

What do you think, does it pay to join membership-only wholesale stores like Costco, BJ's and Sam's Club? And how important is it for consumers to shop local to support local small businesses? Tell us in the comments below.

Amy Byrnes contributed to this story