The Costco theory of the internet

[Brad]

Good read.

https://www.joanwestenberg.com/the-costco-theory-of-the-internet/

Costco never promised perfect quality or the best product in every category; and it isn't doesn't claim to be a temple of taste. It sells enormous muffins, bulk socks, patio furniture, protein shakes, car tyres, petrol, hearing aids, rotisserie chickens, appliances, and tubs of dip large enough to drown any and all sorrows.

But more than that: Costco sells a higher floor.

[rcjordan]

>hearing aids

I was in an antique RV club populated with dozens of elder, gifted, techie, mechanics (lots of engineers) that also tended to be 'just the bullets' type.  I was in my mid-60s & knew my hearing was fading so I asked what they were using. The answer was
- go to Costco
- get the $1500 set
- don't bother with the phone app as you'll soon find that to be a bother
- it doesn't filter background noise, no hearing aid does no matter what they say
- restaurants are a problem but it's easy to turn down the volume with the button

There, now you have the bullets.  I joined Costco just to get the hearing aids. Still a member.

"Costco's hearing aid centers have been one of the biggest success stories in the hearing aid industry over the past decade. From 2011 to 2017, sales at Costco hearing centers grew at approximately 20% per year, and Costco has now emerged as the nation's leading hearing aid retailer, making up about 16% of the US retail market in 2025. That suggests only the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) dispenses more hearing aids in the United States."

https://www.hearingtracker.com/hearing-aids/costco