Cost-U-Less, Inc.

Cost U Less had another store on STX for years but they built a new facility that opened last spring/summer and moved operations about 10 miles or so east. The new produce department is much better than what they had before and they have a little more room to carry additional products now. They still don't even sniff the coat tails of Costco or Sam's Club, though. They're still worth a trip now and then to stock up on certain types of items.

Thanks Alexandra! I understand what you're saying about Costco and Sam's. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you live on the islands I guess) Cost-U-Less isn't competing directly with the big boys. They are doing very well in the niche they have selected as far as I can tell from looking at their financials. I was just wondering if the stores were clean, well stocked (considering locale), and properly staffed.

Lee

BTW, I'm still building up my nest egg for my eventual move to STT. Another year or two should do it! I'm currently restoring a hurricane damaged sailboat and thinking I might try "living on the hook" for awhile. Maybe sail up and down Island. Can't wait!

Jay

The STT CUL is in the process of expansion. Shop there a lot, well run and well stocked.

Seems as clean as tha Costco here in AZ. Not near as much stuff.
Arn't they owned by the same parent company? They both handle Kirkland, which I was under the impression that was the Costco store brand.

Nope. Cost-U-Less, Inc. trades under the symbol CULS. Costco Wholesale Corp. trades under the symbol COST. Costco had revenues of 55.68B last year. CULS, 219.41M. That's quite a difference. I like the microcaps though. That's where the market inefficiences are most pronounced and opportunity the greatest.

Jay

Consider stock in Hovensa.....wow, it has gone up dramatically in the past 6 months or so. My father invested last fall after a trip here and has made a ridiculous amount of money.

I like Cost-U-Less on STX, although as Alexandra mentioned, they just don't have the wide variety I'd like....the old adage of "if you see, want it or need it, buy it" comes to mind...the next time you go in, whatever caught your eye will most likely be gone, and sometimes never to return. But then again, that seems to hold true for the whole island! The store is generally very clean, and there seems to be adequate staff to help check out, etc. Even though you're supposed to load it all yourself, if I've had heavy items they've always rounded someone up to assist me. Lots of good deals on bulk items if you are paying attention.

Terry,

I was always under the impression that Kirkland was exclusive to Costco too, but I noticed that both the Price Smart and the Cost-U-Less on STT carry Kirkland items.

Jay Elbe,

IMHO, Price Smart is more like Costco in terms of layout, cleanliness, etc. although they are not nearly as well stocked. Price Smart also has a take-out food area that is virtually identical to those that I have seen at Costco stores.

I believe that CUL is probably quite a profitable operation. More than once I have noticed that their prices were higher on items that were also available at other stores on STT, such as K-Mart or the grocery stores. I am not saying that their prices are always higher, but you cannot necessarily assume that you are getting the best price at CUL.

That said, I like CUL well enough for it to be on my regular "grocery shopping circuit," which means that I shop there at least once a week and sometimes more often.

hey Becky, Do you know the stock symbol for Hovensa? I can't find it online. Thanks.

It's AHC. It was up 1.22 today.No I don't own their stock, but the previous discussion piqued my interest.

Thank you!

Daisy,

Yes, the stock symbol is AHC...Amerada Hess Corporation.

HOVENSA used to be HESS Oil. The current company is a joint venture between HESS and the Venezuelan national oil company.

Good, solid stock, BTW.

HOw ironic that my husband and I actually moved to St. Thomas from Sonora, California. So we know both the stores. We frequent the STT store. The Sonora store has a lot to be desired. The STT store is a necessary evil so to speak. They do have many useful items and I do enjoy that they carry Little Tikes but you stil have to go to serveral stores to complete your shopping. No worries. Island Life. I do wish they would price all their items. It's a challenge to try and get a price from someone. Good luck with your ventures.