Aisles as far as you can see, lawnmowers, TVs, sofas, branded clothes, the biggest cakes I’ve ever seen in a shop, and fruit and vegetables from all over the world – there’s almost literally nothing you can’t get at Costco.

This week I ventured into a branch in Cardiff for the first time ever, a little unsure of what to expect. From watching American reality TV, my impression of Costco was that it was a cheap store – almost like a Home Bargains – where you could bulk-buy home essentials and food. But, to my surprise, it had so much more to offer.

As I pulled up in the busy car park, people were already lining up to show and scan their Costco card to get into the shop. It turns out that you can’t just walk in for a browse and show the card when you pay. So I ventured over to the customer service desk where I was able to buy a membership card for £33 – this is because my place of work is an approved company and I had my work ID card and another formal ID card with me. Make sure you qualify beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Read more: 'I had my first-ever flying lesson and it's truly an experience like no other'

Aisles as far as you can see full of goods

As soon as I walked in, there were people with trolleys full to the brim, shelves stacked to the top with a variety of items and even an array of food and drink samples to try, which was the best part of the whole trip for me. I tried a selection of desserts, meat, seafood and cheese, which was a great way to try new foods and drinks before you buy. As if that wasn’t enough, there was even an area where you could buy hot food and sit down to eat it. Perfect if you are all tired from shopping.

An area where you could buy hot food and sit down to eat

Costco is known for selling bulk buy items, but would it be cheaper than your average shop at your local supermarket? Let’s take a look at some examples and compare it to the nearest supermarket to Costco in Cardiff, which is Asda and based in the same retail park.

As I walked around the store, I came across the fruit and vegetable aisle. There was a large selection of options that you might not always find at a supermarket, like a pack of four Golden Nash pears from China for £4.99 (no VAT on this item), a pack of papayas for £9.99 (no VAT on this item), or a six-pack of mangos for £9.99 (no VAT). But looking at your average veg, like bell peppers - six for £3.69 (no VAT on this item)- you could pick up cheaper at Asda for £1.69. A pack of 12 limes at Costco was £2.29 (no VAT on this item), whereas three packs of four limes in Asda would be £3.

Huge cakes for sale, perfect for birthday or other celerbrations

The store also had a selection of huge cakes, muffins, pastries and more. Two six-packs of muffins (12 muffins) would cost £7.99 (no VAT) in Costco, the same for its pack of mixed 30 doughnut bites. In Asda, three packs of four muffins would cost £5.40 (£1.80 a pack).

For the meatiest of meat eaters, there is a wide selection of steaks, gammon, chicken and more - perfect for a summertime barbeque or stocking up for Christmas. Customers can pick up a pack of British beef cut shirt ribs for £9.69 (no VAT on this item), a five-pack of Aberdeen Angus beef sirloin steak for £27.99 (no VAT on this item) and 12 British lamb loin chops for around £20 (no VAT on this item).

There were loads of Halloween and Christmas decorations on offer

There is also a huge choice of toiletries to bulk buy, such as three packs of 16 Andrex toilet rolls for £17.59 (£21.10 including VAT), whereas it’s £12 per pack in Asda on average. You can also get Ariel all-in-one pods (140 washes) for £19.49 (£23.38 including VAT), whereas a XXL pack in Asda (51 washes) is £13 on average.

Alcohol is another item that customers can bulk buy. In Costco, 24 330ml bottles of Peroni is £20.89 (£25.06 including VAT) and 12 bottles of 330ml Birra Moretti are £11.99 (£14.38 including VAT). In Asda, an 18-pack of Peroni is £25 and 12 bottles of 330ml Birra Moretti would cost you £17.

Armarni jeans from £49.99 (£59.98 including VAT)
Adidas hoodies from £38.99 (£46.78 including VAT)

One thing that shocked me is how many branded clothing items were on offer. From Adidas hoodies from £38.99 (£46.78 including VAT) to Armani jeans from £49.99 (£59.98 including VAT), there was plenty of choice for men, women and children.

If you’re a planner and need a one-stop shop, then Costco could be for you. Due to its huge size and layout, it can be a bit overwhelming navigating your way through, and some prices could be clearer with VAT. Overall, there’s a huge variety of products, seasonal homeware and holiday decorations. I’ll definitely take advantage of my new membership card and be back to pick up some bargains.