t rcaovnenlection
Kirkland Signature travel
collection offers Costco
members vacation “gems”
By T. Foster Jones
SINCE ITS introduction in 1994, Costco’s private
label, Kirkland Signature™, has grown in esteem and
popularity with members, as the name has become
synonymous with value and quality at Costco.
Every Kirkland Signature product offered at
Costco, whether luggage, cookware or appliance, is
carefully researched and developed. It not only must
match or beat the category-leading brand in quality, it
must show significant savings over that brand. If it
cannot meet these requirements, Costco will not give
it the Kirkland Signature seal of approval.
Now this same value and quality is available in
special Kirkland Signature vacations offered by
Costco Travel.
“Like popular products in our warehouses, these
specially coordinated vacations are ‘gems’ in our
travel program,” says Shannon Parker, general merchandise manager for Costco Travel, explaining that
the Kirkland Signature events are limited throughout the year and available only on select dates.
ues,” says Shannon. Special Kirkland Signature fea-
The gems get crowned tures include shipboard and resort credits, hosted
Introduced two years ago as Signature events, dinners and receptions and Costco Cash cards.
after seven successful trips the program proved itself “For instance, the seven-night stay at the Hyatt
worthy to bear the Kirkland Signature name in 2006. Regency Maui Resort and Spa includes a private wel-
“As with every travel product, travel buyers con- come cocktail party, a $50 Costco Cash card, seven
sider elements such as the very best brands, accom- days of a convertible rental car, breakfast for two, a
modations, added values, amenities, events and luau and a snorkeling cruise,” says Shannon. The
seasonality to ensure the best possible travel experi- extras that are rolled into the vacations—many
ence,” says Shannon. Then, to take the Kirkland exclusive to Costco members—range from hun-Signature vacations a step above, the buyers are dreds to thousands of dollars in added value.
required to seek additional value by adding exclusive
events such as member-only cocktail receptions, Hostess with the mostest Whether on the high seas
tours, dinners and more. On select Signature trips, “Buying Smart” colum- in Alaska, a resort and spa
PHOTOS COURTESY COSTCO TRAVEL
Costco travelers have given the Signature events nist Pat Volchok has participated as a celebrity Costco on Maui or cruising to
high marks. “The cabins were great; we felt like gifted Travel host. Her charm and popularity among mem- Sydney with Jean Michel
people, we were treated so wonderfully by Costco peo- bers made her an outstanding addition to each event. Cousteau (above), Kirkland
ple,” says Shirley Davis, who was on last year’s In 2006, Pat will join the Radisson Seven Seas Signature vacations offer
Signaturevoyagetothe Mediterranean with Windstar. cruise from Singapore to Sydney. This voyage will something very special.
“It felt like we were with family,” agrees Karen highlight food and wine, and will include the James
Olinger, whose Windstar cruise was her second Beard Celebrity Chef Tour and, exclusively for
Signatureevent. Costco members, a wine tasting and cooking
demonstration hosted by Radisson. In addition,
A value trifecta environmentalist Jean Michel Cousteau, son of
The 2006 Costco Kirkland Signature collection famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, will be a special
of vacations includes three events: a Princess guest aboard the ship, conducting his world-famous
Cruises 12-night Heart of Alaska Cruise Tour lectureseries.
(already sold out), a seven-night resort vacation at “These special travel events
the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and a 14- always sell out early,” says Lauren The Costco Connection
night cruise from Singapore to Sydney, including Anderson, cruise buyer at Costco Costco Travel offers a variety of cruises and vaca-
airfare, with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Travel. “Members should not delay tions. Go to costco.com and click on “Travel” or
