Costco Connection - March 2007

HERE ARE further details about Costco’s lineup of outdoor furniture in the warehouses for 2007. All items are available only while supplies last. Additional pieces are available on costco.com.

early May. The price is less than $80, whereas the same-quality rug costs about $280 retail. (This rug is one of my “ must-have” picks.) Item #270571

Kirkland Signature Collection

Seven-piece aluminum deep-cushion dining set. Available in warehouses through June. Item #103145

Six-piece aluminum deep-seating group. Available now. Item #103124

Five-piece aluminum fireplace seating group. Available April through June. The tank is stored under the fireplace on a pull-out holder. (Empty propane tanks are sold separately in the warehouses.) Item #270649

Coordinating aluminum chaise lounge. Available now through April. Item #270619

Old World by Agio

Seven-piece aluminum dining set. Available now. It has the only round table offered in the warehouses this season. Item #270522

Five-piece café set. Available now.

Item #270542

Five-piece fireplace seating group. Available now. Item #270648

La Jolla by Agio Resin Wicker Group Six-piece woven seating group. Available now.

Each set takes about a month to make; pieces are great for indoor use, too. Item #270566

And more!

Assorted outdoor umbrellas. Stands are not included but are available.

Wrought-iron stacking chair. The chair is a great value at less than $20. Matching bistro table is also available. Chair: Item #663002; table: #663003

Kirkland Signature premium commercial-grade 304 stainless steel grill. It comes with a built-in 2-cubic-foot oven. Available in March at warehouses (Item #138972) and at costco.com.

Check out the many “knock your socks off” outdoor furnishings on costco.com. Click on “Outdoor” and visit such categories as “Awning & Shades,” “BBQ,” “Fire Pit & Patio Heaters,” “Garden Center,” “Patio” and “Outdoor Structures.”

Outdoor area rug ( 6 by 9 feet)

Coordinates with the Kirkland Signature Collection, in diamond or leaf motif.

Available March through

Note: Some assembly is required with most Costco outdoor furniture. Be prepared for large boxes, and plan transportation accordingly. Covers are included with many sets.

FRANCE FREEMAN

La Jolla by Agio Six-
Piece Woven Group
Agio is one of the leading
brands of upscale outdoor fur-
niture. It offers exclusively to
Costco a charming, natural-look-
ing, all-weather resin wicker set of
one three-seat sofa, two wingback
chairs with ottomans and one cof-
fee table. All cushions are covered
with Sunbrella fabric in handsome
linen-curry-gold tones with coordi-
nating paisley-print lumbar bolsters.

When asked how to differentiate between sophisticated high-end resin wicker, which resists stains, mildew, stretching and fading, and cheaper materials, Kari says it’s all in the look and feel.

Inspecting a La Jolla chair, I have a

hard time believing it’s made of resin—it looks and feels like cane. The weave is extremely tight, with no fake shine or plastic feel.

“This type of deep-seating chair sells in most patio shops from $500 to $800 each, whereas our members can purchase the six-piece set for less than $1,500,” says Kim.

Costco vs. the competition

Shop around to compare Costco’s prices to other stores and you’ll find huge differences. Here’s proof, featuring Costco’s Kirkland Signature seven-piece aluminum deep-cushion dining set with a comparable product.

Kirkland Signature Seven-Piece Aluminum Deep-Cushion Dining Set

Tropitone

Savings

$1,199.99

$4,899.00*

308 percent

* Price based on a survey taken in Seattle in January 2007.

Old World by Agio

If you are looking for a gorgeous 64-inch- diameter round outdoor dining table with six

matching chairs, then Old World by Agio is for you.

The tabletop, made of handcrafted slate mosaic with beautiful copper tile inlays and a black natural-stone border, marries perfectly with the rustic, wrought-iron-style aluminum table and chair frames. (A five-piece matching café set and five-piece deep-seating fireplace group are also available.)

Again, Costco has a great price. “Our Old World five-piece chat group sells for less than $1,000,” Kim reports. “I’ve seen similar fireplaces selling for $1,300, with chairs $600 each. Need I say more?”