The science behind Costco's No. 1 product

The big-box retailer spends a lot of time studying the quality of its biggest-selling item.

By Kim Peterson Apr 25, 2012 12:59PM
Costco (COST) shoppers are very particular about their toilet paper. They post reviews online. They make funny YouTube videos about it. They debate endlessly whether Kirkland is better than Charmin.

Toilet paper is Costco's top-selling product, in fact. And the company takes it seriously. It even studies the quality of Kirkland toilet paper in its laboratory near Seattle, as the following video shows.

Post continues below.
Costco sells $400 million worth of toilet paper every year. Any loss in quality can mean hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. No wonder Costco scientists are so focused on it.

Technicians measure the whiteness of the paper. They squeeze the heck out of it -- breaking an old Charmin rule. And they pay special attention to softness and the way the paper bunches up in your hand.

I've never bought Kirkland. I always go for Charmin. What do you think, readers? Is Costco's toilet paper worth all the attention?

"The Costco Craze" premieres Thursday, April 26 at 9 p.m. ET, with a re-air at 12 a.m. ET.

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318Comments
Middle classy me
Apr 25, 2012 11:40PM
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Yes, Costco Kirkland toilet paper is the best!!!!!  It's strong, yet soft.  You get a lot on each roll.  I wouldn't even think of using anything else!!  :-)  
beat down
Apr 26, 2012 12:21PM
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I just drag my butt across the carpet like the dog. 
Ohdearohdear445
Apr 25, 2012 5:22PM
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Shouldn't that be their "Number 2" product? HotHotHotHot. That's freaking hilarious. I crack myself up.
Florida
Apr 26, 2012 9:29AM
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Well, I don't know what happened to my life that I am finding myself commenting on toilet paper, but yes, Costco's is the best.  I could never buy any brand other than Angel Soft because my husband didn't like any other.  Then one time we were on a rented property on vacation and the TP they had was Costco's and he just went on and on about how great it was (yes, we are a fascinating couple) so after we went back home that's the one we started getting and the only brand since.
sharriannie1234
Apr 25, 2012 3:17PM
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OMG...such a boring life I must lead, if I find myself commenting on TP.
the normal one
Apr 26, 2012 1:00PM
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Gasp!!!  How could you say a Costco membership is a waste?  I pay $110 a year, and usually get $300 back for my membership rebate.  So that not only pays for my membership, but I get an additional $190 for shopping there.  I have a family of 5 and have what I buy there down to a science so nothing goes to waste.  American's are impulsive shoppers, if you waste your money there, it is no one's fault but yours. 

 

I <3 Costco. 

Hodag2012
Apr 26, 2012 11:14AM
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Let's get this correct.  KS bathroom tissue testing indicates that it is stronger than Charmin and just as soft at a much lower price.  It also has many more sheets per role which makes it a much better value.  Costco is a big box store with excellent quality products at very low prices with the most liberal return policy on the planet!  Nuf said.
spartanrick
Apr 26, 2012 7:31AM
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Toilet paper should be ..... non-skid , and puncture proof !
cheddar1985
Apr 26, 2012 10:53AM
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Shouldn't this be the # 2 product??
Roland522
Apr 26, 2012 6:54AM
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Its the only TP I buy.  Costco has proven to be VERY reliable in providing quality products for the moeny.  Thier meat is better/leaner/more tender that any you'll find in a regular supermaket.  Thier return policy is so easy they have to provide quality or be inundated with returns.  I worry less about getting a bargain at Costco since over the past 22 yrs they have proven themselves the best value ove and over agian.  
Jimbobwe3599
Apr 25, 2012 4:03PM
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I quit wiping 2 and a half years ago.
Someone
Apr 26, 2012 11:15AM
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As a business owner, you would think I had more important issues to contend with than TOILET PAPER!  However, after numerous comments from my staff (15 total, men/women) I decided to tackle it head-on (no pun intended).  I met with our cleaning crew and told them my plan - each week we would use a different brand - not to be revealed - and leave 'comment cards' for all to fill out and return to the Ballot Box. We have four separate bathroom facilties.  The comments were very frank, some humorous, some made suggestions.   However after 4-weeks of this, unanimously, the votes were in for Kirkland Brand.
Erin Berg
Apr 26, 2012 12:05PM
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My husband got Charmin, since there was a coupon and I can't wait to be done with it and go back to Kirkland.

Someone
Apr 25, 2012 9:55PM
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Kirkland's T.P. is the best I've ever used: PERIOD.  When my wife and I travel, we take it with us, even if we're staying with family -- but WTF's with their changing the wrapping -- now, each roll is individually wrapped -- seems like a huge waste of plastic.
bginsc
Apr 26, 2012 2:05AM
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Here's a few reasons why Costco's Kirkland TP is so popular:
1. It's noticeably less expensive than name brand TP.
2. It's septic tank friendly, while many name brands aren't.
3. It's approved for use in RV's, and is waaaay cheaper than buying the RV-specific stuff  that's sold in places like Camping World.

I'd make a comment about Costco having their, er, "stuff" together when it comes to TP... but that's way too easy.

CowboysFan10
Apr 25, 2012 9:48PM
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Awesome TP!!  Just as good as Charmin if not better and is much less expensive per roll.  We won't buy anything else.  As a side note, their Kirkland paper towels are very good as well.
danno29434
Apr 26, 2012 12:13PM
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Good Quality cheaper than name brands. I especially like Kirkland's paper towels. Each individually wrapped in a large plastic wrap.
hellojavman
Apr 26, 2012 11:34AM
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i don't like soft toilet paper! it tears when i wipe my hairy butt...Scott's is best for me!
W. E. (RichOrphan99)
Apr 26, 2012 9:44AM
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Costco is a MEMBER organization and does the research to insure the MEMBERS are satisfied with ANY product.  I have been very pleased with the continued focus on VALUE rather than just lowest price.  The TP is just another example of the quality assurance done for an everyday product.  By the way, regardless of the emphasis the commentator puts on "$400 million in sales" of TP, it is a small drop in the $70 BILLION Costco does in business.  Again, no greed can be asserted, because it is a MEMBER organization and limits product mark-up to 3% regardless of how popular or in demand.  I get my membership fee back many times over each year in lower priced products that have real value.
Doesmyfacemakemelookfat
Apr 26, 2012 11:51AM
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What is this "toilet paper" of which you speak? Here, let me Goole it real quick... oh, oh God, oh NOW I see why nobody ever shakes my hand!
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