Update: First off, a huge THANKS to all of you for the great responses. They were very helpful.
Found out that both stores near me are within about a half mile of each other. Joined Costco but then got a $15 membership offer from Sam's so joined it as well.
Thanks again!
Okay, you all convinced me with the Costco thread to get a warehouse membership. Is Costco better than Sam's?
It's been many years since I was a member of either one. Think I was spending too much on "extra" items to make it worthwhile but I'm resolved to do better this time.
I'm a single-person houshold but I do have two giant-breed dogs that eat 40-50 pounds of food a month.