Cost-kisam Market: Quality and Convenience
Tara A. Spears
What a great idea! Sharp young entrepreneur, Alejandro Medina, 322 162 7352, saw the business potential in Jaltemba Bay and opened a centrally located store that brings Costco and Sam’s Club items to us. While both of these membership only big box stores have been in Mexico since 1992, it’s only been fairly recent to have them on the west coast of Mexico in Puerto Vallarta. That being said, while they are assessable from our community, traveling to and from the PV stores is time-consuming and expensive. Alejandro simplifies the process by stocking Members Mark and Kirkland foods in the Cost-kisam Market.
The Guayabitos location- directly across from the Pemex Gas Station- in the Plaza Marina Del Ray, between the two fabulous restaurants, El Gomez and Aloha, has easy parking. Think of Alejandro as being your personal shopper: due to space, the market can’t store unlimited items that are available at the giant Costco and Sam’s Club, but you can order anything. The market is open every day but Sunday, from 8 am -2 pm, and 3:15 -6 pm.
As a Business Administration student at university, Alejandro did a market study that estimated the supply and demand that already existed for the products of the Kirkland and Members Mark brands. “Based on the results I was looking for a strategic point where bringing these products could be visible and easy to access for all people. I had vacationed in Jaltemba Bay and liked the area. Not only was it a great place to live but since it has both high tourism and a growing local population, it was a strong potential market. After deciding the location, I designed the logo for the business. Next, I determined the internal structure and how I wanted to operate the business.” Alejandro selected his mission statement to be that the customer should always be satisfied and proud to acquire their merchandise from Cost-kisam Market.
As an educated consumer, I periodically research the quality of the food and products that I consume the most. For the last ten years, Kirkland and Members Mark brands are always in the top five, with Kirkland most often number one for healthy quality. But because of loathing the drive to the nearest Costco in PV, I did without. Now that Alejandro does the shopping for me, I can serve the quality Kirkland product to my family without the hassle. Best yet, I spend less because no matter how many times I tell myself I’m only going to get the items on my list, the orgy of choices always has some promotion that I just have to buy… and I run up the credit card to get it. With Cost-kisam, it’s a major win in convenience, affordability, and quality! I loved having the Kirkland Turkey for each of the holidays.
Here’s how it works: You don’t need a membership to purchase the items, Cost-kisam has them. Start by texting Alejandro several days before you need an item(s), attaching a photo is a good idea; Alejandro drives to PV for you; within 3-5 days your items will be available in the Guayabitos shop. You pay when you pick up the items. Just like Costco, Alejandro accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash. It’s so easy! I get to relax and hang at the beach and still enjoy my favorite foods.
The local businesses are catching on to the advantage of buying in bulk, as Alejandro says that already 19% of his sales comes from restaurants. Whether you prefer Kirkland vitamins or seasonings or coffee or pet food, Cost-kisam brings it to town. He’s also the place to get Tommy Bahama chairs and beach gear!
As a young businessman, Alejandro contributes fresh ideas and enthusiasm for the Jaltemba Bay community. His biggest satisfaction as the first year of operation concludes is “seeing the customers happy. I appreciate the customer’s feedback, even their discontent, because it motivates me to improve.”
I believe that Alejandro has had a positive impact on the quality of life in Jaltemba Bay, succeeding in bringing the larger world to our rural town with a minimum environmental impact. The retail world is evolving at a breakneck pace, and technology is at the heart of this transformation. From the way we browse products while sitting on the beach, to how we pay for merchandise, Cost-kisam is reshaping the shopping experience, making it more efficient, transparent, and tailored to individual preferences.
