Noshing With David & Susan Schwartz – September 21, 2023

Ira's Everything Bagel

Authors, The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z

In this value-packed episode of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sits down with David and Susan Schwartz, the dynamic duo behind the delightful and insightful book The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z. In this discussion, they dive into why they chose to write the book together, what makes Costco’s business model so unique, and how shoppers can strategically buy holiday merchandise and food at unbeatable prices. They also touch on the significance of Costco’s company culture, its ethical codes, and its commitment to sustainability and corporate good works. For Costco fans and casual shoppers alike, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved retail giants.

Why Write About Costco? The Inspiration Behind the Book

David and Susan Schwartz are not just seasoned writers; they are seasoned Costco shoppers as well. The idea for The Joy of Costco came to them organically as they found themselves marveling at the brand’s unique ability to blend quality, affordability, and ethics. After years of shopping at Costco, they realized that there was a much deeper story to tell—one that wasn’t just about bulk buying or good deals, but about how a company can truly connect with its customers on an emotional and ethical level.

David and Susan decided to tackle this vast topic in a creative way, structuring the book in an A to Z format that covers everything from Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken and the variety of eggs it offers, to more profound topics like the company’s code of ethics, commitment to sustainability, and its efforts toward community good works. Each letter in the alphabet unravels a new aspect of Costco’s rich and often whimsical story.

Costco’s Business Model: Quality Meets Affordability

A central theme of the episode is Costco’s business model, which is known for its “less is more” approach when it comes to product variety, yet somehow offers unbeatable prices on high-quality goods. David Schwartz explains that Costco operates with a very low-profit margin but makes up for it in sheer volume. This results in significant savings for customers, all without sacrificing quality.

Costco’s bulk-buying model has revolutionized how people shop, and in this episode, the Schwartzes emphasize why shopping at Costco during the holiday season is particularly rewarding. From holiday decorations to seasonal food items, Costco’s strategic approach to inventory ensures that customers get the best bang for their buck without dealing with the stress of last-minute holiday shopping.

The Culture of Costco: A Key to Success

The Costco culture is another major topic that David and Susan Schwartz dive into. Unlike many corporations that focus solely on the bottom line, Costco has cultivated a corporate culture that values its employees, focuses on ethics, and gives back to the community. Susan Schwartz points out that Costco’s code of ethics—which includes taking care of employees, obeying the law, and being socially responsible—resonates deeply with its members, contributing to the brand’s loyal following.

The Schwartzes’ book, The Joy of Costco, provides readers with an insider look into these corporate values and explains why they are essential not just for running a successful company, but for establishing a brand that people genuinely love and trust.

From Price Club to Costco: A Family Legacy

David Schwartz shares a personal anecdote from his youth in San Francisco, where his parents were among the early members of Price Club, the predecessor to Costco. This personal connection gave David a deep understanding of Costco’s evolution from its humble beginnings to its status as a global retail powerhouse. He explains how Price Club’s membership model was a game-changer in the retail world, offering members the opportunity to buy high-quality goods at discounted prices—a formula that Costco perfected over the years.

Meanwhile, Susan Schwartz shares her own Costco journey, recalling her fond memories of shopping at Costco with her parents in Philadelphia. She became a Costco member in 2009 and quickly fell in love with its wide variety of products and its no-nonsense approach to retail.

The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z

In their book, The Joy of Costco, David and Susan Schwartz explore Costco’s culture, products, and values through an A to Z format that’s both whimsical and informative. From A for apples to Z for zippers, the book takes readers on a treasure hunt through Costco’s vast aisles, offering tips, trivia, and insights that will deepen anyone’s appreciation for the brand.

• C is for chicken—the famed Costco rotisserie chicken that has a cult following among shoppers.
• E is for eggs—Costco’s commitment to offering a range of egg products, from free-range to organic.
• S is for sustainability—the many ways that Costco is making strides toward more eco-friendly operations.
• G is for good works—the company’s contributions to various charitable causes, ensuring that its success benefits the broader community.

Whether you’re a Costco newbie or a seasoned shopper, The Joy of Costco has something for everyone. It’s not just a book about shopping, but a book about a company that cares about its employees, its customers, and the world around it.

The Last Man Who Knew Everything: David Schwartz’s Previous Work

In addition to The Joy of Costco, David Schwartz is also known for his book The Last Man Who Knew Everything: The Life and Times of Enrico Fermi, Father of the Nuclear Age. Published in 2017, this biography chronicles the life of one of the most important figures in modern science—Enrico Fermi. David’s background as a foreign policy specialist and his academic credentials from Stanford University and MIT give him a unique perspective on complex topics like nuclear physics and global security.

In the podcast, David Schwartz briefly touches on his transition from writing about nuclear physics to writing about a retail giant, and how both topics, although vastly different, share the common theme of understanding systems—whether it’s the atomic structure or the structure of a successful business model like Costco.

Susan Schwartz: From Corporate America to Costco

Before becoming a co-author of The Joy of Costco, Susan Schwartz had a distinguished career in corporate America, working at Nabisco and General Foods. After leaving the corporate world, she spent 13 years making TV commercials and eventually joined her husband in executive search consulting. Her varied professional background gave her a unique perspective on Costco’s business operations, which she shares in the book and during the podcast.

David and Susan Schwartz Podcast Episode Conclusion

As David and Susan Schwartz emphasize throughout the podcast, The Joy of Costco is much more than a simple shopping guide—it’s a love letter to a company that has won the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The Schwartzes’ passion for Costco shines through in every chapter of the book, making it an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the inner workings of this retail giant.

Connect with David and Susan Schwartz

For more about David and Susan Schwartz and their book, The Joy of Costco, you can follow them on social media and visit their official website:

🔗 Useful Links:

• The Joy of Costco Book Official Website
• The Joy of Costco Book Official Instagram

FAQs About David and Susan Schwartz

Who are David and Susan Schwartz?

David and Susan Schwartz are a husband-and-wife writing duo known for their works on consumerism and their deep interest in Costco, the popular wholesale retailer. David Schwartz has a background in finance and business, while Susan Schwartz has extensive experience as a journalist. Together, they combine their expertise to explore and share the intricacies of Costco’s business model and culture through their writing.

What is The Joy of Costco by David and Susan Schwartz about?

The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z is a book by David and Susan Schwartz that celebrates the unique culture and business of Costco. It explores the retailer’s wide variety of products, its loyal customer base, and the experience of shopping at Costco, often described as a “treasure hunt” because of the ever-changing inventory and surprising finds. The book highlights the brand’s impact on its customers and the appeal of discovering high-quality products at wholesale prices.

How long have David and Susan Schwartz been married?

As of recent information available, David and Susan Schwartz have been married for several decades. However, specific details about the exact length of their marriage may not be publicly shared. Their long-standing relationship has contributed to their ability to collaborate effectively in their professional work, including their joint writing projects.

Have David and Susan Schwartz written other books?

Yes, David and Susan Schwartz have written other works, although The Joy of Costco is one of their most notable books. They have contributed articles and publications, particularly in areas related to consumerism and retail. Their work reflects their combined expertise in journalism, business, and finance, and their collaboration extends beyond just this book.

Is The Joy of Costco book a Costco treasure hunt?

Yes, The Joy of Costco is often described as capturing the essence of the “Costco treasure hunt” experience. This term refers to the excitement of shopping at Costco, where customers can discover unexpected and high-quality items at great prices. The book delves into this concept by exploring Costco’s product diversity, its appeal to customers, and the unique shopping experience that makes Costco special for many.

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