Southern Utah is exploding in population and if you have ventured to Costco lately, you know it's CRAZY. It doesn't even matter when you go anymore, it is still a madhouse. I went on a Wednesday at 2 p.m. and I couldn't believe how many people apparently don't work in the middle of the day.

Costco's Quarterly Earnings Beat Expectations
Getty Images
loading...

I use to go in just before lunch and that got busy fast so I thought if I went later after everyone's lunch break that would be better. Nope. Also, I tried Tuesday morning right as they opened. Holy cow there was a parking lot full of people waiting to go in like it was Black Friday in the 90's Insane.

9:35 am @ STG Costco
9:35 am @ STG Costco
loading...
9:35 am @ STG Costco
9:35 am @ STG Costco
loading...

There are people waiting in line for the door to open????

I am not sure how big box stores decide when an area is ready to support another one but NOW IS THE TIME!

attachment-Screenshot_20240123_102025_Facebook
loading...

On our social media for our radio station Cat Country Utah, we posed the question, "What should we get next in Southern Utah? People could vote for any of the 3 following
COSTCO:
SAM’ S CLUB: ❤️
WINCO:

attachment-Screenshot_20240123_102059_Facebook
loading...

With more than 180 votes Sam's Club won the vote! Not how I thought that would pan out at all. Here are some of the texts and reasons that were sent in:

attachment-Screenshot_20240123_102108_Facebook
loading...

Rob G- Want a Costco in cedar but it won't happen for awhile lol

Samantha D- I have been to Winco, Sam's Club and Costco. And they are all great. But, different.
If I had to choose, I would ask for a Sam's Club. It's basically an EXTRA FANCY Costco!!
I have been to the Sam's Club in Bentonville, Arkansas and it's AWESOME! (That's the headquarters of Wal-mart and Sam's).
They are the test market for Walmart and Sam's.

attachment-Screenshot_20240123_102135_Facebook
loading...

Leah- When we lived in Ogden a year ago we had WinCo Costco and Sam's club we had a membership to Sam's club and Costco Sam's club is awesome they have different things in Costco does. WinCo is wonderful their prices are awesome so either one of those would be wonderful I don't think we need another Costco here.

attachment-Screenshot_20240123_102149_Facebook
loading...

All I know is that we need something else in the southern part of this state because Costco be crazy everyday. The only time I didn't get claustrophobia lately was 8:15 at night and I was only going in for a few items and out quick. So maybe I'll try 8pm next time and see if that works for me.

What is your vote? let me know @ aaronee@townsquaemedia.com

attachment-DJ & Aaronee Caricature
loading...

Aaronee LOVES the country lifestyle. She has a great little farm with Alpacas, goats, dogs, cats and chickens! So yes, some.....stuff on her boots. ;) Aaronee's playlist has everything from Reba & Brooks & Dunn to Rascal Flatts & Garth to Miranda Lambert & Laney Wilson to Kane Brown & Morgan Wallen. She loves them all. ♥ Get her some chips and salsa or tater tots and a root beer float and she is set. She loves chatting on social media so make sure to hit her up on the Cat Country Utah Facebook page!

Cat Country 107.3 and 94.9 logo
Get our free mobile app
attachment-Untitled design (81)
loading...

Businesses in Utah, like Walmart and Target, are grappling with a major issue: theft. Customers using the "five-finger discount" are causing significant financial headaches for both small and large companies.

attachment-Untitled design (83)
loading...

Just last year, stores across the United States faced a staggering $112.1 billion in losses due to retail theft. To put that into perspective, imagine having $112.1 billion – you could purchase over 112,000 million dollar homes in Southern Utah! That's a substantial amount of money.

attachment-This is about the size of a million dollar home in Southern Utah
loading...

If you've been shopping at Walmart, TJ Max or Target in Utah, you've probably noticed certain items locked behind cases, requiring staff assistance for purchase. Video games and perfume are common examples, secured behind plexiglass.

attachment-Untitled design (82)
loading...

Now, even playing cards are often tucked away. But here's the kicker – there's a new addition to the list of secured items, and it's a lot stranger than Pokemon cards or the latest Tom Ford perfume.

attachment-Untitled design (84)
loading...

 Believe it or not, it's underwear. Yep, theft is now prompting businesses to lock up underwear due to its increasing pilferage. 

attachment-Untitled design (86)
loading...

More and more items are being placed behind plexiglass by businesses needing to safeguard their investments. 

attachment-Untitled design (85)
loading...

It's usually the items that can be easily placed in socks, pockets, hoodies or in the waistband of your pants. Theft makes the price go up for those who actually work hard and try to be good decent people. Please report theft to the local authorities and the store management.

Cat Country 107.3 and 94.9 logo
Get our free mobile app
attachment-No Utah Cities (9)
loading...

These Are The 8 Most Stolen Items From Walmart in Utah

What gets stolen the most at Utah Walmart's?

attachment-No Utah Cities (8)
loading...

It makes all of our prices go up. It get my blood boiling. I'll breathe and you can read. Here is the list of the top 8:

attachment-No Utah Cities (1)
loading...
  1. - Cosmetics
    Y'know, there are some real good drugstore brands out there, but swiping stuff like lipstick, perfume, mascara, compacts, and hair dye, isn't the way to go.
attachment-No Utah Cities (2)
loading...

2 - Small Electronics
When it comes to small electronics, from basic watches to fancy smartphones and headphones, folks seem to eye those a lot.

attachment-No Utah Cities (3)
loading...

3 - Toys
Toys like Hot Wheels or Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and Magic the Gathering cards disappear a lot.

attachment-No Utah Cities (4)
loading...

4 - Over the Counter Medication
Now, for some reason, people nab pain relievers the most, followed by laxatives and pet meds. You'd think with self check out people wouldn't be so embarrassed to buy laxatives, ooo but there is a camera at self check out. hahahah

attachment-No Utah Cities
loading...

5 - Food
Interesting fact- packaged meat is reported as the most shoplifted item in America. Also on the list is baby food, deli stuff, alcohol, and noodle packets.

attachment-No Utah Cities (7)
loading...

6 - Intimate Items
At the top of the lists mentioning the stolen goods at Walmart are things like pregnancy tests, condoms, underwear and adult toys are apparently top targets.

attachment-No Utah Cities (5)
loading...

7 - Apparel and Accessories
You won't believe it, but underwear gets swiped a lot from Walmart, along with shoes, hats, handbags, and sunglasses.

attachment-No Utah Cities (6)
loading...

8 - Jewelry
I thought rings would be high on the list but apparently earrings, necklaces and bracelets take the top spots.

 Stealing is dumb and it raises the prices for those that do have some morals left. With the influx of people moving to our state, some of the things Utah was known for, are seemingly going out the window. Petty crime rates are going up. Be honest and don't take things that don't belong to you. If you notice anything suspicious, please report it. Remember to be safe! It's better to tell the store staff or the authorities rather than trying to deal with it on your own.
Cat Country 107.3 and 94.9 logo
Get our free mobile app
attachment-BEST Steak in Utah
loading...

A lot of times when there is a top ten list of amazing places in the state, Southern Utah is a little overlooked. This time we have 2 Steakhouses in the top 10!

A great steak is all about the perfect combination of quality, preparation, and personal taste. If it all comes together it's amazing. When you can visit a business that can serve it to you, even better. LET'S GO SOUTHERN UTAH!

attachment-BEST Steak in Utah (3)
loading...

Here are the Southern Utah steakhouses that scored in the top 10 on the Best Things UT website!

Anasazi Steakhouse, St. George, UT

"Offering different steaks at a variety of prices, Anasazi Steakhouse in St. George uses what are called “hot stones” to cook their meet. Essentially, slabs of volcanic rock are heated in a special oven for 6-8 hours before they are delivered to your table with your entrée selection. There, you have ultimate control over the cooking of your meat. Taking a unique approach to steak, the restaurant is a must-do for meat lovers."

attachment-BEST Steak in Utah (1)
loading...

Rusty’s Ranch House, Cedar City, UT

"Cedar City is one of those places you go when you want to get away from it all without actually getting away from any modern conveniences. In accordance with that vibe, Rusty’s Ranch House makes you feel like you’re really at a “Ranch House,” enjoying the freshest, down-home cooking possible. Offering four different steaks from $19 to $27, the restaurant is famous for attracting meat-a-holics from across Utah."

You can check out the complete list here: https://bestthingsut.com/steakhouses/

attachment-Untitled design (19)
loading...

How do you get the perfect steak? Let's break it down.

Firstly, the cut matters a lot. Different cuts offer various flavors and textures. For instance, a ribeye boasts marbling that melts during cooking, making it tender and flavorful. Filet mignon is leaner but incredibly tender. Then there's the New York strip with a balanced fat-to-meat ratio.

Next, quality is key. Opt for well-marbled steaks as the marbling—those fine streaks of fat throughout the meat—ensures juiciness and adds flavor when cooked. Fat = flavor.

The cooking method is crucial too. Whether you're grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, getting that perfect sear on the outside while maintaining the desired doneness inside is the goal. And speaking of doneness, everyone has their preference—ranging from rare to well-done—so ensuring the steak reaches the ideal temperature for your liking is essential.

Seasoning plays a vital role. Salt and pepper are the classics, but experimenting with different rubs or marinades can elevate the taste. Some prefer the simplicity of just salt and pepper to let the natural flavor of the meat shine, while others enjoy the complexity of various seasonings.

Lastly, resting the steak after cooking is often overlooked but equally important. Letting it sit for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak when you cut into it.

Ultimately, a great steak is a balance of quality, preparation, and personal taste preferences that make it a delightful experience to savor and enjoy!

Cat Country 107.3 and 94.9 logo
Get our free mobile app

 

More From Cat Country 107.3 and 94.9