Petition to Costco Apex, North Carolina: Expand Indian Product Offerings to Meet Growing Community Demand

Dear Costco Apex Management Team,

We, the undersigned members of the vibrant and growing Indian American community in the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area, respectfully request that Costco Apex expand its selection of Indian products. The demand for these items has surged in recent years, reflecting the dynamic growth of the local Indian American population and the increasing popularity of Indian cuisine across diverse households.

Why This Matters: The Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area has witnessed extraordinary growth in its Indian American community. According to U.S. Census data, the Indian American population in Wake County alone has increased dramatically in the past two decades. Between 2000 and 2020, the Indian American population in Wake County grew by over 700%, from approximately 5,000 individuals to more than 40,000. This growth far outpaces the general population increase and reflects a substantial, ongoing demand for Indian groceries and household essentials.

Our Request: We request that Costco Apex consider introducing the following products to better serve its diverse and growing customer base:

Fresh, Ready-to-Use Staples:

• Idli/Dosa batter (highly popular for traditional South Indian breakfasts)
• Fresh Produce Commonly Used in Indian Cooking:
• Okra (Bhindi)
• Ivy Gourd (Tindora)
• Eggplant (Baingan)
• Cilantro (essential for garnishing and flavoring)

Popular Packaged Snacks:

• Haldiram's Namkeen, especially Bhujia (widely enjoyed across age groups)

Essential Indian Spices and Ingredients:

• Garam Masala
• Chili Powder
• Turmeric
• Coriander Powder
• Asafetida (Hing)
• Mustard Seeds
• Ginger Garlic Paste

Specialty Grains and Flours:

• Poha (flattened rice)
• Murmura (puffed rice)
• Jaggery (unrefined brown sugar)
• Gram Flour (Besan)
• Rice Flour
• Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet)

Reintroduce Beloved Products:

• Nanak Ghee (a household favorite that many families miss dearly)

Adjust Quantities Based on Demand:

• Increase availability of Pani Puri, which has been consistently out of stock since last month.

A Growing and Loyal Customer Base: Costco has always been a community-focused retailer, responding to the unique needs of its diverse customers. The addition of these products will not only support the daily culinary needs of Indian American families but also attract new members from the broader community who are eager to explore global flavors. The Indian American population in this area continues to grow, with more professionals and families choosing the Triangle region as their home. This demographic shift presents a compelling business case for expanding your Indian product offerings.

A Heartfelt Thank You: We deeply appreciate the efforts Costco Apex has made in the past year to cater to our community's needs. The introduction of products such as Pani Puri, Paneer, Ghee, Atta flour, Daal, Basmati rice, Indian sweets like Rasmalai and Halva, Indian yogurt, Amul milk, and Diwali fireworks has not gone unnoticed. These additions have brought joy and convenience to countless families.

Thank you for your time, attention, and ongoing commitment to serving the diverse communities that make Apex such a wonderful place to live. We trust that you will consider our request and look forward to seeing even more delicious, authentic, and essential Indian products on Costco shelves soon.

Sincerely,

[Signatures of Community Members]

Sign and Share: Please sign this petition to help our community enjoy better access to the foods and ingredients that make our kitchens, meals, and traditions so special. Together, we can show Costco Apex that the demand is real, the need is significant, and the community is ready to support these additions wholeheartedly.