Several recent events bode well for EP-Shark in the vacuum industry in the USA.  This is one.  COSTCO prides itself on the incomes of its members.  $70K plus a year.  An exclusive EP-Shark Infinity model for COSTCO stores is a huge step toward acceptance and approval for the company by the "big dogs."  
 
Matching up with dyson in a Wall Street Journal survey of bagless vacuums (the teal model vice the DC17) and the parts distribution improvements are the others.  EP's low end model versus dyson's top of the line.  Interesting?
 
The EP-Shark Infinity has a light to remind users to clean the HEPA lifelong filter.  The more expensive bagless model does not.  Then again, the Infinity has a headlight and the more expensive bagless model does not.
 
Carmine D.

Quote from cprohman on 04/05/07 at 6:00pm:

 
Hello CPro:
 
If you are referring to COSTCO stores, bagged and bagless vacuums are equally weighted in the North Las Vegas store (and I suspect the same is true for all 800 stores nationwide).  COSTCO's premium vacuum line is Electrolux both upright and canisters (owned by Eureka).  All of which are bagged and retail in the $300 price range.  COSTCO stores also carry the Eureka Boss Smart Vac, a seasoned bagged upright, for about $149.  And the HOOVER WT bagged on sale now for $217 with the 20 foot hose extension and one year supply of fitrette bags.  
 
COSTCO's bagless brands are the dyson (DC14 Total Clean for $469) and several upright Eureka models like the Ultima and Optima for less than $100.  And of course the IRobot Rhomba line which has sold very well.  
 
The Euro-Pro Shark Infinity exclusive COS bagless model is the newest to the vacuum line at COSTCO.  I don't think its even made it onto the Web site yet.  And for $199 will compete head on with the dyson DC14.  A very good bagless competitor for the dyson DC14 because it is less expensive and much lighter.  
 
I would agree with you about the proclivity for bagless vacuums but I have to add the following to it:  Bagless models are on the rise at the big box retail stores and at lower and lower retail prices.  
 
The top of the line vacuum brands and models are and still have stayed bagged despite the dyson fad (which is going on 5 years old now).  These are the vacuum brands sold primarily through the network of nationwide vacuum store independents, the vacuum pros with the expertise.  
 
And similarly COSTCO stores, despite the highest members' average yearly income of all the price club stores, has not added any of the other dyson products (like the DC16 Hand Held and DC17, DC18 and DC21) to its in store vacuum inventory.  Although the COSTCO stores are the most likely venue due to the members' yearly incomes.  Will the latest and greatest dysons be added?  Time will tell.  In the meantime, the Infinity bagless is on sale right smack dab next to the dyson DC14.
 
Carmine D.

Quote from Carmine_Difazio on 04/05/07 at 6:48pm:

Having never seen a Costco, no, I wasn't. The stores around here that sell vacuums are the big boxes.