Clothing at Costco

I have mentioned in the past that I tend to think of Costco as primarily a food store. However, I have purchased many other items there, such as glasses, contacts, mattresses, and paper products. In addition, I frequently look at the clothing, which tends to be located in the center of the store.

Costco frequently discontinues products and adds new ones, so it is generally worth browsing the aisles to look for items that will no longer be sold (those famous 97s https://cruisingcostco.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/price-endings-are-not-random/) and to identify new ones. This is especially true of clothing, as the selection tends to shift frequently, even within a given season.

As with any purchases there are advantages and disadvantages to buying clothing at Costco.

Advantages:

The items to tend to be good quality. No discount, low quality fabric, or irregular items (“Hey…why does this sweater have three missing buttons?) here. The items range from name brand clothing (e,g., Levi’s) to designer brands such as Nautica).

The clothing is current…these are not last years styles. (To be honest, I am not incredibly into knowing or following the newest fashions, but I know it can be a concern for many people).

The clothing is sold at an average of 2/3 off the list price. And often (although I list this as a disadvantage too) they are trying to get rid of them so they are marked for even more off as 97s. Disadvantages:

As with anything at Costco, one trade-off for the better price is the limited selection. This negative applies to both types of clothing and varieties of any particular item type. With respect to type of clothing, Costco generally carries shirts, sweaters, pants/shorts, pajamas, casual dresses, athletic wear, shoes, and coats. They also carry a few seasonal items such as bathing suits, shorts, and sundresses and winter coats and boots. However, they do not sell suits, fancy gowns, or dress shoes. Then, within any of these types of clothing, they tend to only have one style and that style in perhaps only one or two colors. Obviously, this is not a problem if you like the items you see, but not if you desire a variation.

Clearly the low prices are a bonus, but one problem is that, because they are so inexpensive, they tend to fly off the shelves. And, because it is Costco, they immediately stock the shelves with other products. That is why so much clothing is often on 97. When they start running low on sizes or colors, they often try to get rid of the entire stock quickly to make room for other products. Therefore, assuming you don’t mind returning to Costco frequently and standing in the return line (Returning at Costco) if you are tempted to buy an item, I suggest buying it and then returning it if you change your mind rather than thinking about it and assuming you can buy it at your next visit. Even up you are like me and go there almost every week, it may not be there even a few days later.

Costco also does not have dressing rooms, making it hard (or hopefully impossible because there is no need for nudity in Costco!) to try on items such as shirts and pants. Therefore, again, you will likely have to try clothes on at home and then return if needed. Along with no dressing rooms, the store does not have employees to help find additional sizes or to answer questions. I am not bothered by this because I really only like to shop with my mom and ask for her advice, but I know that people often rely on employee assistance for help or opinions.

This next one may be silly but it could be a problem. Growing up, I often ourchased clothes at a store in Westwood called Frugal Fannie’s (yes, that is the name). Despite the name, the store had/has great designer clothes at reduced prices. At that time, virtually all of my classmates had clothing from Aeropostale, Abercrombie and Fitch, the Gap, and J. Crew. Therefore, on any given day, about 10 people showed up to class in the same sweater. I spent far less on my clothing but was often told how great my clothes were…stylish and also unique. Although I am not hugely into fashion, I have always liked that my clothing was a little different (not due to a great sense of style us, but rather due to shopping at cheaper stores). However, if you know a lot of people who shop at Costco, you could end up wearing the same clothing. On a much smaller scale than sweaters or shirts, my cousin and I were laughing on Thankgiving when we were both wearing the kb socks from Costco (probably a 97 from last summer).

My favorite recent clothing items are: -Gerry winter jacket -sketchers sneakers (my mom and I each got two pairs…black and then gray and turquoise) -Aria flannel pajamas (I got three pairs and bought one for my grandma)

Do you buy clothing at Costco?

Favorite recent purchases?

Do you see others and recognize that the clothing is from Costco?

Other advantages and disadvantages to buying clothes at Costco?