Navigating Costco: Tips

I have written posts with tips for finding good deals and saving money at Costco (Suggestions for Costco Shoppers); (More Suggestions for Shopping at Costco)). Although some tips overlap across articles, there are also usually new (at least to me) ones. I found a few new ones that I thought I would share. 

Tips for navigating Costco aisles

1. Check the Seasonal Aisles

This article suggests buying seasonal items several months ahead of the season in which they will be used. The products arrived early in the stores and sell out relatively quickly. The author also points out that Costco updates the seasonal aisles as new items come in.

I have written about the seasonal nature of items at Costco (Navigating Seasonal Items at Costco). When I initially read the article, I was surprised that new items come in throughout the season. However, after thinking about it, I realized that it is definitely true for food items. For example, during Passover time, although the shelf-stable items (e.g., matzah; gefilte fish; grape juice) are available several weeks (maybe even months) before the holiday, the cakes (Product Review: World of Chantilly Passover 7-layer cake) are the last to arrive. Last year, we went almost every day to make sure we were able to buy them before they sold out. 

2. Shop Early for the Manager’s Special

Another recommendation for navigating the aisles is to look for the time-limited Manager’s Specials. Apparently, managers can decide to lower prices on products they want to sell quickly. These items may be sold for significantly less than the regular price. The author writes that the best way to take advantage of Manager’s Specials are to arrive at the store right when it opens, and look at each aisle for the discounts. An added tip is that the largest savings are likely to be on appliances and furniture. Finally, members should note that handwritten prices are the best deals.

I have written before about the way to identify savings (Price endings are not random). I often walk down each aisle looking for the specials. However, I did not know about Manager’s Specials. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a handwritten prices but now I have to look.

3. Check Out a Different Warehouse

The author suggests visiting different Costco stores in order to benefit from the different inventories they have. Although the basics are sold in all stores, other items vary.

I have written before about differences among Costco stores (Wisconsin Costco vs. New York Costco); (Costco food courts around the country and the world)). I have definitely noticed differences between the two stores closest to me. For example, before both stores (sadly) discontinued the tuna deluxe (Product Review: Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe); (It’s Gone? Discontinued Products)), it was an item I knew I could get at Dedham but not Waltham. Certainly, there are greater differences in different areas of the country, depending on demographics and whether items are being tested in different regions. I also find that, even if the items are the same, I’m likely to notice different products in different stores simply due to looking around a (n even slightly) different layout.

4. Explore Costco Online

The article suggests shopping online as another way to find different items at Costco. Specifically, it suggests using Costco Next. With this program, members can get discounts from manufacturers directly. As with the seasonal items, the article suggests checking frequently because the inventory changes. 

I have not ever used it but I have written about Costco Next (Costco Next). I prefer shopping in person (probably one of the few left) but I do think it would be worth looking at the site, especially because I like seeing when items change 

5. Don’t Skip the Health Aisle

An additional tip for finding deals at Costco is to shop in the pharmacy area. In addition to medications, savings can be found on vitamins, supplements, and protein powders. The article also suggests that unexpected items (e.g., oils; massage items; yoga items) may be located in this section.

I don’t always go to the pharmacy section unless looking for something very specific but this is a good reminder to go there more. I have found Vaseline, Bandaids, and antibacterial cream in this section for much less than they would cost at other pharmacies.

6. Head to the International Aisle 

The final suggestion on the list is to visit the international aisle to find foods that may not be available in grocery stores. 

I am not an adventurous eater so I am not likely to make use of this tip. However, I certainly have been down this aisle and seen many foods that I have never seen before.

Are any of these tips you use? Will you now?