How To Know When Costco Items Go On sale (Don’t Miss These!)
Walking into Costco is like stepping into a treasure trove of bulk bargains. I love the sheer convenience of stocking up on everything from paper towels to organic produce, all under one massive roof. But the real thrill? Snagging those incredible deals when items go on sale. As a seasoned Costco shopper, I’ve learned that timing is everything. Knowing when your favorite products are marked down can translate into significant savings throughout the year.
Imagine consistently saving 20%, 30%, or even 50% on your regular purchases just by understanding Costco’s sales patterns. It’s not just about saving a few dollars; it’s about maximizing your membership and getting the most bang for your buck. That’s why I’m writing this article: to share my insider knowledge and guide you through the art of identifying when to buy specific items at Costco. Forget aimless wandering and impulse buys. Let’s strategize and become savvy Costco shoppers together, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best deals in 2025!
Section 1: Understanding Costco’s Sales Cycle
Costco operates on a different rhythm compared to traditional retailers. They don’t bombard you with constant flash sales or weekly ads filled with every item in the store. Instead, they follow a more predictable, cyclical pattern that, once understood, becomes your secret weapon.
Seasonal Sales and Holiday Alignments
Like most retailers, Costco aligns its sales with the seasons and major holidays. However, the timing can be a little different. For example, I’ve noticed that summer items, like patio furniture and outdoor grills, often start going on sale before the official end of summer, usually around late July or early August. This is to clear inventory for the incoming fall and winter merchandise. Similarly, holiday decorations and wrapping paper see significant markdowns in the days immediately following Christmas.
Here’s a breakdown of key seasonal sales to watch for:
- January/February: Post-holiday clearance, fitness equipment, and Super Bowl snacks.
- March/April: Spring cleaning supplies, gardening tools, and Easter treats.
- May/June: Memorial Day sales on outdoor furniture, grills, and camping gear.
- July/August: Summer clearance on clothing, swim gear, and back-to-school supplies.
- September/October: Fall decorations, Halloween candy, and early holiday shopping.
- November/December: Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, Christmas decorations, and gift items.
Day of the Week and Monthly Trends
While Costco doesn’t have set “sale days” like some stores, I’ve observed trends in when markdowns are most likely to occur. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be when new markdowns are implemented, as they are the weekdays with typically lower foot traffic. This allows staff time to adjust pricing and restock shelves.
Regarding monthly trends, keep an eye out for the following:
- End of the Month: Stores often need to meet sales targets, leading to increased markdowns to boost sales volume.
- Monthly Sales Flyer: Costco releases a monthly sales flyer that highlights specific items on sale. The flyer is available online and in-store.
Decoding Costco Pricing: Item Codes and Clues
Costco’s pricing strategy is a bit of a code to crack. Understanding the nuances can help you identify potential sales. Here’s what to look for:
- Prices Ending in .97: This is the golden ticket! Prices ending in .97 indicate a clearance item or a manager’s special. These are usually final sale and offer significant savings.
- Asterisk (*) on the Price Tag: An asterisk in the upper right corner of the price tag signals that the item is being discontinued. This often leads to deep discounts to clear out remaining stock.
- Prices Ending in .00 or .88: These usually indicate manager markdowns or special buys. While not as common as .97 endings, they still represent good deals.
- Item Numbers: Keep an eye on item numbers. If an item’s number disappears from the shelf or the monthly flyer, it’s a good indication that it’s being discontinued and may go on clearance soon.
For example, I remember spotting a high-end blender with a price ending in .97 and an asterisk. I knew it was a steal, and it was gone within days!
Section 2: Key Items That Go on Sale
Knowing which categories are frequently discounted is half the battle. Here’s a breakdown of key items I’ve consistently seen on sale at Costco:
Groceries
- Fresh Produce: I’ve found that organic produce, especially fruits like berries and avocados, often go on sale when they are nearing their expiration date. Keep an eye out for these deals, but be prepared to use them quickly.
- Meats: Meats, particularly beef and poultry, are regularly discounted, especially around holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Look for bulk packs of steaks, roasts, and chicken breasts.
- Pantry Staples: Canned goods, pasta, rice, and other pantry staples often go on sale as part of monthly promotions or seasonal events. Stock up on these essentials when you see a good deal. I always grab extra olive oil when it’s on sale.
Household Goods
- Cleaning Supplies: Costco frequently offers discounts on bulk packs of laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, and toilet paper. These sales often coincide with spring cleaning season or back-to-school promotions.
- Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other toiletries are often included in Costco’s monthly sales flyer. Look for discounts on your favorite brands.
- Storage Containers: I’ve noticed that plastic storage containers and organizational items go on sale in the spring and fall, as people tend to declutter and organize their homes during these times.
Electronics
- TVs: TVs are frequently discounted around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Costco also offers deals on TVs throughout the year, especially during major sporting events like the Super Bowl.
- Computers: Laptops and desktop computers are often on sale during back-to-school season and around the holidays. Keep an eye out for discounts on popular brands like Apple and Dell.
- Kitchen Gadgets: Stand mixers, blenders, and other kitchen gadgets are often discounted during the holidays and around Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. I got my KitchenAid mixer for a steal during a pre-Christmas sale.
Seasonal Items
- Holiday Decorations: Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, and other holiday decorations are heavily discounted in the days following Christmas. Stock up on these items for next year to save big.
- Summer Gear: Patio furniture, grills, camping gear, and swim gear go on sale in late summer as Costco clears out inventory for the fall season.
- Winter Gear: Coats, hats, gloves, and other winter gear are often discounted in late winter or early spring as Costco prepares for the warmer months.
Section 3: Utilizing Costco’s Sales Tools
Costco provides several tools to help members track sales and find the best deals. Here’s how to leverage them:
Costco App and Website
The Costco app and website are valuable resources for finding sales.
- “Warehouse Savings” Section: This section lists current sales and promotions. You can filter by category to find deals on specific items.
- “Online-Only Savings” Section: This section features deals that are only available online. These deals often include free shipping.
- Item Search: Use the search function to check the price and availability of specific items. You can also see if an item is on sale.
Monthly Sales Flyer
The monthly sales flyer is a must-read for Costco members. It highlights specific items that are on sale for a limited time.
- Review the Flyer Carefully: Pay attention to the start and end dates of the sales. Some sales only last for a week or two.
- Plan Your Shopping Trip: Use the flyer to plan your shopping trip and prioritize the items you want to buy.
- Check for Additional Savings: The flyer may also include coupons or instant rebates that can save you even more money.
Social Media and Forums
Social media groups and online forums dedicated to Costco are excellent resources for finding upcoming sales and tips.
- Follow Costco-Related Accounts: Follow accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit that share information about Costco sales and deals. A quick search for “Costco deals” will reveal a treasure trove of groups and pages.
- Join Online Forums: Participate in online forums and discussion boards where Costco members share tips and insights.
- Share Your Findings: Contribute to the community by sharing your own discoveries and tips.
Sign Up for Notifications and Newsletters
Costco offers email newsletters that provide advanced notice of sales and promotions. Sign up to receive these notifications so you never miss a deal.
Section 4: Timing Your Purchases for Maximum Savings
Strategic timing can amplify your savings at Costco.
Creating a Shopping Calendar
Develop a shopping calendar that aligns with Costco’s known sale schedule.
- Mark Down Key Sale Dates: Add key sale dates to your calendar, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal clearance events.
- Track Past Purchases: Review your past Costco purchases to identify patterns and predict when items are likely to go on sale again.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your shopping calendar as needed based on new information or unexpected sales.
Combining Sales with Coupons and Cashback Offers
Maximize your savings by combining sales with coupons and cashback offers.
- Check for Coupons: Look for coupons in the monthly sales flyer, online, and in-store.
- Use Cashback Apps: Use cashback apps like Ibotta or Rakuten to earn rewards on your Costco purchases.
- Consider the Costco Credit Card: The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi offers cashback rewards on Costco purchases, making it a valuable tool for saving money.
Real-Life Examples
I have successfully timed my purchases for maximum benefit on numerous occasions. For example, I bought a new patio set for half price by waiting for the end-of-summer clearance sale. I also stocked up on Christmas decorations for the following year by shopping in the days after Christmas. By being patient and strategic, I have saved hundreds of dollars at Costco.
Section 5: Special Events and Promotions to Watch For
Costco hosts several special events and promotions throughout the year where sales are more likely to occur.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year, and Costco is no exception. Expect to find deep discounts on electronics, appliances, and other popular items.
- Review the Black Friday Ad: Costco releases a Black Friday ad in advance of the event. Review the ad carefully to identify the items you want to buy.
- Shop Early: Black Friday deals often sell out quickly, so shop early to avoid disappointment.
- Consider Online Shopping: Take advantage of online Black Friday deals to avoid the crowds in-store.
Seasonal Clearance Events
Costco holds seasonal clearance events throughout the year to clear out inventory. These events offer deep discounts on seasonal items like holiday decorations, summer gear, and winter clothing.
- Shop at the End of the Season: The best deals are usually available at the end of the season as Costco tries to clear out remaining stock.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to buy items that you may not need immediately.
- Check for “Manager’s Specials”: Look for items with prices ending in .97 or .00, as these are often heavily discounted.
Member-Only Events and Promotions
Costco occasionally hosts member-only events and promotions that offer exclusive deals.
- Check Your Email: Costco often sends out emails to members announcing these events.
- Watch for In-Store Announcements: Keep an eye out for in-store announcements about member-only promotions.
- Take Advantage of the Savings: These events offer a great opportunity to save money on a wide range of items.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of Costco shopping is about more than just bulk buying; it’s about being an informed and proactive consumer. By understanding Costco’s sales cycles, utilizing their available tools, and strategically timing your purchases, you can unlock significant savings in 2025. I urge you to stay informed, track sales, and plan your shopping trips accordingly. The satisfaction of snagging a great deal and the substantial savings you’ll accumulate make the effort well worth it. So, embrace your inner savvy shopper and get ready to conquer Costco in 2025!
