How To Know When Costco Items Go On sale (Don’t Miss These!)

Stepping into Costco is like uncovering a goldmine of bulk steals. I’m hooked on the ease of loading up on paper towels to crisp organic produce, all under one giant roof.

The real rush? Nabbing those killer sales before they vanish. As your go-to Costco buddy, I’ve nailed the timing—know when your faves drop, and you’ll pocket serious savings all 2026.

Picture this: you’re consistently knocking 20%, 30%, or even 50% off your go-to buys just by cracking Costco’s sales code. It’s not about pinching pennies—it’s making that membership work overtime for you.

That’s why I’m spilling my insider tips here, walking you through exactly when to grab those must-haves. Ditch the random strolls and impulse grabs.

Let’s get strategic together and nail those killer deals in 2026—you won’t want to miss out.

Costco 2026 Sale Events at a Glance

Section 1: Crack Costco’s Sales Cycle Code

You know how other stores hammer you with flash sales and weekly ads stuffed to the brim? Costco skips all that noise. They’ve got this steady, predictable rhythm that’s your inside edge once you lock it in—especially with 2026 prices climbing everywhere.

Sync with Costco’s Holiday Sales Peaks

Costco syncs its sales with seasons and big holidays like everyone else, but the timing’s got its own rhythm—you’ll want to plan around it to score the best steals.

I’ve noticed summer goodies like rugged patio sets and grills start dropping prices in late July or early August, clearing space for fall and winter arrivals before the season even wraps.

Same deal post-Christmas: holiday decorations and wrapping paper get slashed hard in the days right after, perfect for stocking up cheap if you’re thinking ahead to next year.

Alright, here’s my breakdown of the key seasonal sales to watch for this year:

• January/February: Post-holiday clearance, fitness equipment, and Super Bowl snacks.
• March/April: Spring cleaning supplies, gardening tools, and Easter treats.
• May/June: Score Memorial Day deals on rugged outdoor furniture, grills, and camping gear—your backyard (or campsite) upgrade before summer heatwaves hit.
• 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

Costco doesn’t do those rigid sale days like other spots, but I’ve tracked the patterns myself. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are prime for fresh markdowns since foot traffic dips, giving staff time to tweak prices and restock without the rush. Swing by then to snag deals before the weekend crowds hit.

Regarding monthly trends, keep an eye out for the following:

• End of the Month: Stores are hustling to nail their sales quotas, so they slash prices hard to move inventory—you’ll snag the best markdowns right before the clock resets.
• Monthly Sales Flyer: Costco drops a fresh one every month, spotlighting killer deals on everyday must-haves. I always pull it up on their app or site—or snag a printout in-warehouse—so you can hit the ground running and load up before stock dips.

Decoding Costco Pricing: Item Codes and Clues

Costco’s pricing is like a sneaky code you gotta crack. Once you spot the clues, you’ll snag sales that pad your wallet right now. Here’s what I always watch for:

• Prices ending in .97? That’s your golden ticket, friend. It signals a clearance steal or manager’s special—usually final sale with real savings you won’t see for long. Spot one, snag it now.
• 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: Must-Snag Items Flying Off Shelves

Spotting the categories Costco discounts like clockwork? That’s half the win right there. Here’s the rundown on the key items I’ve seen hit sale status over and over:

Groceries

• Fresh Produce: I’ve scored big on organic berries and avocados lately—they slash prices right before expiration to clear stock. Keep your eyes peeled for these gems, but devour or freeze them fast so nothing goes to waste.
• 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 those everyday essentials pop up in monthly sales or seasonal deals all the time. Stock up now so you’re set for whatever’s coming—life’s too unpredictable not to. I always snag extra olive oil when it’s cheap; that buttery stuff lasts forever.

Household Goods

• Cleaning Supplies: I always raid Costco for their bulk steals on laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, and TP—those deals hit right around spring refresh or back-to-school madness in 2026. Your home stays spotless without breaking the bank, and honestly, who doesn’t need that fresh-start vibe now? Grab ’em quick before they vanish.
• Toiletries: You know that fresh, just-out-of-the-shower vibe? Costco’s monthly flyer nails it with steals on shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and more—grab your go-to brands before they’re gone.
• Storage Containers: I’ve noticed plastic storage bins and organizers drop big at Costco in spring and fall—right when we’re all fired up to declutter and whip our homes into shape for the season ahead. Grab ’em now before spring 2026 hits and you’re scrambling.

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 desktops get killer deals during back-to-school and holiday rushes—think crisp performance upgrades just when you need ’em most. I’ve nabbed steals on Apple and Dell before; keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss out.
• Kitchen Gadgets: Stand mixers, blenders, and other kitchen gadgets hit deep discounts during the holidays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. I snagged my KitchenAid stand mixer for a total steal in last year’s pre-Christmas sale—keep an eye out for those 2026 gems.

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: You’ll find patio furniture, grills, camping gear, and swim gear deeply discounted in late summer as Costco clears space for fall. Stock up now for next year’s backyard hangs and outdoor escapes to save big.
• 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.

Master Costco’s Sales Tools Like a Pro

Costco’s got these handy tools to help you track sales and snag the best deals—no more FOMO on steals. Here’s how to put them to work for you right now:

Costco App and Website

Trust me, you need the Costco app and website in your arsenal—they’re your secret weapon for spotting sales before they vanish.

• Dive into the Warehouse Savings section—it’s your quick hit on all the current sales and promos. Filter by category to snag deals on exactly what you’re eyeing this holiday season.
• “Online-Only Savings” Section: This section features deals that are only available online.

  These deals often include free shipping.

• Item Search: Just tap the search bar to hunt down prices, stock, and sale status on whatever you’re craving. It’s your fast track to snagging those steals before they vanish this holiday season.

Snag This Month’s Sales Flyer

You gotta grab Costco’s monthly sales flyer—it’s your secret weapon as a member. It spotlights those can’t-miss deals on select items before they vanish. Trust me, snag it now and stock up smart.

• Scour that flyer top to bottom, especially the start and end dates. Some of these deals vanish after just a week or two, so grab ’em while you can.
• 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

Dive into those Costco Facebook groups and Reddit threads—they’re your secret weapon for spotting upcoming sales and game-changing tips before everyone else.

• Hit up Costco accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Reddit—they’re your secret weapon for spotting sales before everyone else piles in. Just search Costco deals, and you’ll uncover a goldmine of groups dropping real-time tips.
• 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

You gotta sign up for Costco’s email newsletters—they drop early alerts on hot sales and promos. Trust me, it’s your ticket to snagging deals before they’re gone.

Section 4: Timing Your Purchases for Maximum Savings

Strategic timing can amplify your savings at Costco.

Creating a Shopping Calendar

Build a shopping calendar that syncs right up with Costco’s trusty sale schedule—you’ll thank me when you snag those upcoming deals without the hassle.

• You’ve gotta mark those key sale dates on your calendar right now—like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the seasonal clearance events. I do this every time so I’m first in line for Costco’s real steals, and you’ll want that edge too.
• Track Past Purchases: Pull up your Costco order history and scan for patterns—you’ll predict exactly when those everyday must-haves drop prices again, saving you big this holiday season.
• Stay Flexible: Keep your shopping plans loose—you never know when a surprise flash sale will drop or fresh intel changes everything. That way, you snag the real steals without missing a beat.

Stack Sales with Coupons & Cashback

You can supercharge your savings by stacking sales with coupons and cashback offers. It’s the easiest way to pocket more cash for those holiday splurges you actually want. Trust me, I’ve done it—your wallet will thank you.

• Hunt for coupons in the latest sales flyer, online apps, or straight from the store counter—they stack perfectly with sales for max savings.
• 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’ve nailed timing my buys for killer deals more times than I can count. Like grabbing a rugged new patio set for half off during end-of-summer clearances. Then stocking up on festive Christmas decor right after the holidays for next year—saved me hundreds at Costco just by staying patient and strategic. You can pull this off too.

Section 5: Special Events and Promotions to Watch For

Costco rolls out special events and promotions all year long, and that’s when the real deals heat up. Keep your eyes peeled for these, because they’re your ticket to scoring big on the stuff you actually need right now.

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 Costco shopping goes way beyond bulk hauls—it’s about being that sharp, in-the-know shopper who plays the game right. Nail their sales cycles, tap into their apps and tools, and time your runs perfectly to unlock real savings this holiday season.

Trust me, stay on top of the deals, track ’em closely, and map out your trips. That sweet rush of scoring a steal and watching your savings stack up? Makes every bit of effort feel like a win.

So, tap into your inner deal boss and own Costco like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Costco’s major sale events this year?

Key Costco sale events include Black Friday on November 27th with 20-50% off electronics and TVs, Cyber Monday on November 30th with up to 40% off laptops and appliances, July 4th Sale from July 3rd-6th with 15-30% off grills and outdoor gear, Holiday Savings from December 1st-24th with 10-35% off gifts and groceries, and Back to School from August 15th-31st with 20-40% off clothes and supplies.

What do specific price endings mean for Costco deals?

Prices ending in .97 signal clearance steals or manager’s specials, often final sale with deep discounts. An asterisk (*) on the price tag indicates discontinued items with major markdowns. Prices ending in .00 or .88 typically mean manager markdowns or special buys for good savings.

What are the best days and times to shop Costco for markdowns?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are prime for fresh markdowns due to lower foot traffic, allowing staff to adjust prices. End of the month features slashed prices to meet sales quotas. Check the monthly sales flyer for deals on must-haves.

Is it worth stocking up on seasonal items after holidays at Costco?

Yes, post-holiday clearance like after Christmas offers heavy discounts on decorations and wrapping paper, perfect for next year. Late summer clearances on patio sets, grills, and swim gear provide 20-50% off, making it worth buying ahead for big savings.

How much can I save on electronics during major events?

Expect 20-50% off TVs and electronics on Black Friday November 27th, up to 40% off laptops and appliances on Cyber Monday November 30th, and deals during Super Bowl or back-to-school periods, often with prices ending in .97 for maximum discounts.

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