Don't wait to buy seasonal items from Costco
While you might not feel fully prepared for the upcoming holiday, delaying your purchase of seasonal items at Costco could lead to disappointment. Stock tends to sell out quickly, and once an item is gone, it’s often not restocked. It’s wise to check back frequently, as new seasonal products are introduced in the weeks and months leading up to each holiday. To stay ahead, monitor the latest monthly deals on Costco's website or in the coupon book sent to members. These resources provide a sneak peek at seasonal items, particularly those on sale — but don’t hesitate too long if something catches your interest, as it may not be available for long.
Price tags throughout the store can provide valuable information as well. An asterisk on a tag indicates that the item will not be restocked, which may be due to its seasonal nature or because it has been discontinued. Furthermore, pricing codes can reveal discounts — items priced at .97, .00, or .88 are typically marked down, often indicating clearance or special pricing. This system can assist you in deciding whether to purchase an item before it disappears for good. Regarding in-house seasonal foods, such as baked goods, there is usually limited information on their availability, with some exceptions. Certain holiday-themed baked items — like the beloved Costco pumpkin pie — are generally available throughout the season.
Finding the best deals on Costco's seasonal items
Stocking up on the well-known affordable and massive pies, along with browsing the coupon book, are excellent ways to score deals, but they aren't the only tactics. Some of the best discounts on seasonal products often appear after a holiday or season concludes, assuming there's any remaining inventory — which is seldom the case at Costco. However, it’s worthwhile to revisit your local warehouse in January when the holiday returns start accumulating. These items can be marked down by as much as 50%. If you like to plan ahead, keep an eye out for staples that consistently go on sale during specific seasons, such as grilling supplies in the summer or baking essentials in the winter, as well as limited-time favorites like tins of European cookies.
Remember, it can be a mistake to assume that everything at Costco is a bargain — especially with seasonal or holiday items, which can sometimes be priced similarly or even higher than at other retailers. It's wise to compare prices, particularly for larger purchases. Costco does not offer price matching with other stores, so there will be instances where it's better to shop elsewhere. Additionally, don’t take for granted that every new bakery item is worth trying — there are many lackluster options that you can easily pass on.
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